Texas Department of Criminal Justice
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has over 100 prison units throughout the State and employs approximately 25,000 Correctional Officers. If you want a good paying job with benefits, stability, promotion opportunities and the chance to perform challenging and important work, a Correctional Officer position may be for you. With so many units around the State, you will have a good chance of working in the area of your choice.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready for a challenge, willing to learn, and prepared to work as a team member in a structured environment, we encourage you to consider employment as a TDCJ Correctional Officer.
You must be a citizen of the U.S., or an alien authorized to work in the U.S.
You must be at least 18 years old.
You must possess a High School Diploma from an accredited senior high school or equivalent, or a state or military-issued General Education Development (GED) certificate. View information about foreign education credentials.
You must not be on active duty in the military, unless on terminal leave.
(Applicants may screen if they are within 6 months of eligibility.)
You must not have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions.
You must never have been convicted of a felony. Additional information.
You must never have been convicted of a drug-related offense. Additional information.
You must never have been convicted of an offense involving domestic violence. Additional information.
You cannot have had a Class A misdemeanor conviction within the past 10 years. Additional information.
You cannot have had a Class B misdemeanor conviction within the past 5 years. Additional information.
You cannot be on probation for any criminal offense.
You cannot have any criminal charges pending or have an outstanding warrant.
You must be able to perform the essential functions of a Correctional Officer, with or without reasonable accommodation. For a complete job description, click CO-I, CO-II, CO-III, CO-IV and CO-V.
You must pass the TDCJ Pre-Employment Test. Answer sample test questions.
Important Testing InformationYou will have two attempts to pass the pre-employment test within a one-year period. If you are unsuccessful on the second attempt, you will be eligible to reapply after one year from the date of your original test. |
You must pass the TDCJ Drug Test.
You must pass the TDCJ Physical Agility Test.
Male applicants, age 18 through 25, must provide proof of Selective Service registration or exemption from Selective Service registration. If you are not registered, you may register by clicking the following link: https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx
For all TDCJ purposes, conviction of a criminal offense includes paid fine, time served, placed on probation (includes deferred adjudication), and court ordered restitution.
Vacation leave
Sick leave
Paid holidays
Retirement
Group life and health insurance
Dental programs
Free meals while on duty
Uniforms and equipment are furnished at no cost.
Laundry of uniforms is furnished at no cost.
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Page updated: 08/27/2012