How to become a probation and parole officer
Official title: Probation and parole officers
Also called: Parole officer, Parole supervisor, Probation officer, Probation and parole officer, Clemency officer - corrections, Classification counsellor - corrections
Probation officers monitor the conduct and behaviour of criminal offenders serving probation terms and serving sentences of two years less a day. They are employed by provincial governments. Parole officers monitor the reintegration of criminal offenders serving the remainder of sentences on conditional release and individuals that are subject to a long-term supervision order. They also assess inmates and develop rehabilitation programs for criminal offenders who are incarcerated in correctional facilities. They are employed by federal and provincial governments. Both probation and parole officers work in the community and in correctional facilities including young offender's correctional facilities.
Main tasks
- Interview inmates to assess adjustment problems and develop suitable rehabilitation programs
- Prepare reports for the recommendation of security level, penitentiary placement, type of incarceration and types of interventions considered most beneficial for the rehabilitation of the inmates
- Interview offenders, police, family, friends, school authorities and employers to prepare pre-sentence reports and assess offenders' prospects for successful reintegration into the community
- Plan rehabilitation programs with inmates, establishing rules of conduct, goals and objectives
- Refer inmates and offenders to community and social service programs, as required
- Supervise the terms of a probation order and attend court
- Interview probationers and parolees regularly to evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining the terms specified in their probation contracts and rehabilitation plans
- Recommend remedial action or initiate court action when terms of probation or parole are violated
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in social work, criminology, psychology, sociology or other related social science discipline is required. A master's degree in social work, criminology, psychology or other related social science discipline may be required.
Ways in
- University: Psychology degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- University: Social Work & Community degrees, Offered by 8 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $78,683 a year The middle half earn $70,005 to $92,001.
- About 7,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 8,000 are projected by 2033. (+5.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a probation and parole officer?
A bachelor's degree in social work, criminology, psychology, sociology or other related social science discipline is required. A master's degree in social work, criminology, psychology or other related social science discipline may be required.
How much does a probation and parole officer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $78,683 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $70,005 to $92,001.
Is a probation and parole officer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2033, from about 7,600 to about 8,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a probation and parole officer?
Usually. 93% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03