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Quizzes > Society & Culture

NCIC test questions for 911 dispatch practice

Quick, free NCIC practice test with dispatcher scenarios. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Michael KraigUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of 911 dispatch headset, CAD map, NCIC database symbol on dark blue background

This quiz helps you practice NCIC test skills for 911 dispatch, including CAD checks, record entries, and hit confirmation under time pressure. Review related topics with ICS 200 practice questions, nims 100 answers, and a quick 10-7 police code quiz to sharpen radio and incident basics.

What does NCIC stand for?
National Crime Information Center
National Communications and Information Center
National Crime Investigation Commission
National Criminal Investigation Code
NCIC is an acronym for National Crime Information Center, the FBI's computerized index of criminal justice information. It contains records on stolen property, missing persons, and wanted individuals. Dispatchers query NCIC to confirm identity and warrant status.
Which of the following is a primary purpose of CAD in dispatch?
Recording radio traffic for audits
Automating dispatch workflows
Mapping crime hotspots
Issuing subpoenas
Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems automate dispatch workflows, from call entry to unit assignment and status updates. They improve response times, data accuracy, and resource tracking. CAD logs every action for accountability.
In NCIC, what color is used to indicate a record has been cleared?
Yellow
Blue
Red
Green
NCIC uses color codes to highlight record status: green means the record has been cleared. Red indicates an active hit or alert. Color coding helps dispatchers quickly interpret data.
Which number is used for a federally registered gun in NCIC?
Type 1
Type 3
Type 4
Type 2
In NCIC's property file, firearms are Type 2 entries. This distinguishes guns from other property like vehicles (Type 1). Accurate typing ensures proper records.
What is the primary phone number for emergency dispatch in the United States?
211
411
811
911
Dialing 911 connects callers to emergency dispatch centers for police, fire, and medical services. It's standardized nationwide. Dispatchers collect information and deploy units.
Which NCIC file contains missing person records?
CJ - Criminal Justice File
MP - Missing Person File
VE - Vehicle File
PR - Property File
The MP file in NCIC holds records of missing persons, aiding law enforcement in locating them. Dispatchers check MP when someone is reported missing. Accurate data entry is crucial.
In CAD, what does 'ETA' stand for?
Emergency Traffic Alert
Entry Tracking Audit
Estimated Time of Arrival
Electronic Transfer Authorization
ETA stands for Estimated Time of Arrival, indicating when responders are expected on scene. Dispatchers relay ETA to callers and units. It helps manage resources effectively.
Which punch code indicates an urgent priority in many CAD systems?
Priority 3
Priority 1
Priority 5
Priority 7
Priority 1 calls are life?threatening or severe, requiring immediate response. Lower numbers represent higher urgency. Dispatchers use this coding to allocate resources.
What type of NCIC record would you query for a stolen license plate?
LP - License Plate File
VE - Vehicle File
PR - Property File
KN - Boat File
The LP file stores stolen license plate records. Dispatchers query LP to check if a plate is reported stolen. This assists in traffic stops.
True or False: CAD logs all call-handling steps automatically.
False
True
CAD systems automatically log every action taken by dispatchers, from call entry to unit clear. This audit trail ensures accountability and accuracy. Logs can be reviewed for training and legal purposes.
Which NCIC file holds information on stolen boats?
KN - Boat File
VE - Vehicle File
PR - Property File
ST - Securities File
The KN file in NCIC contains records of stolen watercraft. Dispatchers reference KN when boating incidents occur. Accurate entries support maritime law enforcement.
What is the purpose of a CAD 'pending' status?
Incident closed
Awaiting more information
Call was canceled
Unit has arrived
A 'pending' status indicates the call is active but requires additional details before dispatch. It prevents premature closure. Dispatchers update status as info comes in.
Which NCIC file is used for stolen firearms?
WP - Warrant File
PR - Property File
MC - Missing Car File
PF - Firearms File
The PF file contains stolen firearm records in NCIC. Law enforcement checks PF during traffic stops. It supports crime prevention.
True or False: Dispatchers must verify warrant status via NCIC before detaining a suspect.
False
True
Dispatchers check NCIC for active warrants before units detain suspects. This ensures lawful detention and officer safety. Incorrect status can lead to legal issues.
Which NCIC file would you query for a Department of Motor Vehicles record?
