Prison Officer

Typical Salary

£20,750 To £38,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Prison Officer

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

You could complete an advanced apprenticeship as a custody and detention officer.

GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in English and maths

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You do not need qualifications to apply directly to be a prison officer. Personal qualities are more important.

You'll need to take an online test to check your judgement and your number skills. If you pass, you'll attend an assessment day where you'll:

take another number test
take a reading and writing test
take part in role plays to see if you have the right personal qualities for the job
take fitness tests
have a medical and eyesight test
be interviewed

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of public safety and security
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be flexible and open to change
leadership skills
excellent verbal communication skills
legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

In this role you could be:

keeping inmates secure
carrying out security checks and searches
supervising prisoners and maintaining order – this can involve authorised physical control and restraint
supporting vulnerable prisoners
promoting anti-bullying and suicide prevention policies
going with prisoners on external visits like court appearances or hospital appointments
preparing inmates for release through rehabilitation programmes
updating records and writing reports on prisoners

Working Environment

You could work in a prison.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

With experience and training you could move into specialist projects, like rehabilitation work with specific groups of prisoners and their families.

You could become a supervising officer, custodial manager, head of function, deputy governor or governor.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a prison officer from HM Prison & Probation Service.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks
be over 18 years of age