Education · 1 of 4

The path

Meet the minimums, pass the screening, get hired, then train for a few weeks to a few months.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   The minimum for both provincial and federal jobs.

2. 2

   Meet the requirements

   Before applying

   18 or older (19 in some provinces), Canadian citizen or permanent resident, driver's licence, clean record, first aid and CPR, and a medical that checks you are physically able to do the job. Some provinces run a timed fitness test.

3. 3

   Apply and screen

   3 to 12 months

   Written test, interview, security clearance, medical and psychological screening. Provincial processes are often faster than federal.

4. 4

   Training

   2 to 18 weeks

   Provincial: 2 to 8 weeks at a provincial corrections college, paid. Federal: the CSC (Correctional Service Canada) Correctional Training Program, about 18 weeks in total: roughly 7 weeks online from home, then 14 weeks in class at a regional training centre on a $400 a week allowance with meals and lodging.

5. 5

   Probation

   6 to 12 months

   Working a unit alongside experienced officers. Most people find out in the first year whether they can do this job.