Ace the Massachusetts Correctional Officer Exam and Hiring Process
Ace the Massachusetts Correctional Officer Exam and Hiring Process
Becoming a correctional officer in Massachusetts requires passing the Correction Officer I Exam.
It's a challenging 3-hour multiple-choice test consisting of six ability areas that assess the candidate's grammar and accuracy skills, as well as his ability to gather, read, understand, analyze, explain, and apply information in various correction officer scenarios.
The JobTestPrep Practice Pack offers a comprehensive collection of practice questions with scenarios tailored specifically to the Correction Officer Examination, including:
- 2 Checking Accuracy practice tests that will improve your ability to compare between numbers and code letters presented in tables.
- 5 Understanding Data and Information practice tests that will assist you in learning to correctly extract and analyze numerical information presented in tables, graphs, and short passages.
- 6 Reading Comprehension practice tests that will help you get better at reading, understanding, and analyzing correction officer scenarios.
- 11 Applying Information practice tests that will increase your ability to understand general rules and apply them to specific correction officer-related situations.
- 11 Math practice tests that will make you better at taking numerical data and using it to make calculations; through practice, you’ll reduce the number of computation errors, and learn fundamental math concepts and principles.
- 15 Written Communication practice tests that will perfect your proficiency in Information Presentation, Paragraph Organization, Punctuation & Capitalization, Restatements, and Sentence Completion.
This Practice Prep includes a wide collection of practice questions with scenarios tailored specifically to the Correction Officer I Exam
- 2 Checking Accuracy practice tests
- 5 Understanding Data and Information practice tests
- 6 Reading Comprehension practice tests
- 11 Applying Information practice tests
- 11 Math practice tests
- 15 Written Communication practice tests
- 7 Study Guides & Video Tutorials
Here you’ll find information on the 2025 Correctional Officer Massachusetts exam, practice questions, and a detailed review of each step in the selection process. Let’s begin
How to Become a Correctional Officer in MA?
There are several steps to the Massachusetts Corrections Officer Application Process
- Submit an application form.
- Pass the Correction Officer I Examination.
- Pass an Interview.
Other prerequisites include:
- Passing a Physical Ability Test.
- Passing 2 Psychological Examinations.
- Passing a Background Check.
- Passing a Drug test.
Minimal Massachusetts correctional officer requirements for application:
- Legal US work status.
- Active MA Driver’s License.
- Eligible to obtain a license to carry a firearm in the state of MA.
What Is The Massachusetts Correctional Officer Exam?
The correctional officer MA exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover reading comprehension, written communication, applying information, and checking. You will be given 3 hours to complete the test.
The goal of the test is to check whether you have the ability to:
- Gather information.
- Identify Grammer correctly.
- Read, understand, explain, and apply information.
- Analyze and determine the applicability of quantitative and qualitative data.
- Maintain accurate records.
- Work accurately with names, numbers, codes, and symbols.
Challenge yourself by solving some free Massachusetts Correctional Officer exam sample questions.
Free Massachusetts Correctional Officer Test Practice
Reading Comprehension
You have been asked to complete a temporary cell-sharing risk review on a prisoner returning to the unit from the medical center.
You should use the prisoner information below to help you complete the risk review.
Sentence History Summary for Andrew McManus
Andrew has been reported as he has shown threatening behavior to prisoner Hugo Volaire in a sexual manner. He is a particularly strong individual and has made numerous attempts to assault him. It is unclear whether an assault has taken place but there is reason to believe that it has. This is the first time it has been reported so it may be an isolated incident triggered by something else.
Andrew is a heroin addict and is on the methadone program where he receives his daily dose from Nurse Kelly. She has found him to be rather aggressive and threatening but she reports that no attempt has been made on her. After receiving his dose he normally calms down within five minutes and is much more talkative.
Andrew has a short temper and is easily angered. While he has not damaged any property he has been seen brandishing the pool cue at others. Whether this is in jest or not is difficult to tell because whenever the prison officers approach him he seems to calm down immediately. He gets particularly angry if any of his possessions are moved out of place, this applies even more so with his spicy sauces that he uses to flavor his food.
A Security Information Report was received from Warden Billis; he overheard him trying to seduce above mentioned prisoner Volaire in the showers. He also raised concerns over his threatening behavior during association.
Andrew works in gardens and there have been three separate reports received over his defacing of the roses. He has pulled out some thorns and they have been removed from his possession before returning to his cell. This could well add to his risk factor.
No other issues noted.
Does the prisoner have repeated violence in detention?
A. Yes.
B. No
Are there any security concerns - e.g. evidence of a weapon?
A. Yes.
B. No.
Does the prisoner have repeated violence in detention?
The correct answer is yes as we see from the passage: Pool cue, Showers etc.
Are there any security concerns - e.g. evidence of a weapon?
