TCOLE Telecommunicator 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the Incident Command System (ICS), a telecommunicator working in the EOC most directly supports which ICS position?
- Operations Section Chief
- Safety Officer
- Communications Unit Leader (Correct answer)
- Logistics Section Chief
Correct answer: Communications Unit Leader
The Communications Unit Leader manages all incident communications, and telecommunicators directly support this function.
Question 2: Which federal law mandates that 911 systems provide location information to PSAPs for wireless callers?
- The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA)
- The FCC E911 Order (Correct answer)
- The Homeland Security Act
- The National Emergency Number Act
Correct answer: The FCC E911 Order
The FCC E911 Order requires wireless carriers to provide Phase I and Phase II location data to PSAPs for wireless 911 calls.
Question 3: During a multi-casualty incident, a telecommunicator should prioritize dispatching units in what order?
- Fire, then EMS, then law enforcement
- Law enforcement, then fire, then EMS
- Based on the nature of the incident and local protocols (Correct answer)
- EMS first, always
Correct answer: Based on the nature of the incident and local protocols
Dispatch priority during MCI should follow the nature of the incident and established local or regional protocols rather than a fixed order.
Question 4: What does the acronym ANI stand for in 911 communications?
- Automatic Notification Interface
- Automatic Number Identification (Correct answer)
- Agency Network Integration
- Advanced Notification Index
Correct answer: Automatic Number Identification
ANI stands for Automatic Number Identification, which delivers the caller's phone number to the PSAP.
Question 5: A telecommunicator receives a call from someone threatening to harm themselves. After confirming the address, what is the next priority action?
- Immediately transfer the call to a mental health line
- Keep the caller on the line while dispatching appropriate units (Correct answer)
- Ask the caller to call back when calmer
- Notify a supervisor and wait for instructions before dispatching
Correct answer: Keep the caller on the line while dispatching appropriate units
Keeping the caller engaged on the line while simultaneously dispatching help improves the chance of a positive outcome.
Question 6: Under Texas Government Code, what is the maximum time a TCOLE-certified telecommunicator must complete their continuing education hours per licensing cycle?
- Every year
- Every two years (Correct answer)
- Every three years
- Every five years
Correct answer: Every two years
TCOLE requires telecommunicators to complete continuing education requirements on a two-year licensing cycle.
Question 7: Which radio transmission technique helps prevent two units from transmitting simultaneously on the same channel?
- Monitoring the channel before transmitting (Correct answer)
- Using priority interrupt codes
- Switching to a secondary frequency
- Increasing transmission power
Correct answer: Monitoring the channel before transmitting
Listening before transmitting ensures the channel is clear and prevents simultaneous transmissions that cause interference.
TCOLE Telecommunicator 3
In the Incident Command System (ICS), a telecommunicator working in the EOC most directly supports which ICS position?