DM - Driver's License File
DL - District License File
VE - Vehicle File
LP - License Plate File
NCIC's DM file stores driver's license records including restrictions and expiration. Dispatchers query DM for suspect identity verification. Accurate license data assists field units.
What is the NCIC record type for stolen securities?
ST - Securities File
MP - Missing Person File
PR - Property File
VE - Vehicle File
The ST file holds stolen securities like bonds or stocks. Dispatchers use ST to verify if financial instruments are reported stolen. This prevents fraud.
In a CAD system, what does 'check back' mean?
Close the incident
Update ETA
Recontact the caller for more info
Dispatch additional units
'Check back' instructs dispatchers or officers to recontact the caller or unit for updated information. It ensures ongoing incidents receive current details. This protocol improves incident management.
Which command in NCIC returns a list of all active warrants for a person?
VRQ - Vehicle Registration Query
PLQ - Property Query
NRQ - Name/Subject Query
ARQ - Arrest Query
The NRQ command searches by name to retrieve active warrants and other records. Dispatchers use NRQ to ensure complete background checks. Proper usage aids officer safety.
What is required for an NCIC hit confirmation?
Obtain supervisor signature
Verify unique identifiers match
Run DMV check
Take a photograph of suspect
A valid hit confirmation requires matching unique identifiers like DOB or SSN. This prevents false arrests. Dispatchers confirm via NCIC protocols.
Which NCIC file type includes stolen firearms and explosives?
ST - Securities File
VE - Vehicle File
PF - Firearms and Explosives File
PR - Property File
NCIC's PF file covers stolen firearms and explosives. It helps law enforcement agencies track dangerous weapons. Proper querying supports public safety.
In 911 dispatch, what is the recommended first question?
What is the weather?
What is your name?
Are there any weapons involved?
What is the location of the emergency?
The location determines which unit responds and ensures help arrives quickly. Dispatcher protocols prioritize address first. It prevents delays.
Which NCIC file would include stolen license decals?
VE - Vehicle File
LP - License Plate File
PR - Property File
KN - Boat File
The PR file covers stolen items including decals and small property. Dispatchers query PR for such records. Accurate categorization is essential.
True or False: A dispatcher can clear an NCIC record entry when found invalid.
False
True
Dispatchers or authorized personnel can clear records that were entered in error once confirmed invalid. Proper documentation is required. This maintains NCIC data integrity.
Which CAD status indicates the unit is transporting a patient?
Code 7
Code 3
Code 2
Code 4
In many EMS CAD systems, Code 7 means transporting a patient to a medical facility. Other codes denote different statuses. Marking status ensures situational awareness.
What action should be taken if NCIC system becomes unavailable?
Shut down dispatch
Discard all queries
Continue normal operation
Switch to backup query protocol
When NCIC is down, dispatchers use alternative protocols or logs to track queries. Agencies maintain backup procedures. This ensures continuity of operations.
Which NCIC file supports inquiries into stolen mobile phones, PDAs, and tablets?
PE - Electronic Serial Number File
VE - Vehicle File
ST - Securities File
PR - Property File
The PE file holds records of electronic devices by their serial numbers (ESN/IMEI). Law enforcement uses PE to identify stolen electronics. Accurate ESN entry is critical.
In 911 dispatch, what does 'pre-arrival instructions' refer to?
Guidance given to callers before responders arrive
Instructions for system maintenance
Directions sent to units en route
Training protocols for new dispatchers
Pre-arrival instructions are lifesaving steps dispatchers provide callers, such as CPR guidance. They continue until units arrive. This can improve survival rates.
Which NCIC field must be present for a valid missing person entry?
Occupational History
Blood Type
Last Known Location
Mother's Maiden Name
Missing person records must include the last known location to aid in searching efforts. This is critical for field units. Other fields are optional.
How often must NCIC entries be confirmed to remain active?
Every 30 days
Every 15 days
Annually
Every 60 days
NCIC policy requires periodic confirmation of active entries, typically every 30 days. This prevents stale records. Agencies must document confirmations.
Which command cancels an NCIC record?
CAC - Cancel by Assignment Cancel
QRY - Query Cancel
RAC - Record Archive Cancel
ESC - Entry Status Cancel
The CAC command is used to clear or cancel an NCIC entry by its unique NCIC number. Proper authorization is required. This ensures old records are removed correctly.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand NCIC Test Protocols -