The correct answer is yes as can be seen by what happened in gardening.
Applying Information
Observed Prison Location at 13:30-15:30:
Are there other prisoners missing or in the wrong location at 13:30-15:30?
Name of Prisoner:
There has recently been a problem with location prisoners. You have been asked to check that all prisoners are in the right place at the right time.
You should use the prison timetable below to check if the prisoners are in the required locations at the required times.
You MUST take account of the notes/remarks for today.
Choose the correct answer:
A. Whiting WG15.
B. Hamerton HN23.
C. Payne PE15
D. Scollen SN08
E. Tuffney TY24.
F. Mancini MI27
Mancini MI27 is the correct answer.
Mathematics Skills
You have been asked to order reinforced concrete slabs for a new wing. the height of the slabs is 0.75 m and the height of the walls needs to be 3 meters high. The dimensions of the width and length of the wing are shown below:
You have to order enough tiling to cover the entire area. What area do the tiles have to cover?
A. 69
B. 72.
C. 74.
D. 75
E. 76
Since we need to calculate the area of the floor we have the following:
6 * 12 = 72 m2
Pass the MA Correction Officer Test
JobTestPrep Employes a team of cognitive specialists to create the most accurate and comprehensive MA Correction Officer preparation around.
Each prep test is thoroughly researched and frequently updated to ensure that you get the most accurate and comprehensive test practice available.
Massachusetts Correctional Officer Physical Fitness Test
Candidates must meet or exceed the following entrance standards to be enrolled in the recruit training program:
- 1.5-mile run timed.
- Timed sit-ups completed in one minute.
- Timed push-ups completed in one minute.
Candidates shall also be required to provide a signed Physician Release Form in order to participate in the physical fitness test.
Psychological Testing
Psychological screening includes the following:
- Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Exam - The MMPI-2 test questions consist of 567 true-false and take approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
- Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) - This test determines an individual's personality based on their preference for Sensing (S) or Intuition (N), Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I), Thinking (T) or Feeling (F), and Judging (J) or Perceiving (P).
Candidates must also undergo one-on-one interviews with a psychologist/clinician regarding their background, personality, and mental stability.
List of State Massachusetts Prisons
The state of Massachusetts offers many opportunities for correctional officers.
The jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts DOC spans over a dozen prison complexes and detention centers so, you are likely to find an opening at one of these facilities.
Completed applications can be submitted upon completion of the written examination process during the initial personal interview.
| Massachusetts State Correctional Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center | Cedar Junction Correctional Institution |
| Old Colony Correctional Center | Bridgewater State Hospital |
| Concord Correctional Institution | Massachusetts Treatment Center |
| Norfolk Correctional Institution | North Central Correctional Institution |
| Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit | Framingham Correctional Institution |
| Massachusetts Alcohol, Substance Abuse Center | Shirley |
| Plymouth Correctional Institution | Boston Pre-Release Center |
| Northeastern Correctional Center | Pondville Correctional Center |
| South Middlesex Correctional Center | |
Massachusetts Correctional Officer Interview Process
Passing the pre-employment correctional officer entrance exam will give you the ability to move on to the interview process.
During your interviews with the Massachusetts Department of Correction, you will be asked a variety of questions pertaining to your resume and previous working history to more behavioral and situational questions.
The behavioral and scenario questions have been designed to evaluate how you will respond to real-world on-the-job situations that are likely to arise within a prison setting.
Training at The Correctional Officer Academy Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Correctional Officer training process will take place at the Shirley Correctional Complex Training Academy. It will include:
- Learning the policies and procedures of the DOC.
- Self-defense.
- Usage of firearms.
- Appropriate techniques for handcuffing and restraining offenders.
- Appropriate emergency vehicle operations.
- Suicide prevention, security operations, and much more.
The MDOC correctional officer training program will last 10+ weeks
About the Massachusetts Department of Corrections
Headquartered in Milford, the Massachusetts Department of Correction was established in 1919. The Massachusetts DOC is the largest law enforcement body in the state currently overseeing 16 facilities and employing 5,200 people.
The mission of the Massachusetts DOC is to provide public safety for the communities it serves while also providing opportunities for offenders to participate in programs designed to reduce recidivism.
FAQs
The written test will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions that assess the basic six essential abilities required for the Correction Officer I position.
Based on ZipRecruiter, a Correctional Officer in Massachusetts earns an average annual salary of $40,626 as of May 22, 2023.
The following is a list of positions available for correctional officers:
- General Corrections Officer.
- Juvenile Corrections Officer.
- Corrections Counselor.
- Corrections Administrator.
- Probation Officer.
- Activities Specialist.
- Substance Abuse Counselor.
Helpful Links
If you are looking for a different test, or are not sure which test is relevant for your position, please contact us at c.serv@jobtestprep.com and we will do our best to ensure you get the most accurate preparation for your upcoming assessment.
