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Verified by KY Board of Public Safety

Corrections Officer Licensing in Kentucky

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for corrections officer in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Corrections Officer in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must be a high school graduate or possess a G

  2. 2

    Must successfully complete four hundred (400) hours of basic training approved by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council within the first year of employment

  3. 3

    Must meet the physical and mental requirements of the employing agency

  4. 4

    Education: Specific course required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Must successfully complete four hundred (400) hours of basic training approved by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council within the first year of employment.

  7. 7

    CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (after licensure or certification) Must successfully complete forty (40) hours inservice training approved by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council annually.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • CERTIFICATION Must be twenty-one (21) years of age

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Criminal Justice Training

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $40,230 median (31% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #49 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Corrections Officer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Must successfully complete four hundred (400) hours of basic training approved by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council within the first y...).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Criminal Justice Training and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $40,230, Corrections Officers in Kentucky earn 31% below the national median of $57,970. Kentucky ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$40,230

Hourly estimate

$19.34
31% below national median

Difference: -$17,740

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$29,230
  • P2525th percentile$35,190
  • P50Median$40,230
  • P7575th percentile$48,800
  • P9090th percentile$65,150

State vs National Median

State: $40,230
National: $57,970

Total employment: 5,870 | Annual openings: N/A

Corrections Officer Salary Ranking

#49 of 50 statesfor Corrections Officer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$95,840
#2New Jersey$90,150
#3Oregon$83,120
#4Massachusetts$78,830
#5Illinois$78,750

Nearby States Comparison

Corrections Officer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$40,230Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$45,970No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$58,840Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$49,990Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Virginia$49,980Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$51,490Degree requiredState-approved exam1 month
Missouri$41,310Degree requiredState exam required21 years
Illinois$78,750Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Kentucky64MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required.
Indiana54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee60MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Criminal Justice Training

Funderburk Building, 4449 Kit Carson Drive, Richmond, KY, 40475

Phone: 8596221328

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Related Careers in Kentucky

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Firefighter$37,140Degree requiredVaries by board
Police Officer$60,230Specific course requiredVaries by board
Security Guards$35,520Degree required1 month
Acupuncturist$82,220Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Corrections Officer in Kentucky?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Corrections Officers in Kentucky?

Kentucky lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Corrections Officers.

What education do you need to become a Corrections Officer in Kentucky?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Corrections Officer licensure in Kentucky.

What is the typical Corrections Officer salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Corrections Officers in Kentucky is $40,230. Salaries range from $29,230 (10th percentile) to $65,150 (90th percentile).

How does the Corrections Officer salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?

Corrections Officers in Kentucky earn 31% below the national median of $57,970, with a state median of $40,230.

How many Corrections Officers work in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 5,870 Corrections Officers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Corrections Officer license to Kentucky from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Corrections Officers in Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Department of Criminal Justice Training. Review agency details at http://docjt.ky.gov/.

How often do you renew a Corrections Officer license in Kentucky?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.