To work as a corrections officer or instructor, you need a good level of fitness.
In a prison, things can change quickly. Staff must be ready to help in an emergency at any time. This can mean moving fast or doing physical tasks with little warning.
Before you can start the job, you must complete a Physical Readiness Assessment (PRA).
What happens in the Physical Readiness Assessment (PRA)
Eve, a corrections officer and fitness and wellbeing adviser, explains what candidates need to do as part of the PRA. The PRA is held near the end of the recruitment process and is designed to make sure that candidates are physically fit for custodial roles.
What we look for
Every task in the PRA is based on something you may do in your role.
For example:
- Walking between units
- Carrying out a search
- Responding to an emergency
- Helping to manage a physical incident
- Moving an unconscious colleague to safety
The PRA consists of six exercises that check your fitness, strength, mobility, and flexibility.
Preparing for the PRA
Our downloadable PRA guide covers each of the exercises in the assessment, and includes three training levels for either gym-based or home-based training.
Training tips
Start at the right level
Choose a training programme that matches your current fitness level. Starting at the right level can help you build confidence and reduce the risk of injury.
Our downloadable PRA guide includes three training levels: Choose the level that best matches your current fitness level.
Progress takes time
Training regularly and improving a little at a time is the best way to prepare for the PRA.
Stay safe: Consult your doctor
Before starting a new exercise programme, check with your doctor if you have any health conditions. Always put your health and safety first.
Stay motivated
Training for the PRA can be challenging, but staying motivated can help you reach your goal.
Here are some tips:
- Train with a friend to help keep each other motivated.
- Consider working with a fitness trainer for extra support and advice.
- Set small goals and celebrate your progress.
- Keep track of your workouts and improvements.
Remember why you want this job and the goals you are working towards.
Recent stories
Recruitment steps for custodial roles
The recruitment process for Corrections can vary depending on the role.
Fit for the role: Understanding the Physical Readiness Assessment
Part of the recruitment process for custodial roles is completing a Physical Readiness Assessment (PRA).
Corrections Officer: The Real Job
We need people with skill – absolutely. But the ones who truly make an impact? They bring skill and heart. That’s what sets our corrections officers apart.
5 things to know about working as an instructor at Corrections
Our instructors help people in prison to learn new trade skills and knowledge, teaching and providing instruction within the prison environment.
Frequently asked questions
Application process for corrections officers
Stage 1 Corrections officer recruitment process: Initial screening
At this stage of the recruitment process we’re interested in learning more about you and giving you an opportunity to learn more about us.
- The first step is an initial review of your eligibility for the role. If you’re eligible we’ll arrange for you to have a brief phone call with our team.
- The phone call lets you ask questions and allows us to learn more about why you want to be a corrections officer and what you might bring to the role.
- It is not a formal interview, but it does influence whether your application is progressed. Therefore, it’s worth looking into the role and reflecting on why you think it could be right for you.
For stories and more information on what it’s like to be a corrections officer, check out our role page.
Stage 2 Corrections officer recruitment process: Assessing suitability
This phase is about getting a better understanding of your personality and capabilities.
Online assessment
You will be asked to complete an online assessment. You don’t need to prepare for this, but try to find a quiet room without distractions so you can focus.
Assessment centre
This phase also involves an in‑person assessment centre - a half‑day session where candidates complete a role play, a team exercise, a written exercise and an interview. It’s a chance for us to get to know you better and for you to show your natural skills and gain a better understanding of what working as a corrections officer is like.
During the assessment centre we will be looking for:
- Great communication, relationship‑building and interpersonal skills
- Alignment with our five values
- Safety awareness
- Critical thinking
- Resilience during challenging situations
- Ability to relate to people from all walks of life and cultures.
Download the assessment centre guide for more details.
Stage 3 Corrections officer recruitment process: Health, safety and team fit
After the assessment centre there are a few extra steps to help you understand our environment and ensure you’ll be able to safely carry out the role. These are:
-
A medical assessment to make sure that any conditions you have — medical, neurological, psychological or sensory — don’t affect your safety or increase risk inside the prison.
-
A drug test.
-
An on‑the‑job preview (SCOPE) that allows you to shadow one of our team members for a day, ask questions and see what the prison environment is like.
-
A physical readiness assessment (PRA), held on the same day as your on‑the‑job preview. This short fitness test is based on tasks you carry out as a Corrections Officer. You don’t need to be an athlete to complete it, but you do need to demonstrate a level of fitness for the role.
Download the PRA Preparation guide for more information.
Stage 4 Corrections officer recruitment process: Final checks
The final stage of the recruitment process is when we conduct some pre‑employment checks. These include:
-
Referee checks
-
New Zealand Police vetting
We’ll be in touch with further information and to let you know what we need from you for these checks.
I want to be a Corrections Officer – what do I do?
Start by reading about the role on our website. Apply online, and we’ll be in touch. It might take a week or so due to high volumes.
What happens after the interview?
If you move forward, we’ll ask for references. If not, you’ll get feedback. For frontline roles, next steps might include SCOPE, the physical readiness assessment (PRA), or medical checks.
What are the different stages of the recruitment process for corrections officers?
Our recruitment process for Corrections Officers is designed not only to help us assess how you might work in a prison environment but also to help you learn more about the role.
After you’ve applied, the process is made up of four key stages:
1. Initial screening – involves a phone call with our team to meet you and give you an opportunity to ask questions.
2. Assessing suitability – assesses your suitability and alignment with the key skills we look for in Corrections Officers.
3. Health, safety and team fit – helps you better understand our environment and ensures you’ll be able to safely carry out the role.
4. Final checks – includes pre‑employment checks such as reference checks and police vetting.
How fit do I need to be? (PRA)
During the later stages of the recruitment process we ask Corrections Officer candidates to complete a 10‑minute fitness test called the Physical Readiness Assessment (PRA).
You don’t need to be an athlete to pass this, but you do need to demonstrate you have the fitness to carry out activities required of a Corrections Officer. The assessment is timed and involves six stages completed one after another:
1. A 300 m fast walk.
2. A search of a bunk bed.
3. A run to an emergency.
4. A control and restraint task.
5. A rescue of a 50 kg dummy.
6. A 300 m recovery walk.