Corrections Canada Situational Judgement Test

This is the most freequently asked question.

The Corrections Canada Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is considered one of the more challenging parts of the CSC entrance process, mainly because it measures judgement, not memorization. Many candidates find it difficult because the questions place you in realistic Correctional Officer scenarios where more than one answer may seem reasonable.

The challenge is choosing the option that reflects CSC policies, safety priorities, professionalism, and appropriate use of authority — even under pressure.

What makes the test feel hard is that it requires you to think like an officer before you have experience in the role. You’re expected to understand inmate behaviour, security risks, emergency responses, and communication protocols.

With the right preparation, it becomes far more manageable. Once you learn how CSC evaluates decisions — safety first, follow procedures, maintain professionalism, communicate clearly — the patterns start to make sense and your score improves quickly. Most candidates who practice realistic scenarios find the test significantly easier and far less intimidating.

What scenarios are on the CSC SJT?

1. Emergency Response

Fire alarms, medical emergencies, environmental hazards, and situations requiring quick, policy-based action.

2. Security of the Institution

Detecting threats, responding to contraband, managing fights, preventing escapes, and maintaining order.

3. Offender Accountability

Handling inappropriate behaviour, enforcing rules, managing conflict, and encouraging offenders to take responsibility for their actions.

4. Inmate Safety & Well-Being

Responding to signs of distress, mental health concerns, bullying, self-harm risks, or threats from other inmates.

5. Escort & Transport Situations

Ensuring safe movement of inmates within or outside the institution, monitoring behaviour, and following strict protocols.

6. Communication & Professional Conduct

How you interact with offenders, coworkers, and supervisors; how you deliver instructions; and how you de-escalate difficult situations.

These scenarios focus on preventing harm to inmates and maintaining safety while they are under your care—especially during escorts or transport outside secure areas.

Situations may involve: medical transports, courthouse transfers, conflicts between inmates, attempted flight, or safety risks during movement.

You are being evaluated on:

• Safe escort procedures: Proper restraints, positioning, communication, and awareness of escape risks.
• Protecting vulnerable inmates: Recognizing intimidation, threats, or attempts to harm one another during movement.
• Maintaining situational awareness: Monitoring surroundings, anticipating risks, and adjusting escort techniques accordingly.
• Balancing security with care: Treating inmates respectfully while ensuring compliance and control.
• Incident prevention: Acting before a situation escalates—calling for backup, modifying routes, or separating individuals when needed.

Correctional Officer Sample Scenario —  Inmate Agitation during Transport

Situation: While transporting inmates, you encounter an agitated inmate who starts banging on the vehicle’s doors and threatening the staff.

Question 1: How should you handle this situation?

A) Ignore the inmate’s behavior and continue driving.
B) Immediately stop the vehicle and address the inmate’s concerns.
C) Call for backup and request assistance from nearby law enforcement.
D) Engage in a physical confrontation with the inmate.

The most effective response to this situation would be:

A  B  C  D

The least effective response to this situation would be:

A  B  C  D

Sample Scenario 2 – Medical Emergency during Transport

Situation: While transporting an inmate, you notice the individual experiencing a medical emergency, such as difficulty breathing and chest pain.

Question 2: What should be your immediate response in this situation?

A) Continue transporting the inmate and inform medical staff upon arrival.
B) Administer first aid to the inmate using available supplies.
C) Immediately call for emergency medical services (EMS).
D) Delay seeking medical assistance until reaching the destination.

The most effective response to this situation would be:

A  B  C  D

The least effective response to this situation would be:

A  B  C  D

1. C
2. D

Explanation: The effective response is option C, which involves calling for backup and requesting assistance from nearby law enforcement. This ensures the safety of staff and inmates by involving additional support to handle the agitated inmate appropriately. Ignoring the inmate’s behavior (option A) can lead to further escalation and potential harm. Stopping the vehicle (option B) might compromise the safety of other inmates and staff. Engaging in a physical confrontation (option D) is unsafe and against proper protocol.

Ranking in order of effectiveness 

A) Ignore the inmate’s behavior and continue driving.  Ineffective
B) Immediately stop the vehicle and address the inmate’s concerns.  Very ineffective
C) Call for backup and request assistance from nearby law enforcement.  Very effective
D) Engage in a physical confrontation with the inmate. Least Effective

These scenarios involve threats to institutional security—such as suspicious behaviour, potential contraband, facility breaches, or inmates attempting to manipulate staff. The primary objective is to assess your ability to safeguard the institution and prevent risks from reaching the public.

You are being evaluated on:

• Vigilance: Recognizing signs of contraband movement, unusual patterns, or potential escape attempts.
• Sound judgment: Taking proportionate action, avoiding overreaction, and escalating only when warranted.
• Adherence to security procedures: Conducting searches correctly, enforcing movement rules, and reporting concerns.
• Integrity and professionalism: Remaining neutral, avoiding manipulation, and following ethical guidelines.
• Team coordination: Working with control, supervisors, and other staff to maintain a secure operation.

These scenarios measure your commitment to preventing incidents that could compromise safety beyond the facility walls.

Scenario: Fire Hazard

Situation: While conducting regular rounds in the facility, you discover a small fire in one of the inmate’s cells. The fire is growing rapidly, and the smoke alarms have been triggered.

Question: What should be your immediate response in this situation?

A) Attempt to extinguish the fire using available fire extinguishers.
B) Evacuate nearby inmates and staff to a safe location.
C) Inform the inmate responsible for the fire to put it out immediately.
D) Ignore the fire and continue with regular rounds.

The most effective response to this situation would be:

A  B  C  D

The least effective response to this situation would be:

A  B  C  D

Scenario: Environmental Hazard

Situation: During a routine inspection, you discover a leak in a water pipe located in a high-security unit. The water is rapidly flooding the area and poses a safety risk to both staff and inmates.

Question: What should be your immediate response in this situation?

A) Attempt to stop the water leak by using temporary measures.
B) Evacuate staff and inmates from the affected area.
C) Document the leak and report it to maintenance after completing the inspection.
D) Continue the inspection and ignore the water leak.

The most effective response to this situation would be:

A  B  C  D

The least effective response to this situation would be:

A  B  C  D

B

D

Option B the correct response in this situation., It prioritizes the safety of staff and inmates by removing them from immediate danger. It allows the appropriate emergency response personnel to handle the fire. It minimizes the risk of the fire spreading and causing further harm. It demonstrates adherence to established emergency protocols.

Ranking in order of effectiveness 

A) Attempt to extinguish the fire using available fire extinguishers. Effective
B) Evacuate nearby inmates and staff to a safe location.  Very effective
C) Inform the inmate responsible for the fire to put it out immediately.  Ineffective
D) Ignore the fire and continue with regular rounds. Very ineffective

B

D

Option B is the correct response in this situation.  This ensures the safety of staff and inmates first.

Ranking in order of effectiveness

A) Attempt to stop the water leak by using temporary measures. Effective
B) Evacuate staff and inmates from the affected area.  Most effective
C) Document the leak and report it to maintenance after completing the inspection. Ineffective
D) Continue the inspection and ignore the water leak.  Least effective