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Correctional Officer (VIC)

State/Territory Specific Information

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 that includes a telephone interview, suitability testing and a half-day in-person assessment at an assessment centre, which includes a behavioural interview and a group exercise.

If your application is successful, you will join Corrections Victoria and undertake a 35-day training program covering Indigenous awareness, offender management, professional boundaries, prison programs, substance abuse/detection, human rights, case management and conflict management. After completing the initial training, you will begin work under the supervision of an experienced officer.

The Department of Justice, Corrections Victoria, is a Registered Training Organisation and all correctional officers are provided with an opportunity to complete a VET qualification in correctional practice. Contact Corrections Victoria for further information.

Additional Information:

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

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.

  1. Diploma of Justice *
  2. Advanced Diploma of Justice *
  3. Bachelor of Social Science - Criminal Justice
  4. Bachelor of Social Science - Youth Work

Employment Opportunities:

Correctional officers are employed by Corrections Victoria, which administers the public and private prison network in Victoria. Prisons are located in metropolitan and country areas. Competition for available positions is strong.

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.

For Further Information:

Corrections Victoria

(03) 8684 6600

Information for other states and territories: