Master the Corrections Officer Exam[2024]: Free Practice Test, Tips & Sample Questions
Are you ready to ace your Correctional Officer Exam? Our comprehensive prep course is designed to help you succeed with confidence.
Correctional officers play a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of inmates and staff within correctional facilities. To secure this demanding role, you must excel in the initial computer-based multiple-choice test.
With our free practice tests, you can assess your knowledge in key areas such as basic math, memory, reading comprehension, applying rules and information, and written communication. The practice questions are carefully crafted to simulate the actual exam experience, helping you identify areas where you need improvement.
Prepare with us, and step into your exam with the confidence and knowledge needed to succeed.
Free Correctional Officer Practice Test
10 Questions - 8 Minutes
About the Correctional Officer Test
Aspiring correctional officers must pass a comprehensive psychometric assessment administered by criminal justice departments. The test format varies by state but typically includes multiple-choice questions. The scores are based on a 100-point scale, with most states requiring a minimum score of 70%.
The test assesses a candidate’s ability to apply knowledge and think critically in various situations. Common topics include Written Comprehension, Written Expression, Memorization, Problem Sensitivity, Number Facility, Mathematical Reasoning, Deductive Reasoning, Inductive Reasoning, Information Ordering, Spatial Orientation, and Visualization.
State-Specific Requirements
- New York State: 3.5-hour exam with 100 multiple-choice questions, assessing Written Comprehension, Written Expression, Problem Sensitivity, Memorization, Number Facility, Mathematical Reasoning, Deductive Reasoning, Inductive Reasoning, Information Ordering, Spatial Orientation and Visualization.
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes, comprising 52 questions, assessing Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation, Reading Comprehension, and Basic Mathematics.
- Florida Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test – Correctional Officer (CJBATCO) Exam: 97 multiple-choice questions, 1 Hour and 30 Minutes time limit, assessing Written Comprehension, Written Expression, Inductive Reasoning, Deductive Reasoning, Memorization, and Personal Characteristics / Behavioral Attributes.
- New Jersey LEE (Law Enforcement Examination): 329 questions, 3 Hours and 40 minutes time limit, assessing Written Ability, Work Style Questionnaire, and Life Experience Survey.
- Massachusetts Correctional Officer Exam: 100 multiple-choice questions evaluating six abilities, including gathering information, identifying grammar accurately, reading, understanding, explaining, and applying information, working accurately with names, numbers, codes, and/or symbols, analyzing and determining the applicability of quantitative and qualitative data, and maintaining accurate records.
- Michigan National Correctional Officer Selection Inventory (NCOSI): 1 hour and 15 minutes of exam duration, comprising 87 questions, testing Problem Sensitivity, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Writing Ability and Personality Attributes.
Correctional Officer Exam Sample Questions & Answers
Written Comprehension
Tests the ability to read and understand written material, including vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and literary style.
The protocols for maintaining mental health services within a correctional facility are designed to support the psychological well-being of inmates, reduce behavioral issues, and promote a safer environment. The first step in these protocols is the initial mental health screening conducted upon an inmate’s arrival. This screening involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional, including a review of the inmate’s psychiatric history, current mental state, and any history of substance abuse.
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Based on the initial screening, inmates may be referred for further psychological assessment or placed into appropriate mental health programs. These programs range from individual therapy sessions and group counseling to specialized treatments for conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The facility ensures that mental health services are delivered by licensed professionals trained in correctional psychology.
Regular mental health check-ins are conducted to monitor inmates’ progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary. These check-ins help identify any emerging issues and ensure that inmates receive continuous support. In addition to scheduled sessions, inmates have access to crisis intervention services for immediate psychological support in emergencies.
To encourage participation in mental health programs, the facility offers various incentives. These may include privileges such as additional recreational time, access to special programs, or positive reports to parole boards. Such incentives aim to motivate inmates to engage actively in their mental health care.
Documentation and confidentiality are critical aspects of the mental health services protocol. Detailed records of all assessments, treatments, and progress notes are maintained securely to protect inmates’ privacy and ensure continuity of care. These records are only accessible to authorized personnel.
