Agencies
Services
Procedure
Three examinations are required of all applicants: Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE); the Inmate Disciplinary Report Written Exam (IDR); and the Physical Agility Test (PAT). Applicants must meet the minimum standards on each examination to be eligible for hire. Upon completion of these examinations, an oral interview is conducted with each applicant. Applicants have the opportunity to earn up to a total of 100 screening points and are placed on eligibility lists in rank order. Institutions hire applicants based on scores.
Weighted values are assigned to each of the following dimensions based on its relationship to successful job performance.
| Weight Assigned | Point Range | |
|---|---|---|
| TABE Test | Pass / Fail | - |
| Written Exam | 20% | 0 - 20 |
| Physical Agility Test | Pass / Fail | - |
| Interview Process | 30% | 0 - 30 |
| Education | 20% | 0 - 20 |
| Work Experience | 20% | 0 - 20 |
| Military Experience | 10% | 0 - 10 |
1) Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)
The Department of Corrections requires that all applicants for security positions successfully complete a written reading comprehension and vocabulary examination. Applicants must receive a minimum score equivalent to the 10th grade reading level. Applicants meeting this criterion can move on to the next phase in the screening process. The TABE is used to establish a baseline for reading comprehension. No screening points are awarded for its successful completion.
2) Written Examination (2-20)
This written examination consists of the viewing of a videotaped incident after which the applicant is required to answer 30 multiple choice questions regarding the video. This examination measures an individual's ability to observe and interpret information.
3) Physical Agility Test
Since being in good physical shape is a prime consideration for being a Correctional Officer Trainee, applicants are required to successfully complete a physical agility test to be eligible for hire. The test is comprised of four exercises designed to measure an applicant's ability to perform the job duties required of a Correctional Officer Trainee. Applicants must complete all four of the exercises to continue in the screening process. No screening points are awarded for successful completion of the Physical Agility Test.
4) Interview Process (0-30)
Phase 1 (Written Process) - Applicants are required to answer multiple choice questions using a standardized questionnaire in Phase 1 of the interview process. Applicants can receive 0, 3, or 6 points for each question on the questionnaire, for a total of 30 possible points.
Phase 2 (Oral Interview Process) - Applicants are interviewed by a team of two(2) Department of Corrections officials using a standardized interview questionnaire. Upon completion of the interview, the officials independently rate the applicant based on three categories.