2026 Correction Officer II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Statewide, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This examination is being administered by the Human Resources Division (HRD) to create an eligible list from which to fill Correction Officer II vacancies in the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC). The written examination will be designed to test, where practicable, the following abilities which have been established as qualifications for the position: ability to communicate orally and in writing, ability to initiate and work independently, ability to be adaptable, ability to be accountable, and ability to analyze and make decisions. The study materials for this exam are available on the Examination Preparation Guides and Reading Lists page of our website. Reading List: Available at Reading Lists Situational Judgement Test (SJT): The examination will measure your Judgment and Decision-Making, Accountability, Adaptability, Guiding and Developing Others, Leadership (including Managing Activities and Building Teams), and Interpersonal Skills (including Conflict Management). Experience & Education (E&E): All candidates must complete the 2026 Correction Officer II Promotional Examination E&E Claim application online. Instructions and a link to the E&E Claim will be emailed to candidates prior to the examination date. A confirmation email will be sent upon successful submission of an E&E Claim application. Submitting an E&E claim in any way other than through the online claim process will result in an "INCOMPLETE" score on this exam component. In addition, candidates who fail to include any supporting documentation to their E&E application by the deadline of August 22, 2026, will receive an "INCOMPLETE" score. All claims and supporting documentation must be received within seven calendar days following the examination. Supporting documentation must be scanned and attached to the E&E application or emailed to [email protected] no later than August 22, 2026. Documents can be uploaded to your Civil Service account when submitting your E&E application. Documents such as educational transcripts that have already been submitted and are attached to your Civil Service account do not need to be resubmitted. A new EVF must be provided for each examination. Statutory Preference Points: Veterans and disabled veterans will be awarded two points to their passing, overall (general average) examination score. To claim veterans’ preference, select veteran status in the application and attach your DD214 to the application or email it to [email protected] . For more information on veteran status, visit Military Information . Updating Information: Candidates are responsible for maintaining accurate contact information. Failure to keep your records current may jeopardize opportunities for employment. For information on how to update your information, visit Update Your Account . During the HRD review process or during the life of the applicable eligible list(s), candidates must make original supporting documentation available should the issue of authenticity arise with any submitted document copies. Refunds: There will be no refunds of the examination processing fee unless the examination is cancelled by HRD. Private School or Service: HRD does not recommend or endorse any private school, service, or publisher offering preparation and/or publications for examinations and is not responsible for their advertising claims. Supplemental Information: Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information about this and other civil service examinations, visit http://www.mass.gov/civilservice or email the Civil Service Unit at [email protected]. Inquiries may also be made to HRD, Monday through Friday, 8:45am – 5:00pm, at the following numbers: Boston area: (617) 878-9895 Within Massachusetts: 1-800-392-6178 TTY Number: (617) 878-9762

Requirements

Be an employee in the Department of Correction with permanent civil service status in the title of Correction Officer I.
Have been employed in the eligible title after certification from a civil service list, on a permanent or temporary civil service basis for twelve months preceding the examination date.
A combination of temporary and permanent service can be applied towards meeting this twelve month requirement.
Time spent pursuant to a temporary appointment in the title of Correction Officer II will not interrupt the service period in your permanent position.
Complete the 2026 Correction Officer II Promotional Examination E&E Claim application online.
Submit supporting documentation to their E&E application by the deadline of August 22, 2026.
Select veteran status in the application and attach your DD214 to the application or email it to [email protected] to claim veterans’ preference.
Maintain accurate contact information.

Nice To Haves

Current military personnel requesting a makeup opportunity should visit Civil Service Military Makeup Examinations for more information.

Responsibilities

Maintain custodial care and control of inmates.
Conduct vehicle and mail searches, staff and visitor searches, inmate searches, building and ground inspections.
Write reports, check inventory and evidence, review reports and documentation.
Manage incidents and maintain security, understanding use of force and when to implement it.
Prepare for evacuations and first aid.
Oversee inmates, review counts, observe and document inmate behavior.
Use inmate management system (IMS).
Coordinate inmate transportation.
Use the employee performance review system (EPRS).
Training and counseling.
Monitor rosters, oversee daily operations.
Communicate in writing and orally.
Oversee inmate activities.
Supervise staff.
Examine accessibility.
Respond to visitors and the media.
Perform other related work as required.