How long does it take to become a parole officer?

Almost all states require probation officers to have a Bachelor's degree, which is generally a 4 year degree. It is preferable that degree is in Criminal Justice but it is not always necessary. Parole officers in many states do not need a college degree, and that may be what the previous answer was referring to when stating college was not a requirement. Advancement in probation often correlates with advancement in education, i.e. a Master's degree. Since probation officers work directly for the courts/judges "at the court's pleasure", judges and legislators and even the Supreme Court will try to ensure probation officers have at least a four year degree. While being redundant