Online Correctional Officer Training and Job Center

Welcome to Correctional Officer Training Headquarters! We offer all the information you need to start out on your quest in becoming a corrections officer. Specific hiring requirements for all 50-States, detailed step-by-step information, and access to potential employment opportunities to assist you get hired today!

Correctional Officer Requirements for New Jersey


Minimum requirements to become a Correctional Officer with the New Jersey Department of Corrections include: be a citizen of the United States and a New Jersey state resident, at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, sufficient ability to read and write English, possess a New Jersey driver’s license, be eligible to possess a firearm and be able to pass a urinalysis drug screen.

Additionally, you must be able to pass a background check that includes investigation of your employment history, driving history, and criminal history including domestic violence. Included in the background investigation are interviews and visits to your residence and employer.

A supplemental questionnaire is available for viewing here. You must be willing to comply with all statements in order to become a Corrections Officer.

You are also required to have a thorough medical examination consisting of blood work, vision and hearing tests, and a chest x-ray and EKG. You will be given a written psychological examination and an interview with a psychologist.

Once you become a Correction Officer Apprentice, you will attend the NJ Police Training Commission course, a 14-week training course conducted at the Correctional Staff Training Academy. There you will receive college-level courses on topics such as criminal law, Constitutional issues, communication, sociology, and correctional procedures. There will be tests and written assignments. You will receive instruction in physical education and self-defense, and participate in running and strength-building exercise. Instruction will include firearms training and you will be required to meet safety and weapons qualifications.

You will be promoted to Correction Officer Recruit after successfully completing the Academy course, and have a working test period for one year.

You may go the New Jersey Department of Corrections webpage to search for job openings.

For more information, please contact the New Jersey Department of Personnel, entry-level law enforcement positions line at (609) 292-8668.

11 Responses to Correctional Officer Requirements for New Jersey

  1. Nicholas Pieetropaolo April 18, 2013 at 3:41 am #

    How can I find out if I am still able to become a corrections officer if I have an OTH (Other Than Honorable) discharge from the Marine Corps? Its for misconduct, a failld drug test for marijuana. Its was in 2006, I have been told alot of different things.

    • COTHQ April 18, 2013 at 8:22 am #

      Most departments draw the line at a Dishonorable Discharge for being a disqualifier for employment, and that you must have an Honorable Discharge.
      A General Discharge is considered “Under Honorable Conditions” so people so fair well with those.

      For (OTH) or Other than Honorable discharges, while considered a severe admin discharge, is it classified as Dishonorable? I think if you look at what a Dishonorable discharge is compared to an OTH then you might be able to get pass that issue. Just be aware that it might be a matter of opinion with whoever is reviewing your information and they may see things only in black and white.

      So I would submit an application and if they were to ask if I had a “Dishonorable” discharge I could honestly say know. If they do ask more questions and request more details just be honest, briefly explain the situation, explain that this was in the past and be able to provide information if requested of your steps taken to correct the situation that resulted in the OTH.

      Bottom line, check with the department of corrections for the state you are interested in and ask what their hiring requirements are for Prior Service Military, and they should be able to tell you exactly what you need to know.

      • G June 4, 2014 at 10:48 pm #

        If you have a BCD from the military and I was young when this happened I had alot of problems due to my grandmother the women who raised us was constantly on my care while in the marines abotu my father who was robbing from her using drugs infront of my younger brothers constantly being locked up I felt I had to leave meaning UA from the service to go tend to those needs. I see now I shouldnt have but what was I to do an 18 year old kid just done with bootcamp going to Infantry training and getting all of this from someone who took you in when you had noone. I know what I did was wrong but I have been good ever since. Working a job at Brinks for 5 years and running the night operations. I also have a disabled daughter who was in the hospital with multiple disabilities the time frame I was gone. I know its not an exscuse but I hope they look past that and see the person I have become today.

  2. Mike June 11, 2013 at 8:55 pm #

    I have a simple assault misdemeanor and a criminal conspiracy misdemeanor. Dating back about six years ago. I deployed to Iraq and was honorably discharged. I have an inteeview Monday but I think I will be disqualified. Any imput?

    • Al February 17, 2014 at 10:55 am #

      Did they accept you I have a disordly person conduct charge for ressisting arrest will I get denied too

  3. Cody January 22, 2014 at 8:06 pm #

    I got out of the marine corps in 09 with an OTH for breaking a set of night vision goggles. I became a CO in ok for two years before moving to California. Will my discharge effect me getting hired here?

  4. Naheemah March 27, 2014 at 1:26 pm #

    I use to be a certified correctional officer in Florida. I resigned to relocate back to NJ in 2008. I worked for 3 years and have a criminal justice degree. I tried to get hired here but was told that I can not transfer from state to state but within states. My certification is no up until 2016 and I am seeking to get certified in NJ. I need to

  5. Heliany Uhalde May 13, 2014 at 3:22 pm #

    To whom it may concern:

    I would like to know how long does it take in order to become a New Jersey Correctional Security Officer. Contact by email.

  6. Alejandra Barth July 3, 2014 at 8:12 pm #

    I would like to know if I can do the correctional officer training if I have a high school diploma and I’m a temporary resident of the United States.
    My resident is into 2017 and after that I will become a permanent resident , fallow by becoming a US citizen.
    I have my SSN, work permit, NJ driving license(clean record) never been arrested, I been in the country for 13 years.
    If you can answer me by email would be great.
    Thank you.

  7. SELENA November 16, 2015 at 3:09 pm #

    I get my driver license back in march because of Dwi will I be able to apply

  8. Dee January 2, 2016 at 11:37 am #

    I have a degree in criminal justice but am 40 yrs old. What is the max age for a co in new jersey? Federal is 37 is state the same?