Correctional Officer (WA)

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 assessment, which includes literacy and numeracy tests and a psychological interview. Applicants who progress to the interview stage must undergo a medical test and police clearance.

You may apply to work as a prison officer or as a group worker (who works with juvenile offenders). If successful, you will join the Department of Corrective Services and undertake training 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 department to discuss your circumstances.

Additional Information:

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

Applicants must have a current manual drivers licence and Senior First Aid Certificate at the time of training.

Once appointed, correctional officers are on probation for six months.

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.

There are no courses currently linked to this job for this state/territory. Please try another state/territory.

Employment Opportunities:

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.

Competition for available positions is very strong.