Correctional Officer Basic

Career and Technical Certificate

This course of study is designed to provide initial training for individuals wishing to enter the Florida Department of Corrections career field. It also serves as a prerequisite for the Florida State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE). Practical skills and field exercises including officer safety, intake and release of inmates, supervising special populations, defensive tactics, and first aid techniques.

The Criminal Justice Training Center at Northwest Florida State College is certified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Division of Criminal Justice Standards and Training.

Career Outlook^*

Employment of correctional officers and bailiffs is projected to decline 7 percent from 2016 to 2026. State and local budget constraints and prison population levels will determine how many correctional officers are necessary.

The median annual wage for bailiffs was $42,670 in May 2016.

The median annual wage for correctional officers and jailers was $42,820 in May 2016.

Average or Median Salary

$42,670 – $42,820

^{*All career data on this page, such as occupation description, career outlook and salary information reflects the national average and was sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.}