2026 Correction Officer I (October

2026 Correction Officer I Examination

This exam is being administered by the Human Resources Division (HRD) to establish an eligible list from which to fill Correction Officer I vacancies in the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC).

Written Examination Date:
October 10, 2026

Application Period Begins:
June 22, 2026

Final date to receive applications:
August 31, 2026

Examination Fee: $75

Written examination locations:
Various sites across the Commonwealth.

Notice to Appear for Examination:
Approximately two weeks prior to examination date

Examination Information

Examination Requirements:

Examples of Essential Duties:
Correction Officers work under direct supervision of other employees of a higher grade:
Maintains custodial care and control of inmates by escorting or transporting them under restraint, patrolling facilities, making periodic rounds, head counts and security checks of buildings, grounds and inmate quarters, monitoring inmates' movements and whereabouts, and guarding and directing inmates during work assignments to maintain order and security in a correctional institution; observes conduct and behavior of inmates; develops working relationships with inmates by referring individuals to appropriate supportive services;

evaluation reports; performs related operational duties and performs related work as required.

Working Conditions:

Correction Officers may work in a correctional facility, alone in an isolated area; may work varied shifts, weekends, holidays, or nights and are subject to a standby (on call) work status; may be subjected to verbal and physical abuse from others; may be required to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress; stand and walk for prolonged periods of time;

are subject to injury from firearms; may work under exposure to adverse weather conditions; may travel for job-related purposes; and may be required to furnish private transportation for reimbursable job-related travel.

Written Examination:
The written exam will be designed to test, where practicable, the following abilities which have been established as qualifications for the position: ability to gather information; ability to read, understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations; ability to write concisely and accurately to extract facts; ability to analyze and determine the applicability of quantitative and qualitative data; ability to maintain accurate records in Inmate Management System (IMS).

The following study material is available on the Examination Preparation Guides and Reading Lists page of our website.

Entrance Requirements for Correction Officer I:

• Age Requirement:
  Pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts General Law (MGL) ch.125, 4, this exam is open, and appointment eligible, to persons who have reached the age of 19 as of the date of the exam. Candidates must provide proof of birth date to satisfy this requirement prior to consideration for appointment.
• Education Requirement:
  As of the date of appointment, candidates must have either a high school diploma or equivalency certificate approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or three years of experience in the armed forces of the United States with last release or discharge under honorable conditions.

Credit for Employment/

Experience:

Pursuant to the provisions of MGL Ch. 31, § 22, individuals may apply to receive credit for employment or experience in the position title of Correction Officer I. You must claim this credit by completing the applicable section of the application. All claims must be verified by supporting documentation, which must provide specific details of any employment or experience you have in the exam title as a Correction Officer I, including dates of service and, if part-time, total number of hours worked.

The supporting documentation must be on original letterhead with an original signature from the hiring authority where the employment or experience occurred. Credit for employment or experience is applicable only to individuals who achieve a passing score on the exam and cannot be added to a failing exam score. Claims must be submitted during the application period; supporting documentation must be scanned and attached to the application or sent to civil service .

Supporting documentation must be submitted within seven calendar days of the written examination.

Note:

Resumes will not be accepted as sufficient supporting documentation.

Preference Claims:
Candidates can submit a claim for the following preferences.

• Veteran Status
• Disabled Veteran Status
• Children of Correction Officers:
  The son or daughter of a Correction Officer employed in Massachusetts who was killed or died of injuries received in the performance of duty, or who was permanently disabled as a result of injuries received in the performance of duty, is entitled to certification preference under the provisions of Chapter 402 of the Acts of 1985. If you believe you are eligible for this preference, you must…