Correctional Officer
Supervise and rehabilitate inmates in Department of Correctional Services facilities.
What the job involves
- Supervise inmates and maintain safety and order.
- Support rehabilitation, education and work programmes.
- Keep accurate records and manage escorts.
School subjects you need
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy accepted. Confirm the exact requirement with the institution you apply to.
- English
- A second language
- Life Orientation
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
- Indicative APS
- Not applicable — DCS recruits through learnerships
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- English: pass level
- Clear criminal record and medical fitness required
These are indicative ranges for guidance only. Every university, university of technology and TVET college sets its own admission requirements — check the current prospectus of the institution you are applying to.
Study routes
- DCS learnership and basic trainingAbout 12 months
Recruitment is advertised nationally; screening includes fitness, integrity and medical checks.
- Correctional services diploma3 years
Supports promotion into specialist and management roles.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R10 000 – R16 000 per month
- Mid-career
- R20 000 – R30 000 per month
- Senior
- R35 000 – R60 000 per month
Indicative gross monthly ranges from public South African salary sources. They vary by employer, province and experience, and are not guarantees. Compare all careers.
Where you can study this
Public institutions that commonly offer this field. Confirm the exact programme, its minimum APS and the closing date on the institution's own admissions page.
- University of KwaZulu-NatalUKZN · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- University of JohannesburgUJ · Johannesburg
- University of the Western CapeUWC · Bellville, Cape Town
- University of Fort HareUFH · Alice and East London
- University of LimpopoUL · Mankweng, Polokwane
- University of VendaUniven · Thohoyandou
- Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU · Mthatha, East London, Butterworth, Komani
- University of MpumalangaUMP · Mbombela and Siyabuswa
- University of South AfricaUnisa · Distance learning, head office in Pretoria
- Tshwane University of TechnologyTUT · Pretoria and surrounding campuses
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Uqapha futhi asize ekuvuselelweni kweziboshwa emajele kahulumeni.
Afrikaans: Hou toesig oor gevangenes en ondersteun rehabilitasie.