Probation Officer Requirements

Here we will explain the different requirements to become a probation officer. There are different levels and requirements for different agencies.

-Most agencies require that an applicant have at least a bachelor’s degree in an area such as criminal justice, counseling, justice administration, sociology, psychology or a similar field. Some agencies will allow a person to apply to be a probation officer with an associates degree if the person has a certain amount of experience in a similar line of work. Some examples would be, social work, pre-trial services, criminal investigation, substance abuse treatment, counseling etc. While still other agencies require that you have a master’s degree.

-Most probation officers are required to take a training course sponsored by the federal government or the state government. They are then possibly required to pass a certification test as well as some written, oral, psychological, and physical examinations.

-Most agencies require an applicant to be at least 21 and not older than 37.

-Potential probation officers should be in good physical condition.

-2 years of field work at a state level is needed to become a federal probation officer.

-A valid driver’s license is usually required.

-Most probation officers have to work for one year as a trainee before being able to acquire a full time permanent position.

-Individuals who have been convicted of a felony may not be eligible to become a probation officer.

-Need to be familiar with at least the basics of computers.

-Knowledge about laws and regulations that are relevant to corrections are helpful.

-Probation officers need to have strong written and oral skills. They will be writing many reports and communicating with offenders as well as the court.

-To advance to a higher level you will need lots of experience as a probation officer and may also need a master’s degree depending on the agency.