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Best dispatcher certifications
Dispatcher certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an dispatcher to employers. However, not all dispatcher certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a dispatcher are Commercial Driver License (CDL), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), and Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification (EMD).
Below is a list of the best dispatcher certifications. Obtaining an dispatcher certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for dispatchers
20 best dispatcher certifications
1. Commercial Driver License (CDL)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for establishing standards for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators, including the Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The minimum national CDL testing standards and licensing requirements established by FMCSA are administered by state driver licensing agencies when they issue a CDL. You are required to obtain and hold a CDL if you drive interstate, intrastate (within a state), or for foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that meets any of the classifications of a CDL. States develop their own tests which must meet the minimum federal standards, but which also may have standards unique to the state. To get a CDL, first you must get a commercial learner's permit. States can only issue learner's permits and CDLs to drivers after they pass knowledge exams and skills tests. You have to pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests for the class of license and type of endorsement required to operate the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive. And, you have to take the skills test in a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle you plan to operate. For a quick reference of CDL Classes, see the CDL License Matrix.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
2. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
3. Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification (EMD)
The Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) has been recognized as an essential component of effective EMS systems. Proper and timely training as well as a sound medical protocol are what help EMDs deliver quality care to the calling public with emergency medical needs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Emergency Medical Dispatcher
This course is based on the NHTSA National Standard Curriculum for EMD. Completion of the APCO Institute Emergency Medical Dispatcher course means that the student has met all of the requirements of the National Standard Curriculum - an important point for states that require compliance with the national curriculum.Topics covered provide the student with the knowledge and foundation to answer calls for emergency medical service and properly prioritize the response. The course also provides the student with the knowledge needed to convey proper pre-arrival instructions to the caller when needed.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)
ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
6. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
7. Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)
Aircraft Dispatcher is an entry level certification and is required for all Aircraft Dispatchers to demonstrate and pass a written and oral exam to receive their license. This certificate also introduces the applicant to an array of crucial components within the FAA and airport operations. Most applicants will attend an Aircraft Dispatchers five (5) week course and take multiple field trips to local area airline operational control centers. Upon completing the course, the student will be an expert in reading and interpreting Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR), Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) forecasts, and many important aviation weather maps, which are used in daily airline Flight Dispatch offices. Both Domestic and Global Navigation Systems are covered thoroughly, as well as the North Atlantic Track System (NATS). NOTAMs and Pilot Reports are also covered during the course.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
8. Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC)
The ETC program is designed and produced by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED). The course (40 hours minimum) is designed to train new employees unfamiliar with emergency communication centers, emergency telecommunication technology, interpersonal communication, legal issues, and job stress factors.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)
A Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) is a Certified Public Accountant recognized for his or her unique ability to provide business insight by leveraging knowledge of information relationships and supporting technologies.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
10. Computer Service Technician (CST)
The following can be expected to identify the major areas of training-study-knowledge and skills which the Computer Service Technician needs in order to perform the job of servicing the hardware and the systems software for personal computers: Computer Assembly-Disassembly; Motherboards; Buses; System Resources, Processor Characteristics; Memory Characteristics (Physical & Electronic); Secondary Storage Devices; Peripheral Devices; I/O Ports; Power Concepts and Power Supplies; Basic Networking Concepts; Portables; Digital Concepts; Troubleshooting/Preventive Maintenance; current Operating Systems; File Management; Safety Procedures/Handling; and Workplace Practices.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
11. Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) involves prehospital emergency patient care, including initial patient stabilization, treatment, and transport to hospitals in specially equipped ambulances or helicopters.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
12. Certified Technical Professional (CTP)
Certified Technical Professional (CTP) program is designed to serve graduates of both 2-Year and 4-Year Programs. The exam is broad-based, geared to technical programs without a management component that result in either an associate (AS, AAS) degree or a baccalaureate (BS, BA) degree.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
13. Certified Customer Service Representative (CCSR)
Applicable to financial services professionals who have completed the AIB Customer Service Representative Certificate and who function as customer service representatives.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
14. Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)
A technician with six or more years combined work and electronics training may be eligible for the ETA Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) certification. The Master certification was created to showcase those technicians who are able to demonstrate proficiency in the many fields of electronics. In addition to the Associate level certification, one must successfully obtain six other certifications, with no more than two originating from the same specialized category, in order to qualify.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
15. Public Safety Telecommunicator I
Training modules include:Introduction to Your New Career (roles and responsibilities of the position)Interpersonal CommunicationsTelephone Communications Techniques: Call ProcessingTelephony - Traditional TechnologyTelephony - Emerging TechnologyTelephony - TTY TelematicsComputer Aided Dispatch & Related TechnologiesRadio Communications TechniquesRadio TechnologyCall ClassificationNIMS Incident Command SystemLiability IssuesPreparing for Your New Career (stress management)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
