What are the National Test Network Assessments?
The National Testing Network (NTN) is a test publisher that works with public safety and transit departments across America to assess prospective candidates for various roles in the sector.
The assessments normally take around 90 minutes to just over two hours to complete, depending on which combination of tests you're taking and which role you're applying for.
Just like any other aptitude test, you'll be timed and your score will be compared with other prospective candidates.
The tests may be set as part of the recruitment process for roles such as corrections officer, law enforcement officer, or emergency communications worker.
The Structure of National Test Network Assessments
Each of the different NTN assessments is structured slightly differently.
Emergency Communications ECOMM
CallTaker video test — as you watch the emergency call videos you'll need to take notes on the key pieces of information. Each video will end at a critical point, and require you to share which course of action you'd take next.
Recording pertinent information test — using the notes you took in the first section of the test, you'll need to select 'true' or 'false', or 'insufficient information' in response to different statements on the emergency calls.
Dispatcher test — this section is specifically designed to look at how you prioritize and juggle. The simulation requires you to dispatch emergency services based on a variety of different factors, including the severity of the situation.
Transit Operator START
Human relations test — similar to a situational judgment test, this exam assesses how well you interact with customers, and your ability to think critically. You'll watch a series of videos and choose an appropriate response for each one.
Reading test — this involves reading through documents and selecting the best word to fill in the blanks.
Law Enforcement Frontline National
Human relations test — you'll be asked to watch a few videos of different scenarios and challenges. You'll then have 10 seconds to select the best multiple-choice response from the list.
Report writing test — this section starts with a video that you'll need to take notes on. You'll then have 10 minutes to write up a report on what you've watched. You'll then answer multiple-choice questions on what you viewed.
Reading test — the reading test involves reading through law enforcement documents and filling in the blanks with the best option from a given list.
Firefighter FireTEAM
Human relations test — the videos you'll watch are all about common workplace challenges for firefighters. You'll be asked to assess the actions of different individuals, and share your feedback by selecting the most appropriate multiple-choice response.
Mechanical reasoning test — this test looks specifically at your mechanical understanding. You'll be examined on anything and everything from water pressure, to how to overcome a particular problem.
Reading test — you'll need to fill in the blanks with the best word choice from a list of possible options.
Math test — mathematical skills are important in this role, and this test will assess your competency across basic mathematical principles including addition, subtraction, ratios, and more.
Juvenile Corrections IMPACT
Human relations test — using real juvenile correctional facility scenarios, this video-based test requires you to respond to different challenges by selecting the most appropriate multiple-choice answer.
Reading test — you'll read through documents similar to those you'd see in the day job and fill in the blanks with the answer you deem correct.
Corrections REACT
Human relations test — similar to a situational judgment test, you'll be asked to watch a series of different videos and answer multiple choice questions on challenges relating to inmate supervision and teamwork.
Reading test — you'll need to fill in the blanks with the word you think most appropriate from the given list.
Count test — this test looks at how well you can observe what's going on around you. You'll need to watch inmates moving around you and accurately tally them up.
Incident observation and report writing test — this part of the test involves watching videos and then writing up incident reports on what you've witnessed. Examiners will be looking for well-written, well-structured reports with the right level of content and detail.
EMT MedicTEAM
Human relations test — using scenarios very similar to what you'd expect in the real world, you'll be shown videos and then asked to pick the response you deem most appropriate from a selection.
Written knowledge test — this multiple choice test looks specifically at your understanding of life support and how it works.
Tips To Pass National Test Network Assessments
Tip 1 — Familiarize yourself with the role in question
The best starting point is acquainting yourself with the role you're applying for. This will help you understand what you need to know, and whether you're going down the career route that best suits your skills and experiences.
Tip 2 — Set up a good work environment
Before you start taking mock tests, set up somewhere to work. It should be quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions.
Then, before starting each practice test, ensure you have everything you need including a glass of water, a pen, and paper.
Tip 3 — Practice
The single best way you can prepare is to practice mock NTN assessments.
In doing so, you'll gradually become familiar with the question style, the knowledge you need to acquire, and the speed at which you need to answer each question.
Tip 4 — Review your answers
The fastest way to improve your NTN assessment score is to review your answers at the end of each test and analyze where your strengths and weaknesses lie. You can then work on any areas you may be struggling with.
Tip 5 — Ensure you're ready for the test
The night before the test, make sure you set out everything you need so you feel prepared.
Try and get a good night's sleep, and don't spend the evening worrying too much or doing last-minute cramming.
