How to apply

The hiring process as a correctional officer is rigorous, but if chosen, you'll join the proud ranks of peace officers in the BC Public Service.

On this page

• Plan to compete
• Employee requirements
• Correctional officer application process

Plan to compete

Like many law enforcement agencies, BC Corrections job openings are posted frequently and several applicants are hired from each competition to form a class.

Recruitment for all centres is conducted by the provincial recruitment team.

You need to apply to our provincial job posting to be considered for positions at all of our 10 centres. There's no need to apply separately to each centre.

Before you apply:

• Read the job posting carefully and contact a recruiting officer if you have questions
• Review a correctional officer generic job description (PDF, 222KB)
• Learn about the types of competencies we're looking for in candidates

Our thorough application process occurs over several weeks. We make every effort to contact applicants so you'll know where you stand in our screening steps.

By working with our recruiting officers and ensuring you have fully completed each step, your application will proceed through the competition as smoothly and expediently as possible.

If your application is unsuccessful, you'll be notified.

Employee requirements

In order to be considered for a correctional officer position, candidates must meet the criteria below and provide all corresponding information:

• 19 years of age or older
• Grade 12 or equivalent
• English 12 with a final grade of 70% or equivalent
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License or equivalent from another province
• Valid Occupational 1st aid (OFA 1) as endorsed by WorkSafe BC at the time of offer
• Successful completion of the Correctional Officer Physical Abilities Test (COPAT, PDF, 138KB)
• Successful completion of medical assessment
• Successful completion of enhanced security screening

Review the careers in BC Corrections page for a complete overview of the duties, responsibilities and competencies identified for adult correctional officers.

Correctional officer application process

Step 1: apply and submit required documentation

• Submit your resume and complete an online questionnaire by clicking on the “Apply to this Job” link at the bottom of the job posting
  • From an active correctional officer job posting, use the 'Submit your resume' button at the bottom of the page to enter your information and resume
• Submit required documentation: after submitting your resume and completing the online questionnaire, you must email documentation that demonstrates Grade 12 graduation, English 12 with a final grade of 70 percent or higher or an accepted equivalent, a valid B.C. Driver’s License (or equivalent from another Canadian province) and proof of eligibility to work permanently in Canada
  • One of the duties of the adult correctional officer is to communicate clearly and effectively in writing. It's essential that candidates have the requisite writing skills
  • To ensure candidates possess the minimum writing standards, the branch requires applicants to submit documentation in support of this requirement

Step 2: security screening questionnaire

Complete the Security Screening Questionnaire (PDF, 2MB).

Step 3: assessment

Correctional Officer Physical Abilities Test (COPAT): you will be required to provide a completed Medical Clearance Form (signed, stamped, and dated by a medical practitioner), proof of age and legal entitlement to work in Canada and your valid driver's license.

Step 4: interview

• Applicants will be assessed on the competencies as outlined in the job profile
• Learn about the types of competencies we're looking for in candidates
• Reference checks

Step 5: offer 

• You will be required to provide proof of valid Occupational 1st aid (OFA1) or WorkSafe BC approved equivalent prior to the conditional offer letter
• A conditional offer of employment is provided to successful candidates, confirmation of which is subject to passing all security screening and medical check

Step 6: enhanced security screening

Applicants will be required to complete/provide the following:

• Police record check
• Computer voice stress analysis
• Credit check
• Drivers abstract
• Criminal Records Review Act check

Step 7: medical assessment

A comprehensive medical assessment by Occupational Health Programs will include a health history, general physical examination, and screening tests for bonafide occupational requirements such as distance/near vision, colour vision, and hearing. A tuberculosis (TB) screening test should be privately booked and completed prior to attending the medical appointment.

Step 8: onboarding

Once we receive confirmation that you have passed all security screening and medical assessments, you'll be offered a position as a security officer (training rank) and begin your 33 days of paid training with a full benefit package.

Step 9: training

You will undergo a significant amount of paid training during your early weeks of employment, including 231 hours, or 33 days, in the Security Officer Training Program. You will then progress through the growth program and will receive full correctional officer status at the conclusion of the program.

Step 10: reimbursement

At the end of your 6 months probation, you will be eligible to apply for reimbursements associated with cost of application.

Reimbursements will be provided for the following:

• Correctional Officer Physical Abilities Test (COPAT) Medical Form
• Tuberculosis (TB) test
• Occupational first aid (OFA1)
• Criminal Record Check

For more information on the recruitment process and what to expect during this time, please read our Correctional Officer Recruitment Process Document (PDF, 173KB).