What educational requirement must a candidate meet to apply for a correctional officer position in TDCJ?

To apply for a correctional officer position in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), candidates must meet the educational requirement of having a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED. This requirement ensures that candidates possess a minimum level of education that is essential for understanding the responsibilities and duties of a correctional officer. A high school diploma or GED indicates that the individual has attained foundational skills in reading, writing, and basic mathematics, which are vital for completing reports, understanding policies, and effectively communicating within a correctional environment.

While some positions may highly value additional education such as a college degree in criminal justice, work experience in law enforcement, or military service, these are not mandatory for the basic requirement to become a correctional officer. Therefore, candidates can still apply as long as they meet the high school diploma or GED equivalent educational prerequisite.