Correctional officer or bailiff: diploma, training academy, facility training
Correctional officers and bailiffs typically need a high school diploma and go through a training academy. Federal prisons ask for a bachelor's degree or years of related experience.
For: Steady, disciplined people who stay calm under pressure and can work nights, weekends and holidays.
Route 1: State or local: diploma → academy → facility Typical
Many agencies set a minimum age for correctional officers, usually between 18 and 21.
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Start here
High school diploma or equivalent
GED or HiSETBLS
Correctional Officers and Bailiffs — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Academy
Training academy
Self-defense, institutional policies, regulations, operations and security procedures. Training varies by state.
BLS
Correctional Officers and Bailiffs — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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License
State certification, in some states
Check with your state's public safety or corrections agency.
BLS
Correctional Officers and Bailiffs — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Correctional officer
Officers may shadow experienced officers at first, then advance to sergeant, lieutenant or captain, or join units such as hostage negotiation.
BLS
Correctional Officers and Bailiffs — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Federal Bureau of Prisons: degree or experience → USAJOBS Federal
The Federal Bureau of Prisons requires entry-level correctional officers to have a bachelor's degree or several years of experience in counseling, assistance or supervision. Federal agencies may set a maximum entry age.
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Start here
Bachelor's degree, or several years of related experience
BLS
Correctional Officers and Bailiffs — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Apply
Find the role on careers.bop.gov, apply through USAJOBS
Upload your resume (2 pages at most), transcripts and any veterans' preference papers.
BOP
Application and Hiring ProcessFederal Bureau of Prisons- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
Interview, background check, medical check
BOP verifies U.S. citizenship and the age requirement; law enforcement positions also need a physical exam and drug test.
BOP
Application and Hiring ProcessFederal Bureau of Prisons- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Federal correctional officer
BOP
Application and Hiring ProcessFederal Bureau of Prisons- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
State rules
Qualifications vary by state and agency. Some states require correctional officers to complete state certification: check with your state's public safety or corrections agency. BLS
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Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.