Correctional Officer Hiring Process

Apply to become a Correctional Officer at the following Arizona State Prison Complexes* by clicking the links below:

Statewide CO Application Become a CO Trainee

* Open and closed complex job postings are subject to change.

To speak to a recruiter or schedule an appointment, call (602) 542 - 7572

Any existing testing component can be modified and components can be added at any time.
When all the processes have been completed you will be placed into a hiring pool with other applicants for the prison you have chosen, and as soon as we have an opening at that prison, we will make you a final job offer and arrange for your academy start date at COTA (Correctional Officer Training Academy)

Documents Needed

Proof of Age and United States Citizenship or lawful Permanent Residency i.e. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport or Immigration for I-1551
Your High School Diploma or equivalent
Your Military Discharge papers, showing type of discharge i.e., DD-214 long form
Valid driver license
Completed Arizona Department of Administration Employment Application
Employment Application Part 1
Employment Application Part 2
Completed Arizona Department of Corrections Reference Letter
Applicant Checklist

The entire process consists of the following steps:

Written Exam

The written exam that consists of 60 multiple choice questions; (average time to complete is 50 minutes)

The test consist of the following categories of study:

Observation & Recall of Detail
Following Written Instructions
Human Relations / Criminal Justice Knowledge
Reading Comprehension

Once you pass the written exam you will be made a conditional job offer.

Complete a background addendum.

Fitness Test

Fitness test consist of eight components that must be completed within 45 minutes.

Fitness Test Requirements

Psychological Exam

This is a three part exam that can take 2-4 hours to complete.

When you leave for the day you will be emailed the background questionnaire, given instructions on how to complete the background online and where to send any additional documents needed. At this time you will also be scheduled for your medical/physical.

Medical/Physical

Please see the Medical/Physical requirements here:

Medical/Physical Requirements (PDF)

Drug Screen

As an applicant you will be required to undergo a drug screen test.
The drug screen test will involve an analysis of a urine specimen.
You will provide a specimen at a designated collection site.