Many States require candidates to meet formal standards of physical fitness, eyesight, and hearing. Strength, good judgment, and the ability to think and act quickly are assets. Other common requirements include a driver's license, work experience that demonstrates reliability, and having no felony convictions. Some States screen applicants for drug abuse and require candidates to pass a written or oral examination. Federal, State, and local departments of correction provide training for correction officers based on guidelines established by the American Correctional Association, the American Jail Association, and other professional organizations.
Some States have special training academies.
New Federal correction officers undergo 2 weeks of training at their assigned institutions followed by 3 weeks of basic correctional instruction at the Federal Bureau of Prisons training center at Glynco, Georgia. Experienced officers receive inservice training to keep abreast of new ideas and procedures. Some complete home-study courses. Correction officers employed in Michigan must be certified. With additional education, experience, or training, qualified officers may advance to correction sergeant or other supervisory, administrative, or counseling positions.