Correctional Officer Vocational Certificate

How do I apply to the correctional officer certificate program?

1. You must apply for admission to Gulf Coast State College and enroll in either CORF-VC (the corrections certificate program, if you are paying for your classes yourself) or CJST-AS (the corrections degree option, if you are receiving ANY manner of financial assistance. If you have to enroll in the CJST-AS degree program, because you are receiving some manner of financial aid, you must also complete the College Placement Test scheduled by Jennifer Pierson (850-769-1551 x5611). Ms. Pierson is located in room 125, of the Bay County Emergency Operations Center, at 700 County Road 2300, Southport, Florida. Additionally, all students new to GCSC must complete the GCSC new student orientation. You can register for the GCSC new student orientation today.
2. You must complete the corrections academy application packet, available from John Ammons (jammons@gulfcoast.edu), in its entirety, inclusive of completing all pages of the application, having the pages of the application that require notarization so notarized, providing all required documentation copies; and, providing a color, passport size (2 x 2 inch), current photo. Incomplete applications will not be accepted; and, will delay your entry into the corrections academy.
3. You must successfully complete the CJBAT (Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test) for corrections (cost = $50); and, attain a passing score of 70 or above, under Florida law, on the CJBAT in order to enter the academy. The CJBAT is by appointment only, and is scheduled by Rebecca Acton (850-747-3242). Ms. Acton is located in room 118, of the Abbott Building, at 637 County Road 2300, Southport, Florida. (*Note:  Prior to taking the CJBAT you must present a valid state issued drivers license and your Social Security Card, no copies of either drivers license or Social Security Card will be accepted.)
4. You must submit to being fingerprinted, and successfully complete, the associated background investigation (cost = $85). If you have ever been convicted of any felony; or, any misdemeanor involving perjury, false statement, or any charge relating to domestic violence, you are ineligible to attend any corrections academy in the State of Florida. Also, if you were convicted of a felony as a juvenile; you cannot be in the constructive possession of a firearm until you are twenty-four years of age and will therefore not be able to attend the corrections academy until said age is attained.
5. You must submit to, and successfully pass, a physical examination (your cost) performed by a Florida licensed Physician (MD), Nurse Practitioner (ARNP); or, Physician’s Assistant (PA). The academy physical MUST be completed on CJSTC Form 75-B, that is contained within the attached law enforcement academy application. NOTE: If for any reason, medical or otherwise, you are incapable of being exposed to Oleo-Resin Capsicum (commonly known as pepper spray) you will not be able to attend the academy. Additionally, within the first two weeks of the academy you must undertake a physical fitness test comprised of a maximum effort vertical jump, maximum effort push-ups for one minute, maximum effort sit-ups for one minute, a 300 meter run; and, a 1.5 mile walk/run. The exact same test will be administered during the last two weeks of the academy in order to determine if satisfactory physical fitness progress over the course of the academy was achieved.
6. Complete an pre-entrance interview with John Ammons (jammons@gulfcoast.edu), scheduled by appointment only, when you have fully completed all of the corrections academy application materials. This means that you have completely filled out all of the corrections academy application pages, have had the forms that require notarization so notarized, have all of the required documentation copies, have your color passport size photo, have successfully passed the CJBAT exam, have had your fingerprints rolled for the background investigation; and, have had your physical exam. Incomplete applications will not be accepted; and, will delay your entry into the corrections academy. 

Consult the Gulf Coast State College Catalog for specific program and course information.

Program Requirements

After completing the correctional officer certification training and passing the State Officer Examination certification, students may continue their education by completing the Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice Technology.

• General Education Core.

+ Prerequisites and/or corequisites required.  See course descriptions.

# Applies to A.S. degree and certificate programs.

= PSAV course.

* Minimum grade of "C" required.