CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by WY Board of Public Safety

Corrections Officer Licensing in Wyoming

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for corrections officer in Wyoming, 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 Wyoming

Estimated timeline: 1-3 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must be a United States citizen. 2.

    • Be an adult. 3.
    • Be of good moral character. 4.
    • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent. 5.
    • Submit to a background check. 6.
    • Submit to a criminal history check. 7.
    • Submit fingerprints. 8.
    • Successfully pass an oral interview by the hiring agency. 9.
    • Have completed a Commission approved correctional officer basic training program 10.
    • Be free of any physical, emotional or mental conditions which might adversely affect the applicants performance as a Correctional or Detention Officer.
    • Continuing Education There are 4 levels of certification for Corrections Officers: 1.
    • Temporary Certificate: Certificate is valid for one year and certificate holder must attend detention officer basic training. 2.
    • Basic Certificate: Issued after completion of basic training or upon successfully completing a challenge process plus completing corrections core competencies.
    • Officer must advance to an advanced certificate within two years. 3.
    • Advanced Certificate: Issued after one year of service at the basic level plus 20 hours of training.
    • Officer must progress to professional certificate within three years. 4.
    • Professional Certificate: Officer must have a high school diploma or GED plus 40 hours of training plus 36 months of service as an advanced corrections officer OR they must have an associates degree plus 20 hours of training plus 24 months of service as an advanced corrections officer OR they must have a bachelors degree plus 12 months of service as an advanced corrections officer.
    • After reaching the professional level certification, corrections officers are required to complete 20 hours of continuing training every 24 months.
    • There are separate requirments for reserve corrections officers.
    • Contact the Wyoming Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission for more information.
    • Restrictions Conviction of a felony.
    • Must not have been convicted of an offence that would make the applicant ineligible to own or possess a firearm.
    • School Located in Wyoming Training for Correctional Officers is provided by the Wyoming Department of Corrections in Rawlins, WY.
    • License Correctional Officers in Wyoming are licensed by the Wyoming POST Commission.
    • Examination For applicants who complete the POST certified Basic courses, testing is a part of the curriculum before they can successfully complete Basic and become certified.
    • For applicants who were trained and certified in other states, they may challenge Wyoming Basic by taking a written exam administered by POST, as well as meeting other requirements.
    • Fees None.
    • Licensing Agency Wyoming Peace Officer Standards & Training Commission Chris Walsh, Executive Director 1556 Riverbend Drive Douglas, WY 82633 Phone: (307) 358-8213 Fax: (307) 763-89706 https://post.wyo.gov/ Additional Sources of Information Wyoming Department of Corrections 1934 Wyott Dr., Ste. 100 Cheyenne, WY 82002 Phone: (307) 777-7208 Fax: (307) 777-7846 http://corrections.wy.gov/ Occupational Outlook Handbook: Correctional Officers" http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/correctional-officers.htm Last updated June 2023"
  2. 2

    Must be a United States citizen. 2.

    • Be an adult. 3.
    • Be of good moral character. 4.
    • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent. 5.
    • Submit to a background check. 6.
    • Submit to a criminal history check. 7.
    • Submit fingerprints. 8.
    • Successfully pass an oral interview by the hiring agency. 9.
    • Have completed a Commission approved correctional officer basic training program 10.
    • Be free of any physical, emotional or mental conditions which might adversely affect the applicants performance as a Correctional or Detention Officer.
    • Continuing Education There are 4 levels of certification for Corrections Officers: 1.
    • Temporary Certificate: Certificate is valid for one year and certificate holder must attend detention officer basic training. 2.
    • Basic Certificate: Issued after completion of basic training or upon successfully completing a challenge process plus completing corrections core competencies.
    • Officer must advance to an advanced certificate within two years. 3.
    • Advanced Certificate: Issued after one year of service at the basic level plus 20 hours of training.
    • Officer must progress to professional certificate within three years. 4.
    • Professional Certificate: Officer must have a high school diploma or GED plus 40 hours of training plus 36 months of service as an advanced corrections officer OR they must have an associates degree plus 20 hours of training plus 24 months of service as an advanced corrections officer OR they must have a bachelors degree plus 12 months of service as an advanced corrections officer.
    • After reaching the professional level certification, corrections officers are required to complete 20 hours of continuing training every 24 months.
    • There are separate requirments for reserve corrections officers.
    • Contact the Wyoming Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission for more information.
    • Restrictions Conviction of a felony.
    • Must not have been convicted of an offence that would make the applicant ineligible to own or possess a firearm.
    • School Located in W
  3. 3

    Education: Specific course required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.

