The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Personnel Division will notify applicants of testing dates and locations.

The State Personnel Department will grade the tests and rank job applicants on the basis of their written examination scores. The names of applicants who pass the written exam are placed on an employment register (list of qualified job applicants).

Job applicants who pass the physical ability/agility test are fingerprinted and given a pre-employment medical examination, drug screen, and Correctional Officer I (COI) pre-employment packet with paperwork that applicants complete on the day of testing.

After successful completion of the written examination, the physical ability/agility test, medical exam, drug screen, and background check, a COI applicant is eligible for appointment to the ADOC.

Job applicants are offered conditional employment. After employment, the Correctional Officer is considered a COI Cadet and must pass all academic, physical, and regulatory requirements of the State of Alabama Merit System, ADOC, and the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC).

Correctional Officer Cadets are required to complete a 12-week training program. The first week is on-the-job training at an assigned correctional facility. The 11 remaining weeks are at the ADOC Training Academy located in Selma, Alabama. COI Cadets reside at the Academy while in training Sunday through Thursday of each week. Successful completion of the Academy will result in APOSTC Certification as a Correctional Officer.

Correctional Officers serve a 6-month probationary period. Salary increases and removal from probationary status are based upon job performance.