Education · 1 of 4

The path

A degree is required. Then the province trains you.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Social sciences, English, and volunteer hours with a youth or community group.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Social work, psychology, sociology or criminology. Ontario accepts any degree if you also have more than five years of relevant experience.

3. 3

   Get experience

   1 to 3 years, often during the degree

   Youth work, shelters, addiction services, corrections, victim services. Ontario suggests volunteering at a local probation office.

4. 4

   Apply and get hired

   Months

   Provincial ministries post openings; federal parole officer jobs come through Correctional Service Canada. Interviews, references, security screening.

5. 5

   Basic training

   Weeks, then ongoing

   Ontario runs a comprehensive basic training program on assessment and intervention, then ongoing courses.