  5. 5

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  6. 6

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  7. 7

    Submit to a background check.

  8. 8

    Have completed a Commission approved correctional officer basic training program 10.

  9. 9

    Continuing Education There are 4 levels of certification for Corrections Officers: 1.

  10. 10

    Temporary Certificate: Certificate is valid for one year and certificate holder must attend detention officer basic training.

  11. 11

    Basic Certificate: Issued after completion of basic training or upon successfully completing a challenge process plus completing corrections core competencies.

  12. 12

    Advanced Certificate: Issued after one year of service at the basic level plus 20 hours of training.

Exam and processing details

  • states, they may challenge Wyoming Basic by taking a written exam administered by POST, as well as meeting other requirements

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing Education There are 4 levels of certification for Corrections Officers: 1

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    WYOMING PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS & TRAINING COMMISSION

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $51,740 median (11% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #27 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be a United States citizen. 2. Be an adult. 3. Be of good moral character. 4. Hold a high school diploma or equivalent. 5. Submit to...; Must be a United States citizen. 2. Be an adult. 3. Be of good moral character. 4. Hold a high school diploma or equivalent. 5. Submit to...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Must be a United States citizen. 2. Be an adult. 3. Be of good moral character. 4. Hold a high school diploma or equivalent. 5. Submit to...).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required states, they may challenge Wyoming Basic by taking a written exam administered by POST, as well as meeting other requirements.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Must be a United States citizen. 2. Be an adult. 3. Be of good moral character. 4. Hold a high school diploma or equivalent. 5. Submit to...; Must be a United States citizen. 2. Be an adult. 3. Be of good moral character. 4. Hold a high school diploma or equivalent. 5. Submit to...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to WYOMING PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS & TRAINING COMMISSION and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Wyoming

With a median salary of $51,740, Corrections Officers in Wyoming earn 11% below the national median of $57,970. Wyoming ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-3 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.5%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,175

Median annual salary

$51,740

Hourly estimate

$24.88
11% below national median

Difference: -$6,230

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$43,160
  • P2525th percentile$47,650
  • P50Median$51,740
  • P7575th percentile$62,690
  • P9090th percentile$71,130

State vs National Median

State: $51,740
National: $57,970

Total employment: 850 | Annual openings: N/A

Corrections Officer Salary Ranking

#27 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
Wyoming$51,740Specific course requiredState exam required1-3 years
Montana$49,700Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$52,310Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nebraska$62,680Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Colorado$60,670Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Utah$61,340Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Idaho$51,440Specific course requiredState-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
Wyoming62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Montana78HighBoard-specific review required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Colorado50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Utah78HighBoard-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

WYOMING PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS & TRAINING COMMISSION

1556 RIVERBEND DRIVE, DOUGLAS, WY, 82633

Phone: 3073588213

Related Careers in Wyoming

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Firefighter$51,850Specific course required1-3 years
Police Officer$65,180Specific course required1-3 years
Security Guards$36,330Varies by state board1-3 months
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-3 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Corrections Officers in Wyoming?

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

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

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

What is the typical Corrections Officer salary in Wyoming?

The median annual salary for Corrections Officers in Wyoming is $51,740. Salaries range from $43,160 (10th percentile) to $71,130 (90th percentile).

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

Corrections Officers in Wyoming earn 11% below the national median of $57,970, with a state median of $51,740.

How many Corrections Officers work in Wyoming?

Wyoming employs approximately 850 Corrections Officers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Corrections Officer license to Wyoming 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 Wyoming?

The licensing agency is WYOMING PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS & TRAINING COMMISSION. Review agency details at https://post.wyo.gov/.

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

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