Correctional officer training
Adult Correctional Officer Recruit Training
Facts checked 7 September 2026
Part of the route toCorrectional Officer·Certificate
A 33-day full-time paid recruit training program preparing newly hired officers for institutional inmate management and correctional operations.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
WorkBC training funding
Up to $7,500 tuitionIf you are out of work or underemployed, a WorkBC case manager can approve and pay for this training. Get approval before you pay.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeNot yet verifiedFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- General BC secondary school curriculum and coursework at the Grade 11 level.
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- Grade 12 graduation with English 12 at 70% or equivalent
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Minimum 19 years of age
- Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status for at least 3 years
- Valid Class 5 BC driver's licence (or out-of-province equivalent)
- Valid Basic First Aid endorsed by WorkSafeBC
- Successful completion of COPAT physical test and written communication assessment on the same day
- Physician medical clearance and enhanced security background vetting
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Submit application to BC Corrections provincial job competition on the BC Public Service careers site
- Attend assessment day to complete COPAT obstacle course and written assessment
- Undergo integrity interview, comprehensive background screening, and physician medical review
- Accept formal job offer and attend 33-day paid recruit training class
- Tuition: $0 (Full-time recruit wage paid from day one by BC Corrections)
Step 5 of 8
Correctional officer training
⏱ 33 days- 33 days (7 weeks) of full-time hands-on instruction at a provincial correctional centre
- Curriculum developed in partnership with the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC)
- Security protocols, contraband searches, cell inspections, and control room operations
- Inmate management, suicide prevention, mental health crisis de-escalation, and non-violent crisis intervention
- Defensive tactics, mechanical restraints, tactical communication, and fire safety
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 1 school in BC- Justice Institute of British Columbia — 33 days ($0 (2026, domestic, whole program))
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- BC Corrections basic recruit training practical skills assessments and written competency evaluations
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Correctional Officer
- Explore Correctional Officer wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(1 school)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Justice Institute of British Columbia
New Westminster / Victoria / Kelowna / Chilliwack
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 7 September 2026.