Texas Department of Criminal Justice
I want to apply for a Correctional Officer or a Parole Officer position. What job posting number do I put on my application?
Leave this blank. You do not need to enter a job posting number if you are applying for a Correctional Officer or Parole Officer position.
Where should I mail my application to become a Correctional Officer?
Do not mail your application. You will need to bring your completed application and all required documents and copies to your scheduled Correctional Officer screening appointment.
What is Correctional Officer Screening?
Correctional Officer screening consists of a pre-employment test, fingerprinting and interview. The pre-employment test is a 100-question, general knowledge test that consists of five parts: Memory and Observation, Situational Reasoning, Reading Comprehension/Deductive Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Arithmetic. We do not have study material, but the local library may be of assistance.
I am unable to report for my scheduled screening appointment. Can I reschedule?
Yes. Return to the Correctional Officer Screening Calendar to Request CO Screening at a more convenient date.
I am a TCLEOSE certified peace officer. Will I be required to take the test?
Yes, the only applicants that are not required to take the pre-employment test are former TDCJ employees who separated from agency employment and who were Correctional Officers or Correctional Officer supervisors within the past three years.
I lost my Social Security card. Can I still be screened for a Correctional Officer position?
No, before you can be screened for a Correctional Officer position you must provide documents to prove that you are eligible to work in the United States. A government-issued Birth Certificate may be used in place of a Social Security card, but it must be the original or a certified copy (a hospital certificate is not acceptable). A U.S. Passport and certain other documents are also acceptable.
I gave up my out-of-state driver’s license to obtain a Texas Driver’s License. Can I use the temporary-driving permit issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety for identification?
No. A voter registration card, school ID card with photograph or other government identification card may be used.
I have a military GED. Is it acceptable proof of education?
Yes.
I have a felony conviction. If I can get it removed from my record, will I be eligible for a Correctional Officer position?
If the conviction is removed from your record by pardon for proof of innocence or it is expunged, you may be eligible.
I have not yet graduated from high school. Can I still become a Correctional Officer?
No. 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. College transcripts which include the school name and certification seal that indicates successful completion of at least 12 semester hours may also be accepted.
I do not have a copy of my high school diploma or transcripts. Can I still be screened for a Correctional Officer position?
Yes, applicants have 40 days to provide missing documents. You can contact your high school to obtain a copy of your transcripts showing a graduation date. If you are unable to provide the document within that time frame, write to the Human Resources office identified on your exit letter to request an extension. Your application is good for one year from the date of the interview (regular applicants).
How long does it take to get a job as a Correctional Officer?
The length of time between the date you apply and the date you are hired is difficult to predict. It depends on the agency’s needs in the area where you wish to work, whether your application was complete when you reported for screening, the number of applicants applying for that area and how well they did in the screening, how quickly your former employers respond to our request for an employer reference and other factors.
What does the Correctional Officer training consist of and where will I have to go to attend the training?
The training for a Correctional Officer consists of approximately 200 hours of curriculum and administrative instruction. The training normally lasts about 5 ½ weeks at the TDCJ Training Academy in Beeville, Gatesville, Palestine, Huntsville, Rosharon or Plainview. Training at the colleges is currently 200 hours. Training includes defensive tactics, firearms, chemical agents, CPR, first aid, physical training, non-violent crisis intervention, and standards for use of force. Living quarters are usually provided at no cost to trainees who do not live within a commuting distance to the academy.
Is the training academy very physical?
Those selected to attend one of the TDCJ training academies will be required to complete a physical agility test prior to beginning the academy. View additional information about the physical agility test and review the Physical Agility Test Preparation and Safety brochure.
Trainees will also be required to participate in a program of physical exercises designed to teach defensive tactic techniques. This training block will include natural body weapons, blocking techniques, pressure points, joint manipulations and edged weapons defense. The instructional set will also include instruction on employee survival, the riot baton, restraint tactics and weapons retention. It is highly recommended that prospective TDCJ employees prepare themselves to participate and meet the above requirements.
Will I have to pay to go to the TDCJ Training Academy?
No. You begin State employment on the first day of the TDCJ Training Academy. State employees are paid monthly.
When is the next training academy?
There is usually a class every two weeks. Academies are located in Beeville, Huntsville, Gatesville, Palestine, Plainview and Rosharon. Occasionally, a special academy is held at another location.
The location of the TDCJ Academies is not convenient for me. Is there an alternative?
TDCJ has established a contract agreement with several colleges to provide Correctional Officer Training. A list of participating colleges and additional information on the College-Sponsored Training Program is available on our website. View the list of participating colleges.
Page updated: 12/06/2011