One of the most common and basic requirements that must be met in order to become a correctional officer is that you are at a certain educational level. Now, this can vary based on the position that you are applying for, but for nearly all entry-level correctional officer positions, this condition must be met.
This is achieved by the prospective correctional officer having either a high school diploma or a GED.
While most people clearly know and understand how one obtains a high school diploma, the process, and steps needed to obtain your GED might not be so clear.
What Is a GED?
A GED, or General Educational Development as it more accurately should be referred to, and not General Education Diploma, is basically an exam that tests the academic skill level of the test taker in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science.
How Do You Get a GED?
In order to receive a GED, you should check your state requirements as they can vary from state to state based on their educational guidelines. Generally, you need to be at least 16 years of age and not currently enrolled in high school.
The test that you will take for the GED will be a timed exam covering the 5 different subject areas previously mentioned, can take up to 8 hours to complete, and can only be conducted at official test centers.
Online High School Diploma Programs
Although earning your GED can be a major accomplishment for anyone that for whatever reason was unable to receive a high school diploma when they were younger, situations in life may bring some cause for concern as some may think it’s not as “good” as a diploma.
While once you earn your GED you will effectively be on the same playing field as someone with a traditional high school diploma, but to some having a GED almost places a stigma on you that is bound to lead to questions as to why you have a GED and not a diploma.
This might not be an issue to some but for others, this might present a problem that they would rather avoid. The solution to this is beginning an online high school diploma program. These are accredited institutions, such as Penn Foster or Capitol High School, have minimal requirements, offer online testing and in many cases can use your life and work experience as credit towards your diploma.
If not having a high school diploma or GED is your primary concern for not pursuing a career as a correctional officer then now there should be no excuse, get started today!
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