Challenges in maintaining effective mental health services include addressing the stigma associated with mental health issues, which can deter inmates from seeking help. Additionally, the high-stress environment of a correctional facility can exacerbate mental health problems. To mitigate these challenges, staff receive ongoing training in mental health awareness and crisis intervention. The facility also fosters a supportive environment by promoting mental health education and reducing stigma through various initiatives.
The ultimate goal of these protocols is to provide comprehensive mental health care that helps inmates manage their conditions, improve their quality of life, and reduce the likelihood of behavioral issues. By prioritizing mental health, the facility aims to create a safer, more supportive environment for both inmates and staff.
Explanation:
A: By promoting mental health education and initiatives to reduce stigma. - The passage directly states that the facility promotes mental health education and initiatives aimed at reducing stigma. This approach is an active method to combat negative perceptions and improve awareness about mental health issues, making it clear that this option does not correctly answer the question regarding what the facility does NOT do.
B: By encouraging inmates to support each other in mental health programs. - This option suggests a peer support strategy, where inmates are encouraged to actively participate in each other’s mental health journeys, potentially providing mutual understanding and support. However, the passage does not mention any measures that involve inmate-to-inmate support or encouragement within the mental health programs. This lack of mention indicates that while the facility has several structured approaches to address mental health, fostering direct inmate support networks is not explicitly one of them, making this the correct answer.
C: By offering confidential and anonymous mental health services. - While confidentiality is emphasized in the protocols to ensure privacy and security of the inmates' mental health information, there is no mention of anonymity in these services. However, the question specifically relates to addressing stigma. Confidentiality alone, without anonymity, may not be sufficient to fully address stigma, as inmates might still hesitate to seek help if they feel their identity could be indirectly disclosed. Despite this, the facility does use confidentiality as a measure to mitigate stigma, which means this option incorrectly answers the question.
D: By providing staff with ongoing training to better handle mental health crises. - Training staff to manage mental health crises effectively is crucial in maintaining a safe and responsive environment but is more focused on crisis management rather than directly combating stigma among inmates. This training ensures that staff can handle situations effectively but does not necessarily imply a direct approach to reducing stigma, as it doesn't address inmates' reluctance to seek help due to fear of judgment. Nonetheless, the training indirectly supports a stigma-free environment by promoting professional and sensitive handling of mental health issues.
Thus, option B is the most accurate answer because it highlights a gap in the described mental health protocols, specifically the lack of a peer support system which can be a significant component in destigmatizing mental health care in such settings.
Written Expression
Tests the ability to express ideas and views clearly to others in writing. It involves the cognitive process of planning, translating (drafting), reviewing, and revising written content.
Explanation:
Option A: Incorrect. The phrase "After attending the training session" is a dangling modifier, as it is unclear who attended the training session.
Option B: Incorrect. Incorrect. The tense shift from "have become" to "resulted" is inconsistent.
Option C: Correct. The subject "the officers" is clear and correctly aligns with the actions in the sentence, and the resulting clause is properly structured.
Option D: Incorrect. The tense "had resulted" incorrectly implies the result occurred before the officers found the procedures easier.
Problem Sensitivity
Tests the ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong. This involves identifying potential issues or problems quickly before they develop, and understanding when a situation requires immediate attention.
Explanation:
Option A: Ignore the behavior and continue the inspection - Ignoring the suspicious behavior could result in failing to address a significant security threat or contraband.
Option B: Confront the inmate immediately and demand to see the package - Immediate confrontation might lead to defensive behavior, causing the inmate to hide or destroy the package. This will also rob the officer of the opportunity to find out if the inmate is colluding with someone.
Option C: Discreetly observe the inmate to see where he goes and what he does next - Officer Rivera should discreetly observe to gather more information about the suspicious package without alarming the inmate. This method enables her to monitor any attempts by the inmate to pass or hide the package, thus preventing any defensive reactions. This will also help her find any possible accomplices since the inmate seems to looking for someone. Ultimately making the situation easier to manage.
Option D: Report the incident to his supervisor and request a search of the workshop - Reporting the incident and requesting a search might be premature without gathering more information to justify such an action, which can disrupt the entire workshop.
