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100+ Free IAED ETC Practice Questions

Pass your IAED Emergency Telecommunicator Course (ETC) Certification exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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When a caller wants to surrender on an active warrant, the telecommunicator should:

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B
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Key Facts: IAED ETC Exam

40 hrs

Course Length

IAED Courses and Training

80%

Passing Score

IAED Certification Exam

$55

Certification Fee

IAED Certification Page

2 yrs

Certification Validity

IAED Recertification

15 sec

NFPA 1225 Answer Time

NFPA 1225 Standard

11

Subject Areas

IAED ETC Curriculum

The IAED ETC is a 40-hour foundational certification for new 911 hires built and tested by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. The exam is multiple choice, requires an 80% passing score, costs $55, and certifies the telecommunicator for 2 years. Recertification requires Continuing Dispatch Education (CDE) hours within the 2-year cycle. Content spans PSAP technology, ANI/ALI Phase II location, NG911 (i3/ESInet/ECRF/LIS), customer service, hysterical-caller management, TTY/TDD/RTT, NCIC fundamentals, CJIS Security Policy, NIMS plain language, OSHA ergonomics, CISM peer support, ICS-100, WEA/IPAWS, AMBER/Silver/Blue Alerts, and high-risk calls including suicide, DV, child abuse, and active shooter.

Sample IAED ETC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your IAED ETC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A caller reports a residential fire but is too panicked to give a coherent address. What is the IAED-recommended technique for managing this caller?
A.Repetitive Persistence — calmly ask the same questions in the same tone until the caller answers
B.Threaten to disconnect the call if the caller does not focus
C.Transfer the call to a supervisor before gathering any information
D.Hang up and call the caller back on a different line
Explanation: Repetitive Persistence is the IAED-approved technique for hysterical or panicked callers. The telecommunicator repeats the same question in the same calm, controlled tone until the caller is able to focus and respond.
2What does ANI/ALI provide to the 911 telecommunicator on a wireline call?
A.Automatic Number Identification and Automatic Location Identification
B.Active Notification Index and Available Location Inventory
C.Automated Network Interface and Authorized Location Inquiry
D.Address Number Identifier and Address List Indicator
Explanation: ANI delivers the caller's billed telephone number and ALI delivers the registered service address from the MSAG database to the PSAP. Together they let the call-taker confirm location even if the caller becomes incapacitated.
3Per NFPA 1225 (2022), what percentage of 911 calls must a PSAP answer within 15 seconds?
A.95%
B.75%
C.85%
D.100%
Explanation: NFPA 1225 (formerly NFPA 1221) requires that 95% of 911 calls be answered within 15 seconds and 99% within 40 seconds, measured on a monthly basis.
4What is the primary purpose of RapidSOS in a modern PSAP?
A.Deliver additional caller location and supplemental data (medical IDs, vehicle telematics) directly into CAD
B.Replace the ANI/ALI feed from the local exchange carrier
C.Provide a backup landline if the primary 911 trunk fails
D.Encrypt outbound radio transmissions between dispatch and field units
Explanation: RapidSOS is a supplemental data clearinghouse that delivers enhanced device-based location and contextual data (such as Apple Emergency SOS, vehicle telematics, and medical IDs) to the PSAP through the CAD interface.
5Under the ADA, how must a PSAP handle a call placed via TTY/TDD?
A.Answer it with equivalent priority and access as any voice 911 call
B.Transfer the caller to a state relay service
C.Request the caller hang up and call back from a voice line
D.Process it only if a certified TTY interpreter is on duty
Explanation: Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires every PSAP to provide direct, equal access to deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired callers using TTY/TDD — without going through a relay service first.
6Which NG911 component is responsible for routing the call from the originating service provider into the correct PSAP?
A.ECRF — Emergency Call Routing Function
B.ESInet — Emergency Services IP Network
C.LIS — Location Information Server
D.MSAG — Master Street Address Guide
Explanation: The Emergency Call Routing Function (ECRF) takes the caller's location and the call type and returns the correct PSAP URI for routing in the NENA i3 NG911 architecture.
7An LEP (Limited English Proficient) caller reaches 911. What is the correct first action for the telecommunicator?
A.Conference in the contracted language line interpreter while keeping the caller on the line
B.Ask the caller to find a bilingual neighbor and call back
C.Disconnect and dispatch units to the registered address only
D.Use Google Translate on a personal phone
Explanation: PSAPs maintain contracts with telephonic language line services (e.g., Language Line Solutions) so that an interpreter can be conferenced into a live 911 call within seconds, preserving call continuity.
8Which best describes the IAED Code of Ethics enforcement authority?
A.IAED can withhold or revoke certifications of telecommunicators who fail to uphold the Code
B.Only the local PSAP director enforces the Code; IAED has no enforcement role
C.The FCC adjudicates Code of Ethics violations for all PSAPs
D.Enforcement is voluntary and self-reported with no consequences
Explanation: The IAED enforces its Code of Ethics by withholding or revoking certifications of members who fail to agree to or uphold the standards. This is one of the most heavily tested ETC concepts.
9When verifying address information that a caller has just provided, the IAED-recommended technique is to:
A.Ask the caller to repeat the address
B.Read the address back to the caller for confirmation
C.Trust the ALI display and not verify with the caller
D.Skip verification when ANI/ALI is present
Explanation: IAED instructs telecommunicators to verify location by asking the caller to repeat the information, which catches mishearings, transcription errors, and ANI/ALI mismatches caused by call forwarding or cell-tower routing.
10Which federal statute primarily governs the protection of patient health information that a telecommunicator overhears during a medical 911 call?
A.HIPAA — Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
B.FERPA — Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
C.FOIA — Freedom of Information Act
D.GLBA — Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
Explanation: HIPAA protects protected health information (PHI) communicated during 911 calls. While PSAPs are not always covered entities themselves, they must safeguard PHI shared with EMS, hospitals, and other covered partners.

