Becoming a Probation Officer

To date the qualification to become a Probation Officer has been the Diploma in Probation Studies. This qualification route is no longer available.

The qualification to be eligible to apply for Probation Officer posts will be an Honours Degree in Community Justice plus the Vocational Qualification Diploma in Probation Practice Level 5. The Honours Degree will be compiled of both Vocational and Academic credits and will be achieved whilst employed as a Probation Services Officer

From 1 April 2010 the primary route will be through employment within a Probation Trust. To undertake the new qualification, Probation Services Officers who successfully apply to undertake the qualification leading to Probation Officer status will:

• Complete a Vocational Qualification, Level 3 Diploma in Probation Practice, this to be achieved in 12 months
• Following achievement of this vocational qualification there may be an opportunity for further study for the Foundation Degree in Community Justice
• this can then lead to the final part of the Honours Degree in Community Justice.

Each stage of the training is by a selection process in the Area.

From 1 April 2010 there will be an alternative route for those holding an Honours Degree in:

• Criminology
• Community Justice
• Criminal Justice
• Police Studies

Candidates with one of the above relevant degrees may apply to their Probation Trust to a compressed programme of study leading to the Graduate Diploma in Community Justice and VQ level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice. Whilst undertaking this training, employment would be as a Probation Services Officer. Again selection to a Probation Officer post would apply once the award was achieved.

We also have an information leaflet (PDF - 728k) containing further details on access to probation qualifications.


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