Probation Officer Requirements: How To Become One?

Published April 5, 2024

A probation officer is a valuable job. It plays a critical part in rehabilitating offenders back into society. They comply with court orders. They outline the stipulations of probation. They also work with their clients alongside agencies to fulfill probation requirements. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how to become a probation officer. We’ll tackle what probation is exactly, what it does, and the skills and qualifications required. We’ll also include a designated section on salary expectations. Let’s start. 

What Is a Probation Officer?

A probation officer or community supervision officer. They works with criminal offenders sentenced to probation. They ensures they follow the terms of their sentencing. 

Probation is the time a person is under supervision to fulfill their sentence. It is instead of or after time served in a penitentiary. 

What Does a Probation Officer Do?

• Following the requirements of their clients’ probation orders
• Collaborating with various law enforcement and social service agencies. They do so to support offenders as they transition back into society after fulfilling their sentences
• Coordinating education, training, housing along with job placement 
• Monitoring client’s activities to guarantee they are complying with the requirements of probation
• Making an account of the offender’s status and progress
• Preparing reports for court officials
• Overseeing compliance with the probation order by conducting drug tests, home visits, regular meetings 
• Attending hearings and other court proceedings for assigned probationers 
• Interviewing employers 

How To Become a Probation Officer: Probation Officer Requirements 

Probation officers typically work for the state or federal government and require a degree in a related field. Prospective candidates may undergo testing and checks to ensure they qualify for the position. 

The requirements may differ depending on the state or agency that employs the officer. Yet, in general, you can follow these steps to become a probation officer. 

1. Earn a relevant degree. 

Probation officers require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to their work. They are also required to comprehend how the criminal justice system works. Also, learn the best ways to help their clients effectively reenter society.

Typical qualifying degree fields include: 

• Behavioral science
• Criminal justice
• Social work
• Psychology 
• Criminal law
• Human relations
• Public administration 

2. Acquire related experience 

Some agencies may demand experience. It is before a probation officer position. Aspiring officers may obtain relevant experience working in the court system. They can also intern at a probation office. In some agencies, age and experience may be equal to higher education. Related working environments include: 

• Law enforcement 
• Case management
• Counseling
• Criminal investigation
• Corrections 

3. Meet hiring requirements

Requirements for probation officers may differ from state to state. Yet, most of them are required to: 

• Be a United States citizen 
• Be 37 years old or younger at the time of application
• Have a college degree and obtain relevant training
• Be of decent moral character
• Pass a written exam, endurance test, and capability analysis
• Pass competitive oral, psychological, and physical exams 
• Pass a background check
• Not be a convicted felon 

4. Apply to an open position. 

Open positions for probation officers may be competitive. It is because of the responsibility involved. Also, the state and federal agencies are meticulous when hiring. It’s vital to thoroughly review the necessary documents. It is since the requirements may suddenly change. Documents you may need include: 

• Valid driver’s license
• Social security card
• College transcript
• Selective service registration card 
• Update resume or CV 

5. Pass the interview process.

In this process, candidates might appear before a panel and answer questions about the position. This is done to screen the candidate’s personality and ability to carry out the job. Candidates may be presented with cases to assess how they would handle job-related situations. Questions may also relate to temperament and how to communicate effectively. 

Some questions may include: 

• Tell me about your ability to work under pressure
• How would you manage a probation who became physically threatening
• What methods do you use to track the probationer’s progress
• How do you build trust with a probationer 

6. Complete training academy

Probation officers may undergo on-the-job training alongside orientations. Training to become a probation officer includes: 

• Understanding district policy 
• Learning court routines
• Practicing how to write official reports
• Completing first aid and CPR training 
• Comprehending surveillance and investigation policies and techniques 
• Handling firearms 
• Applying defensive tactics
• Becoming safety instructors 

Probation Officer Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to juggle multiple cases at one time and keep the details straight
• Analytical and decision-making skills
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and potentially harmful citations 
• Competitiveness in using different software programs to track and report data
• Interpersonal skills and capacity to work with a variety of individuals 

Probation Officer Salary Expectations

The average yearly pay for a US Probation Officer is approximately $72,983. It is reported to be 50% above the national average. It suggests that this career can expect to earn a competitive salary.