Choosing option C allows Officer Rivera to handle the situation cautiously and gather more evidence, ensuring a more informed and effective response to the suspicious behavior.
Deductive Reasoning
Tests the ability to apply general rules to specific problems to reach a logical conclusion. This skill is important for making decisions based on established procedures and policies, classifying different scenarios according to guidelines, and interpreting laws.
Refer to the details provided in the passage below to answer the subsequent question.
In a Correctional Facility, incidents involving contraband are categorized according to the following guidelines:
- CATEGORY 1: Possession of personal but unapproved items (e.g., family photos, non-facility-issued toiletries, etc.)
- CATEGORY 2: Possession of items that could disrupt facility operations (e.g., unauthorized cell phones, excessive food items, etc.)
- CATEGORY 3: Possession of items that pose a health risk (e.g., unauthorized medications, perishable food, etc.)
- CATEGORY 4: Possession of items that pose a serious security threat (e.g., weapons, escape tools, etc.)
Explanation:
While the scenario makes it clear that the photograph itself is sanctioned, the same clarification isn’t provided for the frame. So the incident involving the discovery of unapproved personal items should be categorized according to the level of threat they pose. According to the guidelines:
CATEGORY 1: Possession of personal but unapproved items (e.g., family photos, non-facility-issued toiletries).
CATEGORY 2: Possession of items that could disrupt facility operations (e.g., unauthorized cell phones, excessive food items).
CATEGORY 3: Possession of items that pose a health risk (e.g., unauthorized medications, perishable food).
CATEGORY 4: Possession of items that pose a serious security threat (e.g., weapons, escape tools).
Therefore, according to the guidelines, this incident should be categorized as: CATEGORY 1.
Information Ordering
Tests the ability to arrange information or actions in a logical order. This skill forms the crux of following procedures, organizing tasks, and ensuring that processes are completed efficiently and correctly.
Law: In State J, a person is guilty of AGGRAVATED ASSAULT IN THE SECOND DEGREE if they intentionally cause serious physical injury to another person under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life. A person is guilty of AGGRAVATED ASSAULT IN THE FIRST DEGREE if they intentionally cause serious physical injury to another person and use a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument/substance during the assault.
Scenario: During a prison riot, inmate Devin attacks another inmate Mark, who’s known for his aggressive behavior towards Devin, throwing an unidentified substance at his face, temporarily blinding him. Mark, panicked, lashes out in response, grievously injuring inmate David who falls to the floor unconscious and in immediate need of hospitalization.
Explanation:
A: Devin should be charged with Aggravated Assault in the First Degree, and Mark should be charged with Aggravated Assault in the Second Degree - This option incorrectly assumes that Mark should be charged with aggravated assault in the second degree, which does not align with the scenario as Mark did not act with intent or extreme indifference.
B: Mark should be charged with Aggravated Assault in the First Degree, and Devin should be charged with Aggravated Assault in the Second Degree - This option is incorrect because Mark's actions do not qualify for either degree of aggravated assault due to the lack of intent and absence of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
C: Both Devin and Mark should be charged with Aggravated Assault in the Second Degree - This is incorrect as Devin’s actions potentially align with the first degree, and Mark’s actions do not meet the criteria for either degree.
D: Devin should be charged with Aggravated Assault in the First Degree, and Mark should not be charged - This option aligns with the scenario analysis. Devin could be charged in the first degree if the substance is dangerous, while Mark’s actions are less likely to meet the criteria for aggravated assault due to the lack of intentional harm and use of a weapon or dangerous instrument.
The correct answer is D: Devin should be charged with Aggravated Assault in the First Degree, and Mark should not be charged, as this option best fits the actions and intentions described in the scenario under the given legal definitions.
Inductive Reasoning
Tests the ability to combine fragmented pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions. It involves identifying patterns and relationships among different pieces of information. Useful for analyzing witness accounts, interpreting rules and procedures, and identifying key elements in practical scenarios related to the job.
In a correctional facility, the decision to assign inmates to work assignments is governed by specific criteria to ensure that the assignments are appropriate and beneficial for both the facility and the inmates. A corrections officer must evaluate the following factors:
Work Skills: This refers to the inmate’s skills and competencies relevant to the work assignment.
