What special training is required to become a Probation Officer?

If you want to become a probation officer you should find out the requirements first. Take all your general education and take some criminal justice classes. Find out what the required skills are before you just take classes though. Ask someone who works in probation. General requirements for becoming a probation or parole officer are a four-year undergraduate degree (B.A. or B.S.) almost any major is acceptable, but criminal justice, social science or political science major/credits are preferable. The minimum age for the position is 21, the person must be a U.S. citizen and have no felony convictions. Other general requirements are, passing the criminal justice exam which is a three-hour(timed) multiple choice examination, similar to a CCE. Four to five of Basic Probation Officer Training (BPOT); some states require the applicant to also take the Peace Officer Standard Training course (POST). These are also the basic requirements for becoming a federal probation officer, however, training, examinations and other requirements will vary somewhat depending upon the state and/or agency.