Correctional Officer, Certificate
Program Overview
The Correctional Officer basic recruit training program prepares students for a career in corrections. Correctional officers oversee the custody of those who have been accused or convicted of crimes. For those seeking dual certifications, the Institute of Public Safety also offers a correctional officer to law enforcement officer certification.
The correctional officer academy at the Institute of Public Safety prepares students as entry-level correctional officers in Florida. The program design is fast-paced and highly structured, consisting of curriculum developed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The program is 420 contact hours taught by instructors with real-world experience to students outfitted with uniforms and equipment worn by correctional officers currently. Using these aids greatly enhances mental and physical cognition through scenario-based training as students prepare for their new profession.
The programs offered are presented in one of the most innovative and high-tech facilities in the nation and cover a broad range of academic and hands-on training that qualifies students to take the state certification exam from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's (FDLE) Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).
To increase earning potential and help career advancement, students who complete this certificate can sign up for the Criminal Justice Bridge Course. In one three-credit summer class, you can earn up to 12 credits toward an Associate in Science degree in Criminal Justice Technology.
Licensure and Certification
Upon completion of this program, students can earn professional certifications and occupational licenses, including those concerning out-of-state reciprocity.
Requirements for admissions into the Correctional Officer (CO) program are established by Santa Fe College Institute of Public Safety in accordance with Florida Statute 943.13, Florida Administrative Code 11B-27, 11B-35, and include:
- Must pass the FDLE Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT)
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
- Cannot be convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, including a plea of nolo contendere
- Must have fingerprints on file with the program
- Must pass a physical examination by a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse
- Must be of good moral character
- Must submit to controlled substance testing
All tuition and fees are estimated costs and subject to change without notice.
Program Costs Breakdown
Tuition for 420 Contact Hours
Tuition and Lab Fees
- $2,655.39 Florida Residents
- $4,069.80 Non-Florida Residents
Program Application Fee: $135.00
Additional Expenses
- $150.00 Supplies
Program Cost Totals
- $2,940.39 Florida Residents
- $4,354.80 Non-Florida Residents
Scholarships
There are many scholarships available for Santa Fe College students to apply to. Please visit the Scholarships webpage for more information and how to apply.
Financial Aid
This program is not covered by Financial Aid. For more information regarding Financial Aid guidelines or to speak with a financial aid advisor, please visit the Financial Aid page for more information.
Florida Open Door Grant
This grant pays 100% of the tuition, fees, books, supplies, and assessment costs for this program. Students may qualify for a stipend of up to $1,500 for living expenses while completing their program, as funds are available. For More Information visit the Grants Page.
- Demonstrate knowledge of criminal justice system components, terms, concepts, legal issues, and processes.
- Demonstrate knowledge of interpersonal communication strategies, radio communication procedures, interviewing methods, and report writing techniques.
- Describe the methods for processing and releasing inmates, as well as for inspecting, using, and managing corrections equipment and facilities in a safe manner.
- Describe the procedures for transporting, monitoring, and supervising inmates, as well as handling disciplinary actions, visitation, and the oversight of special populations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of correctional officer safety practices, contraband, and search procedures.
- Demonstrate a knowledge and proficiency in high liability topics that include administering first-aid, CPR, Handling and using firearms, applying defensive tactics, and maintaining functional fitness.
For student success and employment data, see the Program Effectiveness section below.
The correctional officer academy at the Institute of Public Safety prepares students as entry-level correctional officers in Florida. The program design is fast-paced and highly structured, consisting of curriculum developed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The program is 420 contact hours taught by instructors with years of real-world experience to students outfitted with uniforms and equipment worn by correctional officers currently. We have found that the use of these aids greatly enhances mental and physical cognition through scenario-based training as students prepare for the new profession.
2020 Florida Basic Recruit Training Program: Correctional Officer
- CJK-0300 Introduction to Corrections (32 contact hours)
- CJK-0305 Communications (40 contact hours)
- CJK-0310 Officer Safety (16 contact hours)
- CJK-0315 Facility and Equipment (8 contact hours)
- CJK-0320 Intake and Release (18 contact hours)
- CJK-0325 Supervising in a Correctional Facility (40 contact hours)
- CJK-0330 Supervising Special Populations (20 contact hours)
- CJK-0078 Responding to Incidents and Emergencies (16 contact hours)
2020 Florida Basic Recruit Training Program: High Liability
- CJK-0031 First Aid for Criminal Justice Officers (40 contact hours)
- CJK-0040 Criminal Justice Firearms (80 contact hours)
- CJK-0051 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics (80 contact hours)
- CJK-0096 Criminal Justice Officer Physical Fitness Training (30 contact hours)
Program Effectiveness captures the quality of a program using qualitative data such as program completion, national exam pass rates and job placement.
2020
Students Admitted: 9
Students Graduated: 6
State Correctional Certification on the first attempt: 5 (83%)
Employment rate at the time of graduation: 6 (100%)
The Corrections classes average an 80% pass rate on the SOCE for a three-year period from 2018 – 2020.
Disclosure
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is not the bill that you will receive from Santa Fe College. It is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend Santa Fe College for one academic year including tuition, books, course materials, living expenses, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.
Tuition and fees in the cost of attendance below are calculated for credit hour programs, assuming enrollment in 12 credit hours in the Fall and Spring semesters. Actual tuition and fees may vary by program. For a better understanding of your chosen program’s tuition and fees, see program costs above.
Off-Campus* | Off-Campus w/ Parent** | |
---|---|---|
Tuition and Fees In-State: $106.77 per credit |
In-State: $2,563 Out-Of-State: $9,190 |
In-State: $2,563 Out-Of-State: $9,190 |
Books, Course Materials, |
$783 | $783 |
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) |
$10,367 | $3,654 |
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses |
$2,394 | $2,394 |
Transportation | $1,197 | $3,942 |
Total |
In-State: $17,304 Out-Of-State: $23,931 |
In-State: $13,336 Out-Of-State: $19,963 |
Off-Campus* | Off-Campus w/ Parent** | |
---|---|---|
Tuition and Fees In-State: $126.33 per credit |
In-State: $3,032 Out-Of-State: $10,292 |
In-State: $3,032 Out-Of-State: $10,292 |
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment |
$783 | $783 |
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) |
$10,367 | $3,654 |
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses |
$2,394 | $2,394 |
Transportation | $1,197 | $3,942 |
Total |
In-State: $17,773 Out-Of-State: $25,033 |
In-State: $13,805 Out-Of-State: $21,065 |
*Off-Campus: you intend to live off-campus but not with your parent(s).
**Off-Campus with Parent: you intend to live with your parent(s) or other relatives.
Note: All costs and rates are subject to change for the upcoming year.
For more detailed information, visit SF's Cost of Attendance page.