Behavioral Record: This evaluates the inmate’s behavior and compliance with facility rules.
Security Risk: This involves considering the potential risk the inmate might pose in the work environment.
These factors are essential to ensure that work assignments are safe, productive, and conducive to the inmate's rehabilitation.
Explanation:
Let's examine each statement:
A: If the inmate has a good behavioral record, their work skills can be ignored - This statement cannot be correctly inferred because the passage suggests that all factors must be considered. Ignoring work skills would not align with the criteria provided.
B: Security risk alone is sufficient to determine work assignment eligibility - This statement cannot be correctly inferred because the passage indicates that multiple factors must be considered, not just the security risk.
C: Work skills are the most important factor in assigning work assignments - This statement cannot be correctly inferred because the passage does not prioritize one factor over another. All factors are described as essential.
D: The inmate’s behavioral record is an important factor when deciding work assignments - This statement can be correctly inferred because the passage lists the behavioral record as one of the key factors to be evaluated.
Based on the analysis, the statement that can be correctly inferred is -
D: The inmate’s behavioral record is an important factor when deciding work assignments.
Memorization
Tests the ability to identify, remember, and recall critical information. This includes remembering details such as numbers, objects, buildings, and individuals, a skill essential to the job of a correctional officer.
Explanation:
Visualization
Tests the ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved or influenced in a certain way. This involves forming mental images and manipulating them to achieve the desired effect. Demands strong critical thinking skills and a touch of imagination.
- A:
- B:
- C:
- D:
Explanation:
Option A has a gaunt face and eyes situated closer together.
Option B matches the features of the original image exactly.
Option C has a flatter nose and mouth situated upward.
Option D has a taller forehead, a retracted mouth, and a concave jaw compared to the original.
Thus, Option B is the correct answer.
Number Facility
Tests the ability to quickly and accurately perform basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This skill is crucial for the daily tasks of an officer that require handling numerical data and calculations.
Explanation: To determine how many hours of training each department receives, given the total training hours and the ratio, follow these steps: Identify the total parts in the ratio: The ratio given is 3:2:1.
- Sum of the parts: 3 + 2 + 1 = 6
- Total training hours: 180 hours
- Value of one part: 180 hours6 = 30 hours
- Security: 90 hours
- Rehabilitation: 60 hours
- Administration: 30 hours
Mathematical Reasoning
Tests the ability to solve complex mathematical problems using logic and reasoning. This involves understanding key details in a scenario, determining the operations required, and applying various mathematical concepts to solve the problems encountered on the job.
Explanation:
To find the total area of the composite shape, we need to calculate the areas of the rectangle and the right triangle separately and then sum them.
Calculate the area of the rectangle:
Length (l) = 10 meters
Width (w) = 6 meters
Area of the rectangle = l × w = 10 × 6 = 60 square meters
Calculate the area of the right triangle:
Base (b) = 6 meters (equal to the width of the rectangle)
Height (h) = 8 meters
Area of the right triangle = 12 x b × h
Area of the right triangle = 12 x 6 x 8
Area of the right triangle = 12 x 48
Area of the right triangle = 24
Calculate the total area of the composite shape:
Total area = Area of the rectangle + Area of the right triangle = 60 + 24 = 84 square meters
So, the correct choice is C: 84 square meters.
Our Corrections Officer Test Course Outline
Introduction2 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Written Comprehension4 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Written Expression4 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Problem Sensitivity4 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Memorization4 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Number Facility2 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Mathematical Reasoning2 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Deductive Reasoning4 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Inductive Reasoning4 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Information Ordering4 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Spatial Orientation4 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Visualization4 StepsBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Why Choose Our Prep Course?
Our course provides in-depth coverage of the essential topics tested on the correctional officer exam, ensuring you are fully prepared. More 500+ questions across all topics to practice.
We have carefully updated our course content to align with the most recent syllabus changes, as per the official correctional officer exam website. You can trust that you are preparing with the most up-to-date and relevant information.
Our course features practice quizzes at easy, medium, and hard levels to make sure you’re fully prepared. Each quiz comes with detailed explanations for every question, helping you pinpoint and improve on your weak spots.
