Massachusetts Trial Court: 2026 Court Officer Entrance Exam Information

Registration

Monday, March 30, 2026 – Friday, May 8, 2026 

Testing Window

Monday, April 27, 2026 – Friday, May 22, 2026

Location

• In-person at a Pearson VUE testing center
• Online via OnVue remote proctoring 

All approved applicants will receive an email from I/O Solutions (IOS) with instructions for scheduling the exam through Pearson VUE. This email will include the candidate ID, which is required for registration. 

Exam Fee

$100

Fee Waiver Application Deadline

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Reasonable Exam Accommodation Application Deadline

Friday, May 1, 2026 – Please read the procedures for requesting reasonable accommodations below.

Prior Exams

Individuals who successfully passed the January 2025 Court Officer Entrance Exam are NOT required to take this exam.  Results from any other exam administration will not be accepted.  All applicants must complete the Physical Abilities Test and fulfill other hiring requirements outlined in this announcement and in accordance with Trial Court policy. 

Study Guide

An orientation and preparation guide will be available at no extra charge for all confirmed exam registrants in the I/O Solutions dashboard. Please note that I/O Solutions and the Massachusetts Trial Court do not endorse any additional study guides. Instructions for accessing the guide can be found here: Trial Court Officer Exam Orientation and Preparation Guide.

In accordance with Massachusetts law, individuals must pass this exam to be eligible to apply for Court Officer positions. Those who do not take or do not pass the exam will not be considered for Court Officer roles until a future exam is offered. 

A $100 exam fee is required at the time of registration. Fee waivers are available for eligible candidates. 

Candidates who pass the exam will receive further information regarding the next steps in the hiring process. Please note that passing the exam does not guarantee an interview. All applicants must meet the full eligibility requirements to be considered for appointment. Due to the high volume of qualified candidates, those selected for interviews typically exceed the minimum qualifications.

Registration

All registrations must be submitted by the specified deadlines and include the exam processing fee. You will receive a confirmation email once your registration is complete; your registration will not be considered finalized until you receive this confirmation. All information related to the exam and hiring process will be sent to the email address used during registration. Please monitor this email regularly for important updates. If you are not receiving messages, be sure to check your spam or junk folder. To update your email address, please contact exams@jud.state.ma.us. 

Your exam processing fee of $100 must be paid by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026. If you do not register and pay by this deadline, your registration will not be processed, and you will not be eligible to take the exam. Candidates who successfully register will receive an email from info@iosolutions.com, containing specific instructions for scheduling an appointment with Pearson VUE. Additionally, an orientation and preparation guide will be available immediately in the I/O Solutions dashboard at no extra cost for all confirmed exam registrants.

Pearson VUE

Approved applicants will receive an email from IOS detailing the steps they need to take in order to schedule their test with Pearson VUE. This email will include an applicant’s candidate ID, which is required to log into the Pearson VUE system to register. If you are an approved applicant and you either lost or did not receive this email, please contact IOS at info@iosolutions.com , with “REACH Program Inquiry” as the subject.

Appointments made with Pearson VUE may be made up to 24 hours in advance and exam slots are subject to authorizations from IOS and availability. Applicants wishing to reschedule or cancel an arranged exam appointment are required to provide more than 24 hours’ notice prior to the appointment time.

Fee Waiver Applications

The exam fee may be waived for registrants receiving certain state or federal public assistance or unemployment insurance. A link to the fee waiver application form can be found at 2026 Massachusetts Trial Court Officer Entrance Exam Request for Waiver of the Examination Fee. Please follow the instructions on the form for proper submission of the Fee Waiver Form and supporting documentation. All fee waiver forms must be scanned and emailed to exams@jud.state.ma.us by Wednesday, May 6, 2026, to allow sufficient time for review prior to the close of registration. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Reasonable Exam Accommodations

The Massachusetts Trial Court is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensuring equal opportunity in state employment for all individuals. We also remain dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. All requests will be handled individually and kept confidential.

To request a reasonable accommodation for the Court Officer Entrance Exam, you must register for the exam first. After registering, please complete the Reasonable Accommodation Application, and submit it to exams@jud.state.ma.us.  All reasonable accommodation applications must be submitted by Friday, May 1, 2026, to allow sufficient time to review prior to the close of testing.

If you need an accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process, please submit a request by contacting exams@jud.state.ma.us.

Steps to Request and Process Your Accommodation:

1. Register online for the exam following the procedures noted in this announcement.
2. Do not schedule your exam with Pearson until you have been notified that your accommodation is approved.
   1. Save your exam “scheduling email” you will receive after registering for your exam with IOS, but please do not schedule your exam with Pearson.
3. Complete an Exam Accommodation Application using the link noted in this section.
4. Schedule your exam once you have been notified by the Massachusetts Trial Court of your accommodation status.
   1. You may now use your “scheduling email” notification from IOS to schedule your exam.
   2. Scheduling your exam prior to receiving notice of your accommodation may result in a significant delay in registering for your examination.

