Correctional Officer (NSW)

Correctional Officer (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

You can become a correctional officer without formal qualifications, but employers usually require at least Year 10. You will need to complete an initial assessment, which includes literacy and numeracy tests and a psychological questionnaire. Applicants who progress to the interview stage must undergo a medical test and police clearance.

If your application is successful, you will join the ACT Corrective Services or Corrective Services NSW and undertake an 11-week training course at the Corrective Services Academy covering correctional rules and procedures, law, weapons handling, social issues and human relations. You will then begin working as a trainee correctional officer under the supervision of an experienced officer. Contact the relevant organisation to discuss your circumstances.

Additional Information:

You must pass a National Police Check to become a correctional officer.

Once appointed, correctional officers are on probation for one year.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Although the number of applicants generally exceeds the number of training positions available, there is a need for more women, Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islanders and people with special knowledge of particular ethnic, social and cultural groups.

Correctional officers commence at base-grade officer level. Once trainee correctional officers achieve full correctional officer status, further opportunities for advancement exist as operational supervisors, case management coordinators, custodial specialists and unit managers.