In addition to practice quizzes, our course includes study guides for each topic with sample questions and detailed explanations. These guides help you understand the topic and develop strategies to tackle the exam successfully.
Don’t settle for anything less than the best. Enroll in our Correctional Officer Exam Preparation Course today and take the first step towards your rewarding career in law enforcement.
FAQ’s
Correctional officers work in prisons or jails, where they oversee inmates and keep the facility running smoothly. These environments are highly secure, with barred windows, controlled access, and surveillance cameras. They can be noisy and crowded, so officers need to stay vigilant and adaptable.
Interactions with inmates are a big part of the job. Officers must enforce rules and maintain order while treating everyone with respect. They work in shifts around the clock, often putting in extra hours during busy times or staffing shortages.
The job is tough both physically and mentally. Officers handle volatile situations, manage conflicts, and respond to emergencies. They have to be alert to spot any potential threats or rule violations. Extensive training and strong support from colleagues and supervisors help them develop the skills and resilience they need.
The work environment is challenging and demands physical fitness, good people skills, sound judgment, and the ability to handle stress professionally. Knowing what to expect helps officers prepare for and succeed in their roles.
As a correctional officer, you can expect a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement plans. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for correctional officers in the United States is $53,290 per year or $25.62 per hour in 2023. Additionally, many correctional facilities offer comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as retirement plans, such as the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Beyond the financial benefits, being a correctional officer also offers opportunities for career advancement and the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of inmates. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, correctional officers play a critical role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates, helping them to become productive members of society upon release. By contributing to this process, correctional officers can take pride in knowing that their work is making a difference in the lives of others.
The role of a correctional officer is both physically and mentally challenging, requiring specific capabilities to manage the job effectively.
Physical Demands: Correctional officers must be physically fit and able to respond quickly to emergencies, including:
- Restraining and subduing unruly inmates using appropriate force
- Performing tasks requiring strength, stamina, and endurance, such as standing for long periods and responding to incidents
- Maintaining control during physical confrontations
- Assisting in medical emergencies and evacuations
Mental Demands: Correctional officers also need strong mental fortitude to handle the job’s psychological stresses, including:
- Remaining calm in high-pressure, potentially dangerous situations
- Managing stress, trauma, and anxiety from dealing with volatile inmates
- Exercising sound judgment to defuse conflicts and maintain order
- Demonstrating emotional intelligence and empathy when interacting with inmates
Extensive training helps correctional officers develop the necessary skills and resilience for this challenging yet rewarding career.
Correctional officers have a range of career advancement opportunities, including promotions to higher-ranking positions and specialized roles within the corrections system.
Promotions
With experience and additional training, correctional officers can advance to higher-ranking positions, such as sergeant, lieutenant, or captain, which can come with increased salaries and responsibilities.
Specialized Roles
Correctional officers can also pursue specialized roles within the corrections system, such as working in investigative units or with rehabilitation programs. There is a range of specialized roles, including investigative agents, case managers, and substance abuse counselors. These roles often require additional training and education but can offer greater job satisfaction and opportunities for advancement.
Transfers
Correctional officers may also have the opportunity to transfer to different facilities or departments within the corrections system. This can provide a change of pace and new challenges, as well as opportunities for advancement and increased salaries.
The typical career path for a correctional officer involves several steps:
Initial Training: Correctional officers typically attend a training academy where they learn the policies, procedures, and legalities of the job. This training includes self-defense skills, emergency procedures, and how to handle potentially violent inmates.
Entry-Level Position: After completing training, correctional officers are typically hired as entry-level officers and work under the supervision of more experienced officers.
Promotions: With experience and additional training, correctional officers can advance to higher-ranking positions such as sergeant, lieutenant, or captain. These positions often come with increased responsibilities and salaries.
Specialized Roles: Some correctional officers may choose to specialize in specific areas such as counseling, rehabilitation, or investigative work. This may require additional education or training.
Continuing Education: Correctional officers are often required to complete ongoing training and professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest policies and procedures.
Overall, the typical career path for a correctional officer involves a combination of initial training, entry-level work, promotions, and ongoing professional development.
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