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Corrections Officer Licensing in North Carolina

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Corrections Officer in North Carolina

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Current employment in field required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Tied to business.

  7. 7

    This certificate is issued to newly hired or promoted code enforcement officials for levels I, II, or III in five different technical areas to conduct code inspections and obtain experience prior to taking state examinations.

Exam and processing details

  • state examinations

Continuing education and program notes

  • certificate is issued to newly hired or promoted code enforcement officials for levels I, II, or III in five different technical areas to conduct code inspections and obtain experien

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NC Department of Insurance • Code Officials Qualification Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,080 median (15% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #37 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Corrections Officer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Current employment in field required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required state examinations.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; This certificate is issued to newly hired or promoted code enforcement officials for levels I, II, or III in five different technical are...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to NC Department of Insurance~Code Officials Qualification Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in North Carolina

With a median salary of $49,080, Corrections Officers in North Carolina earn 15% below the national median of $57,970. North Carolina ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,298

Median annual salary

$49,080

Hourly estimate

$23.60
15% below national median

Difference: -$8,890

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$39,070
  • P2525th percentile$43,650
  • P50Median$49,080
  • P7575th percentile$53,010
  • P9090th percentile$62,930

State vs National Median

State: $49,080
National: $57,970

Total employment: 11,780 | Annual openings: N/A

Corrections Officer Salary Ranking

#37 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
North Carolina$49,080Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$49,980Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$51,490Degree requiredState-approved exam1 month
Georgia$44,500Degree requiredState exam required21 years
South Carolina$48,470Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
North Carolina54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

NC Department of Insurance • Code Officials Qualification Board

1429 Rock Quarry Road, Suite 105, Raleigh, NC, 27610

Phone: 9196470024

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Related Careers in North Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Firefighter$37,250Varies by state boardVaries by board
Police Officer$58,030Specific course requiredVaries by board
Security Guards$35,900No educational requirementsVaries by board
Acupuncturist$73,100Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 North Carolina?

North Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Corrections Officers.

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

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

What is the typical Corrections Officer salary in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for Corrections Officers in North Carolina is $49,080. Salaries range from $39,070 (10th percentile) to $62,930 (90th percentile).

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

Corrections Officers in North Carolina earn 15% below the national median of $57,970, with a state median of $49,080.

How many Corrections Officers work in North Carolina?

North Carolina employs approximately 11,780 Corrections Officers according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 North Carolina?

The licensing agency is NC Department of Insurance / Code Officials Qualification Board. Review agency details at https://www.ncosfm.gov/codes.

How often do you renew a Corrections Officer license in North Carolina?

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