Correctional Facility Guard

Education Requirements

Normally Needed

Certificate, Diploma, or Bachelor's Degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Technology, or Human Service.

or

Bachelor’s Degree in a Social Science subject.

Expert Advice

Social Science subjects are: Adult Education, Anthropology, Child and Youth Care, Communication and Media Studies, Criminology, Economics, Geography, Gerontology, Linguistics, Peace & Conflict Studies, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

Career Pathway Advice

Before Graduation

• Gain Work Experiences. (e.g., Co-op Education, Internships, Work Integrated Learning).
• Be Curious. Ask questions about the work environment and day-to-day tasks of a job. This includes reaching out to professionals in the field, faculty, counsellors/advisors, neighbours and friends.
• Develop Power Skills. (e.g., oral and written communication, teamwork & leadership, problem solving, critical thinking, innovation & creativity, and engaging diversity).
• Know Your Transferable Skills. Understand how the skills you are learning in your program meet or transfer to the requirements of your intended job.
• Develop Digital Literacy. Be able to find, communicate, create, and edit files online (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe).
• Be Grade Point Average (GPA) Aware. This means knowing that future employers care about the GPA of students they plan to invest their resources in.
• Pursue Mentorship and Network Opportunities. (e.g., information interviews, developing relationships with someone working in the field, joining professional organizations, job shadowing, or volunteering).
• Prepare Your Job Search Documents. (e.g., LinkedIn profile, CV/Resume, cover letter, and portfolio).
• Practice your Interview Skills. Research common interview questions employers use, develop short stories you can use to demonstrate your skills and experience, and seek help from a career centre, family, or friends to do mock interviews.

After Graduation

• Show enthusiasm and drive for further formal training needed by your employer. This may take the form of a structured training program or courses that leads to an industry credential.
• Seek mentorship from co-workers and supervisors.
• Build network relationships with other industry professionals.
• Keep your jobs search documents updated.
• Build your brand by using social media, LinkedIn and professional membership or associations.

Spotlight Requirements

• Initial Correctional Officer training must be completed before a job offer is made. This involves 16 to 22 weeks of online and in-person skills training.
• The specific education/experience criteria will differ for specific positions.

Expert Advice

• The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has over 20 types of positions to manage offenders and oversee operations of institutions and community offices.

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