Voice recognition technology gives computers the ability to understand speech and to talk back. It is now here and has replaced many directory assistance operators and central office operators. Good communication, reading, spelling, and arithmetic skills are important. Thus, recommended high school courses are speech, office procedures, and math. The ability to speak a language other than English may be helpful.
Some companies require applicants take physical exams and aptitude tests.
Classroom training lasts about 3 weeks. In class, operators learn time zones and geography so they understand rates and know where major cities are located. On the job, new operators learn how to use the computers. PBX operators who handle routine calls have a shorter training period. These workers are usually trained in a few days by experienced workers.