About the IAED ETC Exam

The IAED Emergency Telecommunicator Course (ETC) is a 40-hour foundational program for new 911 telecommunicators covering customer service, telephone and radio systems, 911 routing, NCIC fundamentals, legal and ethical responsibilities, stress and wellness, and an introduction to medical, fire, and police call types. Candidates earn the ETC certification by completing the course and passing the IAED certification exam with at least 80%.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

60-90 minutes (untimed within IAED window)

Passing Score

80% on the IAED certification exam

Exam Fee

$55 IAED certification fee (International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED))

IAED ETC Exam Content Outline

Foundational

Role of the Emergency Telecommunicator

Mission, professionalism, IAED Code of Ethics, scope of practice, and recorded-line accountability for the 911 call-taker.

Heavily tested

Telephone Systems and 911 Routing

PSAP architecture, ANI/ALI Phase II, RapidSOS supplemental data, NG911 ESInet/i3/ECRF/LIS, MSAG, ESN, and misroute handling.

Heavily tested

Customer Service and Caller Management

Active listening, empathy, persistent questioning, calming hysterical callers, language line for LEP callers, TTY/TDD, and RTT.

Core

Radio Operations and Communication

Clarity, brevity, FCC rules, plain language over 10-codes, NIMS-compliant interoperability, and frequency discipline.

Core

Documentation, CAD, and NCIC

Incident creation, dispatch tracking in CAD, NCIC queries for warrants/missing persons/stolen vehicles, and CJIS Security Policy.

Core

Legal, Ethics, and Confidentiality

HIPAA, FERPA, ADA TTY accommodation, recorded-line monitoring laws, social media policy, and Code of Ethics enforcement.

Core

Stress, Wellness, and CISM

Acute and cumulative stress, PTSD risk in dispatch, CISM peer support, and OSHA ergonomic and voice-strain controls.

Core

High-Risk Calls and Disaster Operations

Suicide, DV, child abuse, active shooter, mass casualty, ICS-100, mutual aid, WEA, IPAWS, AMBER/Silver/Blue Alerts, and Code Adam.

How to Pass the IAED ETC Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 80% on the IAED certification exam
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 60-90 minutes (untimed within IAED window)
  • Exam fee: $55 IAED certification fee

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

IAED ETC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the IAED Code of Ethics word-for-word — the exam tests its specific clauses and the IAED's enforcement authority to revoke certifications.
2Drill ANI/ALI Phase II location, MSAG/ESN routing, and the NG911 i3 stack (ESInet, ECRF, LIS) until you can label each component without prompts.
3Practice the persistent-questioning loop for hysterical callers: repetitive persistence (same questions, same calm tone) is the IAED-approved technique, not yelling or threats to hang up.
4Memorize NFPA 1225 call-answering benchmarks (95% of calls answered within 15 seconds, 99% within 40 seconds) and processing-time expectations.
5Use plain language on the radio per NIMS — 10-codes are agency-specific and prohibited during multi-agency mutual-aid responses.
6Build a one-page CJIS / NCIC reference: warrant types, missing person categories (juvenile, endangered, disabled, catastrophe, involuntary), stolen vehicle/article files, and CJIS Security Policy rules on dissemination.
7Review CISM, peer support, and OSHA ergonomic controls before exam day — the ETC consistently tests wellness and stress topics that newer telecommunicators underestimate.
8Sit timed 100-question mixed-domain sets at least twice in the final week; the ETC exam mixes call-taking, technology, legal, and high-risk content without category breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IAED Emergency Telecommunicator Course (ETC)?

ETC is a 40-hour foundational certification program from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) for new 911 telecommunicators. It covers customer service, telephone and radio systems, 911 routing technology, NCIC fundamentals, legal and ethical responsibilities, stress and wellness, and an introduction to medical, fire, and police call types.

How long is the ETC course and what is the passing score?

The ETC course is 40 hours of instruction delivered by an IAED-approved instructor or training partner. The IAED certification exam is multiple choice and requires a score of at least 80% to pass.

How much does the IAED ETC certification cost?

The IAED certification fee is $55. Course tuition is separate and varies by training partner; many PSAPs and community colleges deliver the course at no cost to new hires.

How long is the ETC certification valid?

The IAED ETC certification is valid for 2 years from the initial certification date. Telecommunicators must recertify before expiration to maintain active status.

What is required to recertify the ETC?

Recertification requires Continuing Dispatch Education (CDE) hours completed within the 2-year cycle, payment of the recertification fee, and submission of the renewal application through the IAED member portal.

Is the IAED ETC the same as the APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator course?

No. Both are entry-level telecommunicator certifications, but they are separate programs from different bodies (IAED vs APCO). Many PSAPs accept either, and some require one specifically as a condition of employment.

Does ETC certify me to give pre-arrival instructions on medical calls?

No. ETC is foundational and introduces medical, fire, and police priorities at a conceptual level only. To deliver Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) pre-arrival instructions you must complete and pass IAED's Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) course.

Do I need ETC if I am already EMD or EFD certified?

Most PSAPs do not require ETC if you already hold an active IAED discipline certification, because EMD, EFD, and EPD all incorporate foundational telecommunicator content. Check your agency's training plan and state 911 board rules for confirmation.

What is NG911 and why does it appear on the ETC exam?

Next Generation 911 (NG911) is the IP-based replacement for legacy E911 trunks, defined by the NENA i3 standard. The ETC exam expects familiarity with NG911 components such as ESInet, ECRF (Emergency Call Routing Function), and LIS (Location Information Server), plus text-to-911 and multimedia handling.