After the application is submitted, a representative from the Human Resources Leaves and Benefits team will contact the candidate to discuss the request. At that time, candidates will be asked to provide supporting documentation from a qualified professional outlining the specific accommodation being requested. Supporting documentation must be submitted within the timeframe specified by Human Resources. Failure to provide requested documentation may result in denial of the accommodation request.

Please note that accommodation requests are reviewed on an individual basis, and submission of an application does not guarantee approval. All information collected is used solely for the purpose of determining reasonable exam accommodations and will not be used for any other purpose. Once approved, a representative from the Massachusetts Trial Court will notify you that you may proceed in scheduling your exam with Pearson.

Current Military Personnel

All military personnel with orders indicating unavailability due to service on the exam date must register for the exam, pay the processing fee, or submit a Fee Waiver application, and submit a written request for a makeup exam, including a copy of your military orders.

Military related requests must be emailed to: exams@jud.state.ma.us by Friday, May 8, 2026.

No Makeup Exam

Except for current military personnel, no candidate is entitled to a makeup exam due to personal or professional conflicts on the testing date. Candidates are encouraged to review this policy before applying for the exam. If you have registered and then experience a personal emergency or unforeseen hardship, you may request a makeup exam by submitting a written request with verifiable documentation to exams@jud.state.ma.us. Note: Previously scheduled vacation plans do not qualify as a personal emergency, unforeseen hardship, or valid reason for a makeup exam.

Makeup exam requests must be submitted within 3 calendar days following the start of the testing period. The Trial Court reserves the right to approve or deny your request and may require an additional exam processing fee upon approval.

Testing Policy Information

On test day, you will need to bring a valid form of identification. Please read through the following requirements to ensure that you supply proper identification. Applicants who arrive without proper identification will be unable to test.

Identification at the time of Exam

• The first and last name that the candidate uses to register must match exactly the first and last name on the ID that is presented on test day.
• Candidate is required to present one original (no photocopies), valid (unexpired) form of government issued ID that includes their name, photograph, and signature.

Acceptable forms of ID

Passport, Driver’s License, Military ID (including spouse & dependents), Identification card (national/state/province identity card), Alien registration card (green card, permanent resident card, visa), Government Issues: local language ID (not in Roman Characters) – accepted only if issued from the country the candidate is testing in.

If you have any questions about the ID you are required to bring with you to the testing center for admittance for your exam, please contact Pearson VUE customer service.

Change of Personal Information

Candidates are responsible for keeping their contact information—such as address, email, and phone number—up to date with the Trial Court. Failing to maintain accurate records and notify us at exams@jud.state.ma.usmay jeopardize your employment opportunities.

Refunds: There will be no refunds of the exam processing fee unless the Trial Court cancels the exam.

Please review the examples of essential duties and minimum requirements for this position before registering for the Court Officer Exam.

The court officer is responsible for maintaining order in and around court premises, protecting judges, jurors, witnesses, prisoners, court personnel, and the public who utilize Massachusetts Trial Court buildings and facilities. A Court Officer provides a visual security presence at court entrances/security screening stations and throughout the building; screens persons who wish to enter court buildings for weapons and other items of contraband;  operates metal detectors and x-ray machines to perform the screening functions; monitors CCTV cameras to ensure safety of the public, court employees and prisoners; protects and safeguards courtrooms, grounds, buildings, employees, jurors, the public, and visitors on the courthouse premises.

The court officer is responsible for the care, custody, and control of all prisoners and persons taken into custody and held at a court facility. The court officer enforces all appropriate judicial orders and enforces all laws and ordinances as appropriate. The court officer is a member of an integrated statewide security team. The court officer works with fellow court officers, associate court officers, and the Security Department management team to identify and address all security concerns, including promptly dealing with disturbances, exercising arrest powers if warranted, responding to and managing medical emergencies, producing reports, and maintaining logs and records to ensure the safety and security of all Massachusetts Trial Court facilities.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Provides safety and security to all persons that enter the courthouse and courthouse grounds.
• Performs safety security checks of the perimeter of the building, courtrooms and any other rooms used throughout the day.
• Exercises statutory arrest powers in or about the areas of the court or areas designated as the court.
• Escorts detainees to and from lockup courtroom and other designated areas as needed.
• Searches and processes detainees from various law enforcement agencies.
• Works with the different departments within the Trial Courts.
• May be assigned by the Security Department to perform court officer duties throughout the courthouse to include jury pool management.
• Patrols and maintains order on courthouse grounds to protect all employees and visitors.
• Works the screening station, x-ray and metal detectors at main entrance.
• Monitors CCTV cameras, DSX and Security Systems to ensure safety of the public, court employees, and prisoners.
• Prepares and submits incident reports, maintains security logs and performs equipment checks as directed.
• Responds to all medical, building emergencies and disturbances.
• Works inside a courtroom during trials, motions, arraignments, and pretrial activities.
• Attends all court officer training programs required by the Trial Court and must successfully pass all training requirements.
• Inputs weekly SSTA timesheet.
• Monitors department issued e-mails and announcements.
• Complies with and demonstrates an understanding of all Trial Court policies, Security Department policies and procedures, and all state and federal laws.
• Maintain Health and Wellness standard.
• Performs other duties as required.

