Prison Officer Requirements, Skills & Qualifications

The following common skills and qualifications are required of a Prison Officer:

  • High School Diploma
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including assertiveness and self-motivation
  • Excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to get on with a range of people
  • Personal integrity and resilience
  • Organisational skills
  • The ability to remain calm under pressure
  • Self-confidence and emotional intelligence
  • Physical stamina
  • Have good eyesight and hearing.
  • Leadership potential and the ability to take responsibility
  • Team working skills and the ability to learn from others
  • Effective decision-making skills
  • A commitment to quality and awareness of how prisons fit within the wider criminal justice system and the community in general.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Prison Officer skill, qualifications and experience. Job requirements for specific Prison Officer roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.