Meet the minimal age requirement, which will generally from 18 to 21 years old. Only corrections officers younger than 37 at the time of job appointment can obtain a federal position. In addition, corrections officer jobs require a high school diploma or GED.
Enter a corrections officer program. The program you enter may depend on where you wish to work. To work at a detention center, you may enter a certificate program. Many community colleges offer corrections officer programs. Most individuals complete a certificate program within a two-year time frame. If you desire to work at a prison, you may pursue a bachelor's degree instead. Many prisons require this advanced level of education.
Gain some work experience. To work as a certified corrections officer, gain some experience from positions that require you to supervise and assist individuals. Often, a history in law enforcement will meet this requirement. Some individuals begin their careers in corrections after working as a police officer. Additionally, possessing a satisfactory amount of military experience may equal work related work experience in this field.
Apply for certification. Visit the American Correctional Association (ACA) website, where you can download a certification application form. Read the application in its entirety for a complete understanding of the requirements, and choose a testing date. (You can find an examination schedule listing all official testing dates and locations on the ACA website.) Next, complete the application and include the examination fee.
Order study materials through the ACA website.
Take the certification examination. You will have chosen the testing date and location on your certification application. Arrive on time and with a government-issued proof of identification containing a photo. Once you pass the examination, you will become a certified corrections officer (CCO) and can legally apply the CCO entitlement to your name.