Considering a Prison Officer Training Course?
If you want to become a prison officer, it is a brilliant idea to do a prison officer training course. The course will equip you with all the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform the role successfully. The good news is there are so many prison officer training courses currently available. In addition, they offer good flexibility for those balancing work and study. Prison officer training courses are available in part-time and evening class options, in person and online.
What Does a Prison Officer Do?
A prison officer conducts prisoner cell searches and transports and escorts prisoners outside the prison. In addition, they assist and encourage prisoners with their individual development programs and review cases. They also assist prisoners with matters impacting their welfare, behaviours, security and routines.
Skills & Knowledge Required to be a Prison Officer
To be a prison officer, there are some skills and knowledge you need. Therefore, you’ll need the following:
- knowledge of public security and safety
- the ability to work well under pressure and accept criticism
- the ability to remain calm and have patience in stressful situations
- attention to detail and be thorough
- flexible and open to change
- leadership skills
- brilliant verbal communication skills
- legal knowledge including government regulations and court procedures
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a hand-held device or computer
Restrictions & Requirements
In order to become a prison officer, you need to undergo prison officer training and pass all the assessments. In addition, you need to pass a background check and be over 18 years old.
Stages of Assessment
Police officer training courses contain numerous stages and assessments. It is essential that you know about these assessments so that you can appropriately prepare.
1. Online Assessment
Generally, you will be invited to initially complete an online assessment. This will include the following:
- Completion of an online questionnaire
- Verbal reasoning test
- Numerical reasoning test
- Situational judgement questionnaire
2. Assessment Centre Test Supervised
If you have passed the first stage, you will go on to the next stage which is generally a supervised test in the test centre. These tests could include the following:
- Paper-based assessments
- Presentation exercise
- Group exercise
- Work sample exercise
- Language tests – written and oral
3. Interview and Various Other Assessments
If you successfully completed the second stage, you will be invited to attend an interview and various other assessments. Interviews are generally competency based. You may be assessed under the following competencies:
- Supporting others
- Directing others
- Resilience
- Conscientiousness
- Adaptability
- Information Communication and Handling
4. Medical, Vetting Examination; Physical Competency Test
Candidates who have been successful will generally be asked to complete an online pre-employment health questionnaire and undergo a pre-employment and medical examination. This is often followed by a physical fitness test also.
The stages of assessment vary depending on the course provider; however, you can expect to be well tested before entering the police officer field.
If you’re serious about doing a police officer training course, check out courses near you in the Nightcourses.co.uk national course finder.
