Becoming a Probation Officer

In England and Wales, in order to become a qualified Probation Officer, you need to complete a two year diploma called the DipPS. This is regardless of the amount or level of your prior education. Though if you already have a degree, the DipPS will effectively be like doing a second degree.

It is only possible to do the diploma if you hold a trainee probation officer appointment with a probation service. Though there is no upper age limit for training the minimum age is 20 years old and the requirements are slightly different depending on your age.

If you are under 21 years old you need to have at least 2 A-level passes as well as three GCSEs. Alternatively, you could have three A-levels and one GCSE. If you are over 21 but under 25 you will need to have at least 5 GCSE passes. If you are over 25 there are no formal qualifications required but you do need to demonstrate academic ability under test conditions.

Any candidate that applies to join the probation service is tested rigorously and as such will take part in psychometric tests, group discussions, presentations and written tests before they are invited to attend a formal interview. Students need to apply to one of the consortia of probation services and it possible for students to apply to as many of these as they wish if they are previously unsuccessful.

Despite the fact that competition is fierce within the profession, there is a lot of demand for qualified probation officers. The salary of a Trainee Probation Officer varies but is generally in the range of 14,500 to 15,500. Once qualified this will rise to between 20,000 and 27,000. Working hours are generally in line with the normal 37-40 hours a week and although some of this may be at unusual times, it is not usual for the PO to work overtime. Leave entitlement is generally good.

Probation Officers usually work from an office base and make regular visits to either the courts or police stations. They may also visit clients in their homes.