Working Conditions

Work is frequently performed in office or similar indoor environments, as well as outdoor environments. Work requires frequent exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate and individuals with known violent backgrounds.

Physical Demands

This position requires heavy work:

Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

For more information on the Security department and becoming a Trial Court Officer visit Trial Court Security Department.

In addition to passing the exam, individuals must apply to a Trial Court job posting at Jobs with the Court System when posted (after the exam) and meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for appointment as a Court Officer:

Education and Experience

• A High school diploma or an equivalent; an Associate’s degree or higher degree in criminal justice or a similar field of study is preferred; and
  • 2 years prior experience in security, law enforcement, corrections, loss prevention, emergency medical services, direct care social services, or military service;
• An Associate’s degree and one year of experience in criminal justice or a related field, may be substituted for the required experience;
• A Bachelor’s degree may substitute for required work experience. 

Physical Abilities Test (PAT) 

Candidates must demonstrate their ability to meet physical standards. Those who pass the written exam and meet the minimum requirements for the position may be invited to attend a Physical Abilities Test (PAT) session. Due to the expected high volume of applicants, not all candidates will be invited to the PAT simultaneously. To learn more, please visit the Physical Ability Test for Massachusetts Court Officers web page.

Structured Oral Interview

Candidates must pass a Structured Oral Interview.

Psychological Assessment

Candidates may be asked to undergo a psychological assessment.

Consent to Criminal Record Check

Interviewed candidates selected for appointment will be required to complete the Consent to Criminal Record Check Form. Trial Court Policy (Section 4.100) may prohibit the employment of individuals with a felony conviction or a misdemeanor conviction resulting in incarceration if the end date of such incarceration is within the five-year period immediately preceding the date of application of employment. A Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check involving other offenses will not automatically disqualify the final candidate(s). Determinations of suitability based on CORI checks will be made consistent with this policy and any applicable law or regulations.

Medical

As a condition of employment, applicants for the Court Officer position must successfully pass a medical exam that includes drug screening.

Background Investigation

Candidates will be subjected to a background investigation.

Federal I9 Form for Employment Eligibility

Pursuant to the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, after an offer of employment is made, selected candidates for appointment are required to complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) and submit the required document(s) that establish identity and verify the right to work in the United States.

Massachusetts Residency Requirement

Pursuant to G.L. c. 478, sec. 328 of the Acts of 1978, no person who is not a resident of the Commonwealth shall serve as an officer in or an employee of the Judicial Branch; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to those persons serving as officers in or employees of the Judicial Branch prior to the effective date of c. 478, sec. 328.

Training

Candidates must satisfactorily complete the Court Officer Training Academy and are subject to a probationary period.

Register Now: 2026 Court Officer Entrance Exam

This link will direct you to I/O Solutions, the testing vendor that processes payments on behalf of the Massachusetts Trial Court. Detailed payment instructions are available in the “Purchasing Information” section of their website.

All registrations must be submitted by the posted deadline and include an exam processing fee. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email.

Your registration is not finalized until you receive the confirmation email. All information related to the exam and hiring process will be sent to the email address used during registration. Please monitor this email regularly for important updates. If you are not receiving messages, be sure to check your spam or junk folder. To update your email address, please contact exams@jud.state.ma.us.

Pearson VUE

Approved applicants who are testing through Pearson VUE will receive an email from IOS detailing the steps they need to take in order to schedule their test. This email will include an applicant’s candidate ID, which is required to log into the Pearson VUE system to register. If you are an approved applicant and you either lost or did not receive this email, please contact IOS at info@iosolutions.com, with “REACH Program Inquiry” as the subject.

Appointments made with Pearson VUE may be made up to 24 hours in advance and exam slots are subject to authorizations from IOS and availability. Applicants wishing to reschedule or cancel an arranged exam appointment are required to provide more than 24 hours’ notice prior to the appointment time.

The Office of Court Management is overseeing the exam process for this position. For more details or any questions about the process, please contact:

Office of Court Management

Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., except holidays.

Email: exams@jud.state.ma.us

Telephone Number: 617-742-8575