How to become a prison officer
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You could complete an advanced apprenticeship as a custody and detention officer.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
- GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in English and maths
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Direct Application
You do not need qualifications to apply directly to be a prison officer. Personal qualities are more important.
You'll need to take an online test to check your judgement and your number skills. If you pass, you'll attend an assessment day where you'll:
- take another number test
- take a reading and writing test
- take part in role plays to see if you have the right personal qualities for the job
- take fitness tests
- have a medical and eyesight test
- be interviewed
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Further information
You can find out more about how to become a prison officer from HM Prison & Probation Service.