Massachusetts Trial Court Probation Officer Examination Information

At this time, there is no scheduled date for the next exam. Any updates will be posted here as soon as they are available.

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Probation Officer Entrance Exam Interest Form

State law requires the passing of this exam to be eligible to apply for Probation Officer positions. Individuals who do not take and pass this exam will be ineligible for Probation Officer positions until another Probation Officer exam is offered. Registrants must pay a $100 exam fee to sit for the exam. Fee waiver and reasonable accommodations applications are available for eligible candidates.

Individuals who pass the Probation Officer Exam will receive information about next steps in the hiring process for Probation Officer positions. However, passing the exam does not guarantee an interview. Candidates who apply for Probation Officer positions after successfully completing the exam must also meet the eligibility requirements to be considered for appointment. Please note that, due to the expected high volume of qualified applicants, those selected for interviews typically exceed the minimum qualifications. 

Registration is closed. 

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

Position Summary

Supervises probationers to ensure compliance with court orders and applicable probation standards as well as to enhance public safety. Conducts interviews with probationers and/or families. Maintains accurate case management records and prepares records for court. Presents information to the court such as indigency recommendations, compliance with conditions of probation/court orders, investigation reports, record checks, requests for detention, motions to modify conditions, and arguments and recommendations at violation of probation proceedings. Makes referrals to Community Justice Support Centers, social service agencies and programs and monitors compliance as required by MPS standards and policies.

• Oversees cases for individuals placed on probation supervision. Completes risk/need and other assessments;
• Performs community supervision, and makes contact with victims as needed;
• Ensures program compliance through verification of conditions of release or conditions of probation;
• Assists probationers in navigating the process of successfully complying with conditions;
• Completes dispute interventions and family service investigations;
• Makes referrals to social service agencies, Community Justice Support Centers, and programs to ensure compliance Prepares cases for court and addresses non-compliance issues;
• Administers drug screening, checks for test compliance, and completes updated records;
• Facilitates the skill development of probationers in order to achieve long term positive change;
• Performs other duties as required. 

There are no minimum education or job requirements to take the exam.  However, individuals must pass the exam and meet the following minimum job requirements to be considered for appointment as a Probation Officer at the time of application.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree; a concentration in human services, behavioral sciences, or criminal justice is preferred; and
• Two (2) years of related work experience.

Knowledge of:

• Modern office equipment and technology including computers and applicable software;
• Case Management Systems;
• MPS Policies and Standards and Trial Court Standards;
• Community resources and services.

Skill in:

• Organization and time management;
• Crisis management and conflict resolution.

Ability to:

• Establish effective working relationships with others;
• Prepare clear and accurate reports;
• Ability to conduct community supervision/field work;
• Maintain appropriate records;
• Maintain confidentiality of information;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Work independently and follow oral and written instructions;
• Ability to travel as needed to conduct community supervision/field work;
• Administer drug tests and installation of GPS equipment. 

Structured Oral Interview 

Candidates must pass a Statewide Structured Oral Interview.

Finger Printing 

In compliance with 28 C.F.R, the FBI CJIS Security Policy, and the MA CJIS User Agreement regarding access to confidential information, final candidate(s) will be required to undergo fingerprint-based background checks prior to initial hire and at least once every five years thereafter.

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 specific 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 Probation Officer Academy and are subject to a probationary period.

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 am - 4:30 pm, except holidays. 
Email: exams@jud.state.ma.us 
Telephone Number: (617) 742-8575 (opt. 1 for Human Resources)