*Be the Difference! Become a peace officer with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Positions are available statewide. *

If you value integrity, professionalism, and safety, and want to dedicate your efforts to rehabilitation and restoration of your community -- a career as a Correctional Officer (CO) might be the job for you.

A Correctional Officer spends most of their time interacting and interfacing with incarcerated individuals in a state prison environment. Our mission is to facilitate the successful reintegration of the individuals in our care back to their communities and equip them with the tools to be drug-free, healthy, and employable members of society. We do this by providing education, treatment, and rehabilitative programs, all in a safe and humane environment.

Please review all of the information below regarding the application process for Correctional Officer (CO) with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) before you make a decision to apply. We want to ensure all candidates are well informed of some key factors including knowing how personal behavior or choices you have made, or will be making, may impact whether or not you are eligible to become a peace officer. To determine if you qualify for the position(s) in which you have interest, review the minimum qualifications. If you do not meet the minimum qualifications at the time you apply for a peace officer position, you will be disqualified.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for the Correctional Officer (CO) classification are as follows:

• Education:Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. Demonstrated by:
  • Possession of a high school diploma issued by a U.S. institution, or
  • Passing the California High School Proficiency test, or
  • Passing the General Education Development (GED) test meeting California high school graduation standards, or
  • Possession of a college degree (Associate of Arts or higher) from an accredited college or university.

Additional Requirements

• Be a citizen of the U.S. or legal permanent resident.
• Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test.
• Must be at least 20 years of age at time of application and 21 years of age at the time of appointment.
• History of law-abiding behavior.
• Must be legally eligible to own, possess and have custody/control of any firearm or other weapon authorized by the CDCR.
• Must meet Physical and Mental suitability standards.