2026 Correction Officer Captain

About the role

This examination is being administered by the Human Resources Division (HRD) to create an eligible list from which to fill Correction Officer Captain vacancies in the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC).

Examination Information

• Written Examination Date: November 4, 2026

• Application Period Begins: August 10, 2026

• Deadline to Apply: September 7, 2026

• Examination Fee: $150

Eligibility

• To be eligible for this examination you must:
• (1) be an employee in the Massachusetts Department of Correction with permanent civil service status in the title of Correction Officer III;
• (2) have been employed in the eligible title after certification from a civil service list, on a permanent or temporary civil service basis for twelve months immediately preceding the examination date.

Essential Duties

• Under the general supervision of the DOC and specific direction of superiors, oversees and directs operations within the assigned DOC institution to ensure the proper and safe functioning of the institution.

• Duties include overseeing vehicle and mail searches, staff and visitor searches, inmate searches, building and ground inspections; write reports, review reports and documentation, manage incidents and maintain security, understanding use of force and when to implement it, oversee inmates, review inmate counts, manage inmate death procedures, coordinate inmate meals and transportation, manage discipline procedures, use inmate management system (IMS), manage payroll, oversee employee assistance unit, monitor rosters, training and counseling, respond to visitors supervise staff, oversee daily operations, programming, and perform other related work as required.

Examination Subjects

• Technical Knowledge (TK): The written examination will measure a candidate’s applicable technical knowledge of relevant job duties and, where practicable, the following knowledges, skills and abilities which have been established as qualifications for the position:

• Knowledge of institution management, perimeter security, inmate management system, inmate accountability, inmate transportation, inmate escape procedures, disorder response and management, employee/inmate safety and security, special operations, use of force protocols, legal considerations, shift and employee supervision, and general administration and management.

• Situational Judgement Test (SJT): The examination will measure your judgment and decision-making, accountability, adaptability, guiding and developing others, leadership (including managing activities and building teams), and interpersonal skills (including conflict management).

• Experience & Education (E&E): All candidates must complete the 2026 Correction Officer Captain E&E Claim application online. This is a separate application. Submitting an E&E claim in any way other than through the online claim process will result in a failed examination component.