Certificate of Development ∙ Program Code: 127 · Credit Hours: 17 · Contact Hours: 19
Dean: James Cousino
Minimum training and education requirements for the certification of local corrections officers (persons employed by a county sheriff in a local correctional facility as a corrections officer) have been established by the Michigan Sheriffs Coordinating and Training Council under the provisions of Act No. 125 of the Public Acts of 2003. North Central is evaluating whether or not it will offer a local corrections officer certification program once the minimum requirements have been established. Students interested in such a program should contact North Central’s Criminal Justice Program coordinator for more current information.
This 17-credit hour program provides students with the minimum academic credits* necessary for employment as a Corrections Officer with the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). Students may take the State “Entry-Level Security Exam” at any time by submitting an application to the Michigan Department of Civil Service.** Students who meet the educational requirements and pass the Civil Service examination will be eligible for further consideration.
Prior to being offered a position, a student must submit to a thorough background investigation. If offered a position, the student must also pass a medical exam, a drug screen and a physical fitness test. Certification as a Corrections Officer also requires successful completion of a 320-hour training academy conducted by the MDOC and two months of on-the-job training.
* Credits must be earned before employment. Possession of 30 semester credits in any major, earned prior to one’s date of hire is also acceptable.
** The Civil Service examination is waived for those holding any bachelor’s degree.