Training is everything. Give us five weeks and you’ll be eligible for Dept. of Justice certification.
Madison College Campus
100%
Of students employed in the industry within a year
$48K
Annual Salary
Median annual wage for correctional officers and jailers
Work Local
Program graduates work in Wisconsin
Jail Officer
Program Number: 905042CERT
Your Degree:
Certificate
Area of Study:
Law, Protective and Human Services
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
6 Credits | Finish in 1 semester
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Estimated Program Cost
$1,116.48

  • Program Overview

    The Jail Officer Academy at Madison College prepares you for an entry-level position as a correctional officer. Admission is limited to sworn officers who have been assigned by their department and pre-service students who meet all of the requirements.

    Submissions for agency-sponsored recruits must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of the Jail Officer Academy. As a pre-service applicant, you follow the deadlines listed on the Admissions tab. For sworn recruit enrollment information, contact hps@madisoncollege.edu.

    Program Details

    Students in the Jail Officer Academy must attend full-time.

    Class hours during the five-week (200 hour) academy are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. The Department of Justice requires you to attend 100 percent of the training unless excused by the academy director. Excused absences are extremely limited and will only be granted under certain circumstances.

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible for certification with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board as a jail officer.

    Academy classes may be offered at the Madison College Truax campus.

  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    Courses
    30-504-361
    Basic Jail Officer Academy - Phase 1
    3 credits
    30-504-362
    Basic Jail Officer Academy - Phase 2
    3 credits

  • Admission

    Summer: May 27 - June 27, 2025 (application window March 1 – April 15, 2025)

    Early applications are not accepted.

    Students seeking admission to the Jail Officer Certification must:

    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
    • Complete the Wisconsin Department of Justice Application for Enrollment-Jail Officer Training (DJ-LE-327)
    • Complete a criminal history records check
    • Complete a satisfactory oral interview
    • Not have a suspended or revoked driver's license

    Students accepted into the Jail Officer Certification Course must undergo a physical assessment by a Wisconsin-licensed physician.

Related Programs

Contact the School of Human and Protective Services

Madison Truax Campus
Protective Services Building, 100

1701 Pearson Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

hps@madisoncollege.edu
608.243.5400

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday 8 am - 5 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm