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
High school diploma
Grade 12
The minimum for federal jobs and for provincial jobs outside Quebec, which asks for 2 years of post-secondary study.
- 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
Apply and screen
3 to 12 months
Written test, interview, security clearance, medical and psychological screening. Provincial processes are often faster than federal.
- 4
Training
2 to 21 weeks
Provincial: 2 to 9 weeks at a provincial corrections college, paid (9 weeks in Quebec). Federal: the CSC (Correctional Service Canada) Correctional Training Program, about 21 weeks in total: about 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
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.