    After completing the quiz, readers will grasp the core guidelines and requirements of the NCIC test, preparing them for the NCIC certification test.

  2. Apply 911 Dispatch Procedures -

    Participants will be able to implement standard 911 protocols effectively under pressure, reflecting their readiness for real-life emergency calls.

  3. Analyze CAD and NCIC System Interactions -

    Readers will learn to interpret how CAD interfaces with NCIC and FCIC databases through scenario-based questions in our CAD NCIC FCIC quiz.

  4. Differentiate Between NCIC and FCIC Systems -

    Users will distinguish the functionalities and data flow of NCIC versus FCIC to ensure accurate information retrieval during dispatch.

  5. Recall Critical Response Codes and Terminology -

    The quiz will reinforce essential codes and dispatch terms, boosting confidence when answering questions on the 911 practice test.

  6. Evaluate Real-World Dispatch Scenarios -

    Engagers will refine decision-making skills by tackling realistic scenarios, enhancing performance in any emergency dispatch quiz.

Cheat Sheet

  1. NCIC Database Structure -

    The NCIC database is organized into 21 specialized files (e.g., stolen property, missing persons) according to the FBI's NCIC Operating Manual. Understanding file codes like "PS" for property stolen and "MP" for missing persons helps streamline accurate searches. Use the mnemonic "BUST M PIES" (B - Boats, U - UNLOADED, S - Stolen Vehicles, T - Trespass equipment; M - Missing persons, P - Property, I - Itemized assets, E - Explosives, S - Securities) to recall major file groups.

  2. Querying Techniques & Hit Confirmation -

    Master the QBE (Query By Example) syntax to reduce false positives in your ncic test preparation, as outlined by the FBI's Technical Specification. Always verify any hit by cross-referencing driver's license or VIN details to ensure 100% identity match before dispatch. Try practicing with sample queries: QBE LastName="Smith" AND DOB="01/01/1980" to simulate real-world scenarios.

  3. 911 Call Processing Protocols -

    Follow NENA's standard protocol for primary interrogation questions: Location, Nature of incident, and Resources needed (LNR). A quick mnemonic "PENS" (Problem, Exact location, Number of victims, Special hazards) ensures no critical detail is overlooked. Consistency with the 911 practice test guidelines builds speed and accuracy under pressure.

  4. CAD-NCIC-FCIC Workflow Integration -

    Learn how Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems automatically flag relevant NCIC/FCIC records when a 911 call is logged, as described in APCO's CAD User Best Practices. Visualize the workflow: call entry → CAD event creation → auto NCIC query → hit notification to dispatcher. Running mock emergency dispatch quizzes with simulated CAD screens helps solidify this sequence.

  5. FCIC vs. NCIC Jurisdictional Rules -

    While NCIC is nationwide, FCIC (Florida Crime Information Center) manages state-specific records - knowing when to query each is critical for successful ncic certification test performance. Remember that NCIC queries are instant across state lines, but FCIC entries may require a secondary state-level confirmation step. Practice toggling between systems in your emergency dispatch quiz to reinforce these procedural differences.

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