How to Train to Become a Correctional Officer
- 1). Check out the basic requirements. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most states require correctional officers to have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent, such as the GED). Your state may also have an age restriction. Typically the minimum age restriction ranges from 18 to 21. Applicants with military experience are also highly desirable.
- 2). Request application materials from your state corrections department. This information is typically available at your state correction's website. Complete application materials and mail to the address included on the materials. Before sending the materials, double-check for incomplete or blank fields. Incomplete information may delay the processing of your application.
- 3). Complete a health screening. Correctional officer applicants are required to be in good physical health. You must pass a physical exam, eyesight exam and hearing screening. The physical form (which should be available in your application materials) should be taken to your doctor for a signature.
- 4). Pass a background check and drug test. Applicants with a criminal history will likely be disqualified from employment, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Application materials should include consent to run a background check. It should also contain information on completing a drug screening.
- 5). Attend training. If selected by your state's hiring board, you'll be invited to attend correctional training. During this training, prospective correctional officers will learn firearms operations, self-defense skills and your state's regulations and prison polices. Training will also include techniques for moving prisoners to and from cells and skills for handling hostile situations with inmates. Correctional officers who complete this training will start on-the-job training.