16. Emergency Police Dispatcher Certification (EPD)
The newly developed PPDS™ brings the science of structured call processing to the world of law enforcement. Completion of this course provides students with confidence to begin using the protocol on-line in the busiest of communication centers.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
17. Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Participants learn the importance of AEDs, and how to use an AED properly.The professional rescuer courses are designed for people with job-related duties in emergency preparedness and response. This includes nurses, law enforcement and EMS personnel, fire fighters, business and industry response teams, lifeguards, flight attendants, and others who must take action in emergency situations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
18. Certified Customer Service Specialist (CSS)
The Customer Service Specialist (CSS) is a certification that validates one's work skills through employability concepts. Though developed to meet the role of an evolving service oriented electronics technician, CSS is relevant to every industry, employer and employee. Topics included are Safety, Ethics, Respect, Teamwork, Communication, Telephone and Email Techniques, Problem Solving, Interpersonal Relationships, and Sales and Marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
19. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) certification program is developed specifically for experienced information security managers and those who have information security management responsibilities. The CISM certification is for the individual who manages, designs, oversees and/or assesses an enterprise's information security (IS). The CISM certification promotes international practices and provides executive management with assurance that those earning the designation have the required experience and knowledge to provide effective security management and consulting services. Individuals earning the CISM certification become part of an elite peer network, attaining a one-of-a-kind credential. The CISM job practice also defines a global job description for the information security manager and a method to measure existing staff or compare prospective new hires.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
20. Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
The NREMT Advanced Emergency Medical Technician cognitive exam is a computer based test (CBT). The exam will cover the entire spectrum of EMS care including: Airway, Respiration & Ventilation; Cardiology & Resuscitation; Trauma; Medical & Obstetrics/Gynecology; and EMS Operations. Items related to patient care are focused on adult and geriatric patients (85%) and pediatric patients (15%). In order to pass the exam, you must meet a standard level of competency. The passing standard is defined by the ability to provide safe and effective entry level advanced emergency medical care.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a dispatcher?
The best dispatcher certification is Commercial Driver License (CDL). The Commercial Driver License (CDL) is awarded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this dispatcher certification:
- To become a certified Commercial Driver License (CDL), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 4 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for dispatchers?
The most in-demand dispatcher certification is Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification based on all active job postings. Having this dispatcher certification will give you access to more dispatcher jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a dispatcher career and salary?
The Commercial Driver License certification will help you to secure a driver position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A driver's average salary is $29,560 whereas dispatchers make an average salary of $35,328.
The most common combination of dispatcher certifications include: Commercial Driver License (CDL), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), and Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certification (EMD).
Online courses for dispatchers to earn certifications
1. CVS Health Call Center Customer Service
The demand for call center customer service representatives is huge, there are thousands of open job roles in the US alone. If you are someone that enjoys talking to people and solving problems and are ready for new experiences, then this program is right for you. Customer service in a call center is an exciting career where every day is a new day and a new adventure. If you're considering a career in retail customer service and you're someone who is passionate about providing exceptional...
2. Retail Customer Service
The Retail Customer Service course examines the day-to-day tasks that will be tackled in a retail customer service setting, including advanced skills such as returns and exchanges. You will apply guidelines for transactions such as sales, returns, exchanges, and data entry for customer information in real simulations. You will also observe the skills within a retail community location, evaluating the types of tasks observed and shared with a group of peers. You will complete sample transactions...
3. Airline Operations: Flight Planning and Flight Dispatch
Airline Operations: Master the essentials of aviation - aircraft operational control and dispatch...
4. Customer Service Foundation
An introductory course about understanding the foundations of Customer Service...
5. Start Improving Customer Service
Creating a Customer Service advantage in Your department or business through communication and Customer Management...
6. Getting Started with Call Center Training
Call Center Training is essential for both new hires and existing staff to sharpen their skills and feel motivated...
7. Customer Service & Support For Customer Service Executives
Learn Customer Service Skills & Provide Excellent Customer Support, Customer Experience & How To Manage Upset Customers...
8. Truck Dispatcher - Working with owner operators
Work and earn...
9. Customer Service: Keep 'em coming back!
How to give the best customer service in your industry and keep those customers raving about your business...
10. Customer Service Basics: Improve your Service now
The basic golden rules to kickstart your service...
11. Customer Service
How to Approach New Customers and Maintain Existing Ones...
12. Customer Service Mastery: Delight Every Customer
Master Customer Service using this practical customer care course...
13. [2023] Customer Service 2.0: Learn Digital Customer Service
Used by Chase®, Intel®, & more! Learn soft skills, social media customer service, diagnosing user problems, & more...
14. Brilliant Customer Service: How to Impress your Customers!
Enhance your customer support and truly differentiate yourself from your competition!...
15. Outstanding Customer Service - The Ultimate Guide!
Unlocking the Powerful Secrets of OUTSTANDING Customer Service - Transform Your Business!...
16. Fundamentals of Logistics, Supply Chain & Customer Service
Learn Logistics, Supply Chain and Customer Service. 3 Courses in 1...
17. Customer Service Fundamentals: Putting People First
Customer Care Listening Great Customer Service Concern for Others Company Culture Engaging People Responding...
18. The Customer: Build a Customer Service Strategy (BITE SIZE)
For you and your team to be successful in providing great customer service, start by putting your customer first...
19. SAP Customer Service (CS/SM) - Service Management module
Real World SAP CS and SD, Repair Orders, Service Orders, Service Contracts...
20. Customer Service English Essentials
Learn the English phrases, sentences, and tips you'll need to handle customer service situations over the phone...