Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Public Safety
Corrections Officer Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for corrections officer in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Corrections Officer in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification may substitute for license requirements.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified sex offender treatment provider" means a person who is certified to provide treatment to sex offenders and who provides such services in accordance with the provisions of &
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Psychology
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,980 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Corrections Officer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Health Professions~Virginia Board of Psychology and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $49,980, Corrections Officers in Virginia earn 14% below the national median of $57,970. Virginia ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$49,980Hourly estimate
$24.0314% below national median
Difference: -$7,990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCorrections Officer Salary Ranking
#34 of 50 statesfor Corrections Officer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $95,840 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $90,150 |
| #3 | Oregon | $83,120 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $78,830 |
| #5 | Illinois | $78,750 |
Nearby States Comparison
Corrections Officer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $49,980 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $62,380 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $49,990 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $40,230 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $51,490 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 1 month |
| North Carolina | $49,080 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Tennessee | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| North Carolina | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- 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 Health Professions • Virginia Board of Psychology
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043674697
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $58,300 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $65,110 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $43,440 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Corrections Officer in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Corrections Officers.
What education do you need to become a Corrections Officer in Virginia?
The board typically expects Degree required for Corrections Officer licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Corrections Officer salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Corrections Officers in Virginia is $49,980. Salaries range from $44,970 (10th percentile) to $73,040 (90th percentile).
How does the Corrections Officer salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Corrections Officers in Virginia earn 14% below the national median of $57,970, with a state median of $49,980.
How many Corrections Officers work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 11,720 Corrections Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Corrections Officer license to Virginia 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 Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Health Professions / Virginia Board of Psychology. Review agency details at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Psychology/.
How often do you renew a Corrections Officer license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.