MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• US Citizenship (or applied)
• Minimum Age of 21 years.
• U.S. HS Diploma/GED
• Good physical condition
• No felony convictions
• Eligible to own/possess a firearm

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Some of the basic skills required include knowledge of the purposes and methods of discipline as applied to persons in custody, the duties of a Correctional Officer, the ability to utilize correct grammar and spelling, proper use and care of firearms, and basic arithmetic.

CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT

In order to be a correctional officer in the State of California, a person must be either a U.S. Citizen or be a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. Citizenship. Any permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall be disqualified from holding that position if his/her application for citizenship is denied.

DRUG TESTING REQUIREMENT

Applicants for positions as a correctional officer will be required to pass a drug screening test. The drug screening test will be waived for employees who are currently in a designated “Sensitive” class for which drug testing is required under the State Personnel Board Rule 213.

MINIMUM VISUAL ACUITY REQUIREMENTS

Correctional officer applicants must have 20/60 uncorrected in each eye and corrected to 20/20 in each eye. Applicants who have successfully worn soft contact lenses for the past 12 months are not required to meet an uncorrected standard as long as their corrected vision is 20/20 in each eye.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST 

As a requirement of the State of California, to become a Correctional Officer, prospective applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas.

• Overall Endurance
• Grip Strength
• Trunk strength
• Dynamic Arm Power
• Dynamic Leg Power

More information can be found at http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Career_Opportunities/POR/COIndex.html.