If you want to become a correctional officer for your state or county, you must understand that the selection process is not going to be easy. In fact, there will be a lot of applicants vying for the same position.

Some will have prior law enforcement experience, while others will have either a college degrees or a military background. That’s why it’s so important that you do well on the entrance exam, as well as the oral board interview if you want to stand out.

In terms of importance, I would rank the panel interview at the very top of things that you must be extremely prepared for. That’s why I recommend looking over sample interview questions and best answers at this WEBSITE.

The hiring panel will place a lot of emphasis on how well you do on the scenario based questions  regarding troublesome inmates.  Make certain that you study up on inmate manipulation as there will be plenty of questions concerning this issue.

Here are some of the steps that you’ll have to successfully complete in order to be a correctional officer for either the federal government, state, or county.

1. You must not have any felony convictions.

2. You must pass a thorough background check.

3. You must pass a drug screen test.

4. You must pass the polygraph test. I recommend reading Pass Your Polygraph E-Book beforehand. In it, you’ll learn why 50% of first time test takers fail the polygraph test even if they are telling the truth.

I encourage you to read over a polygraph preparation e-book before sitting down for your polygraph test. You will learn common mistakes to avoid.

5. You must score well on your Oral Board Interview. I recommend reading through Correctional Officer Interview Secrets before sitting for your oral exam. You’ll get advice on how to WOW the panel even if you are the least qualified applicant. 

Below is a great video that explains the entire process on how to become a correctional officer – ENJOY!

RECAP: Here’s 2 very important resources that will help you sail through the corrections officer selection process.

1. Download  Correctional Officer Interview Secrets E-book.
2. Read  through Pass Your Polygraph.