Correctional Services

Careers in Corrections

Becoming a Correctional Officer

Admission Process

The admission process consists of three stages: qualifications; testing and evaluation; and a personal interview.

Stage One - Qualifications

To qualify for stage one, applicants must:

• be eligible to work in Canada;
• have an Ontario Grade 12 graduation diploma or formal equivalency; and
• have current Emergency First Aid and CPR Heartsaver certificates.

Stage Two - Testing and Evaluation

This portion of the admission process takes place at Information and Testing Centres held in various locations throughout Ontario several times a year.

Individuals attending these sessions receive in-depth information about the realities of the day-to-day life of a correctional officer. Following a video presentation and a question and answer period, candidates begin the formal testing and evaluation procedure.

Testing and evaluation consists of:

• the Correctional Officer Counting Test;
• the Canadian Achievement Survey Test for language expression, language mechanics and comprehension;
• a video-based judgment test;
• a video and written observation skills test; and
• a personality inventory.

Stage Three - Personal Interview

This stage consists of a personal interview based on the core competencies required of a correctional officer. After the interview, each applicant is required to undergo:

• physical abilities testing;
• medical examination
• security and employment reference checks; and
• character reference checks.

For more information on how to become a correctional officer, please contact:

Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services
Central Recruitment Unit
25 Grosvenor Street, 10th Floor
Toronto, ON, M7A 1Y6

Telephone: (416) 327-9896
Toll Free: 1-888-412-8111