Staying fit for the role
While you don’t need to be an athlete to work in Corrections, you do need to be in good physical health. You will need to pass a Workplace Health Assessment which will include:
General medical and physical checks
These checks help to ensure you’re able to safely perform the duties of a Correctional Officer and maintain your wellbeing at work. A comprehensive questionnaire about your medical history will be conducted, and the checks will assess your:
- lung function
- body mass index (BMI)
- skin health
- skeletal condition
- nervous system.
Eyesight and hearing tests
Clear vision and hearing are important for maintaining safety, communication and awareness in a correctional environment. These tests assess whether your eyesight and hearing meet the standards required for the role, including the ability to respond effectively in day‑to‑day and emergency situations. They will assess your:
- near, distance, colour and peripheral vision
- hearing.
Lifting, fitness and movement tests
These practical assessments check your ability to safely perform physical tasks that may be required on the job, such as standing for extended periods, walking, lifting and moving objects, and responding to incidents. You don’t need to be an athlete — the focus is on functional fitness and safe movement. Tests will assess your:
- range of movement
- cardiovascular health (via the 3-minute step test)
- strength (including grip, shoulder, neck, back and finger strength)
- locomotor system.
Drug and alcohol screening
Drug and alcohol screening is conducted to help ensure a safe and professional workplace for staff, prisoners and the wider community. This forms part of the standard pre‑employment checks for Correctional Officers and reflects the safety‑critical nature of the role.