Correctional Officer

Updated January 10, 2026 Table of Contents

Protect and serve within correctional institutions.
Correctional officers maintain order and safety inside jails, prisons, and detention facilities. This 2025 guide explains how to become a correctional officer, including education, academy training, and job advancement.

What Does a Correctional Officer Do?

Correctional officers supervise individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences. They enforce facility rules, maintain discipline, and ensure the safety of staff and inmates.

Typical responsibilities include:

Monitoring inmate activities and enforcing rules
Conducting security inspections and cell searches
Escorting inmates between facilities or to court hearings
Responding to emergencies and maintaining order during disturbances
Writing incident and behavior reports
Supervising rehabilitation or educational activities

Correctional officers may work in local jails, state or federal prisons, or private detention centers.

What Training Programs Cover

Training focuses on communication, safety, and crisis management skills. Programs combine classroom instruction with academy-based physical and tactical training.

Common topics include:

Criminal Justice Fundamentals: Law, procedure, and inmate rights
Crisis Management: Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques
Security Operations: Surveillance, searches, and contraband control
Self-Defense & Restraint: Physical training and defensive tactics
Emergency Response: Fire, riot, and evacuation procedures
Ethics & Professional Conduct: Maintaining fairness and integrity in corrections

Most correctional officers complete a state or federal training academy before employment.

Education & Program Options

While some entry-level positions accept a high school diploma, many agencies prefer or require college coursework or degrees in criminal justice or law enforcement.

Typical training routes:

Certificate or Diploma Programs: Fast-track training for entry-level roles
Associate Degree in Criminal Justice: 2-year degree for career advancement
Bachelor’s Degree: Preferred for federal positions and supervisory roles
Correctional Officer Academy: Required by most state and federal agencies

Applicants must pass background checks, fitness assessments, and psychological evaluations.

Skills for the Role

Correctional officers rely on discipline, communication, and quick decision-making to maintain safety.

Top skills include:

Calm judgment under pressure
Verbal and nonverbal communication
Physical fitness and stamina
Conflict resolution and teamwork
Integrity and adherence to procedures

These abilities help officers maintain security and support positive inmate rehabilitation.

Certification & Requirements

Each state and agency has unique hiring and certification requirements. Most correctional officers must complete a state-approved academy and pass written and physical exams.

Common requirements:

U.S. citizenship and at least 18–21 years of age
High school diploma or equivalent (some require college credits)
Clean criminal background and psychological screening
Successful completion of a correctional officer training academy
Firearms or defensive tactics certification (where applicable)

Federal positions through the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) typically require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

How to Become a Correctional Officer

Earn a high school diploma or GED
Complete college coursework in criminal justice (optional but recommended)
Apply to local, state, or federal correctional agencies
Attend and complete correctional officer academy training
Pass physical fitness and background screenings
Begin your career in state, federal, or private correctional facilities

With experience, officers can advance to sergeant, lieutenant, or warden positions.

While growth may vary by state, correctional officers continue to play a vital role in public safety and rehabilitation. Opportunities remain steady, especially for qualified candidates with formal education and academy experience.

Professional Associations & Resources

American Correctional Association (ACA): Training, certification, and policy resources
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP): Federal career opportunities and hiring process
National Institute of Corrections (NIC): Leadership training and development
American Jail Association (AJA): Networking and professional education

Career Paths

Correctional officers can specialize or advance into:

Sergeant, Lieutenant, or Captain (supervisory positions)
Correctional Counselor or Case Manager
Probation or Parole Officer
Training or Academy Instructor
Warden or Facility Administrator

Additional education in criminal justice or public administration can lead to management or investigative careers.

Compare programs near you.
Eligibility requirements, tuition, schedules, and licensing rules vary by state and employer. Confirm details directly with schools and agencies.

What Correctional Officer Work Often Involves

Correctional Officer roles can vary by employer and location, but most positions share a core mix of hands-on tasks, safety or quality checks, and routine documentation. In this guide we focus on the typical responsibilities so you can compare programs and decide whether the day-to-day work fits your goals.

Common activities may include:

Following written procedures or protocols and documenting outcomes
Using standard tools, software, or equipment safely
Communicating with supervisors, clients, or team members
Keeping workspaces organized and meeting quality standards

Training Paths and Education Options

Programs commonly emphasize:

Core technical skills and terminology
Safety, compliance, or industry standards
Practical labs, simulations, or supervised work
Job-readiness topics like professionalism and communication

Skills That Translate Across Employers

Employers often look for a mix of technical ability and reliable work habits. Even when specific tools differ, the following skills tend to be important:

Attention to detail and accuracy
Problem solving and basic troubleshooting
Time management and task prioritization
Clear communication and teamwork

Work Settings and Daily Routine

Correctional Officer professionals may work in a variety of settings. Some roles are primarily desk-based while others are hands-on or field-based. Schedules can be steady or shift-based depending on the industry. If you have preferences about hours, physical demands, or environment, use them as filters when comparing programs and employers.

Licensing, Certification, and Compliance

Some Correctional Officer roles require state licensing or industry certifications, while others do not. Requirements can differ by state and even by employer, so it is important to verify the rules where you plan to work. If a credential is required, confirm whether the program prepares you for the related exam or supervised hours.

How to Compare Programs

When choosing a school or training provider, focus on outcomes that matter for your path rather than marketing claims. Useful factors to compare include:

Program length and scheduling options
Real-world practice hours and lab access
Career services, externships, or apprenticeship connections
Total cost, fees, and what is included
Credential or certificate earned at completion

Questions to Ask Before You Enroll

Does the program cover the skills employers in my area expect?
What portion of the training is hands-on?
Are tools, uniforms, or exam fees included in tuition?
What are typical class sizes and instructor experience?
Are there local employer partnerships or placement support?

Next Steps for Aspiring Correctional Officer Professionals

Start by confirming the requirements for your state or target employers, then compare programs that align with those expectations. If you are balancing work or family responsibilities, ask about evening or hybrid options. Use the school listings on this page to explore programs and request details directly from providers.

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