How to become a correctional officer in BC
Correctional officer (BC Corrections) · British Columbia
Facts checked 7 September 2026
Supervise people in custody in a BC correctional centre. You need Grade 12, a fitness test, a security check and 33 days of paid training after you are hired.
THE ROUTE
The route at a glance
Provincial Eligibility & Documented Prerequisites
Meet provincial correctional officer baseline prerequisites
COPAT Fitness Test & Written Communication Assessment
Complete COPAT physical testing and written communication evaluation
Medical Clearance & Security Background Vetting
Complete medical clearance and security screening
Adult Correctional Officer Recruit Training (33 Days)
Complete 33 days of full-time paid recruit training
On-the-Job Coursework & Rank Attainment (18 Months)
Complete on-the-job coursework and achieve permanent officer rank
Provincial Eligibility & Documented Prerequisites
Meet provincial correctional officer baseline prerequisites
COPAT Fitness Test & Written Communication Assessment
Complete COPAT physical testing and written communication evaluation
Medical Clearance & Security Background Vetting
Complete medical clearance and security screening
Adult Correctional Officer Recruit Training (33 Days)
Complete 33 days of full-time paid recruit training
On-the-Job Coursework & Rank Attainment (18 Months)
Complete on-the-job coursework and achieve permanent officer rank
This is the overview. For the courses to take, the entry rules, the exams and the schools, open the full route.
See the full route, step by step →THE JOB
What the job is like
Pay and outlook from WorkBC.
Work takes place in adult provincial correctional centres (high-density living units, secure control pods, admitting/discharge suites, and exercise yards), as well as federal multi-level security institutions and medium/maximum penitentiaries in the fraser valley and vancouver island.
Be mindful of managing direct interactions with unpredictable individuals experiencing severe mental health crises or substance withdrawal and follow all required safety procedures.
Lead living unit officer teams, manage shift operations, and coordinate incident response protocols.
Join tactical rapid response teams trained in high-threat cell extractions and facility perimeter defense.
JOBS
Find jobs
Live postings on the big job boards, searched for this job in British Columbia.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Common questions
WHERE TO TAKE THIS