Court officers are an essential presence in the courtroom as they are responsible for maintaining order, courtroom security, and protecting those in the court—the judge, jury, and other participants during hearings and trials. Under the supervision of a judge or court administrator, court officers take charge of and escort juries, call defendants and witnesses to the stand, notify attorneys during trial, transfer prisoners, deliver case files, maintain the integrity of documents and exhibits, and respond to the wishes of the judge, among other duties.
To become a court officer, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. In most states, becoming a court officer is dependent on passing a written and physical exam.
Preparing for the Written Exam
The Court Officer written exam, a key component of the screening process, consists of a multiple-choice test that covers a variety of different types of questions, including:
- Clerical checking which assesses your ability to read information quickly and note errors or discrepancies.
- Observation and memory which measures how you observe photographs, narratives, and can remember details.
- Reading comprehension which evaluates your competency in understanding the facts, main ideas, crucial details, inferences, and vocabulary after reading a passage.
In some instances, the test will involve watching a video where you will then be asked questions or may need to write an overview about what you heard and saw. This test measures your ability to observe, listen, and memorize details.
Simply passing the test isn’t enough, as a high score is essential to being appointed to the position of court officer, and necessary for advancement in the position.
In addition to the written exam, the court officer screening process is extensive and includes an interview, medical examination, physical ability examination, psychological interview, and background investigation.
RELATED: A Career in Law Enforcement: Overview of the Law Enforcement Exams
Are you interested in becoming a court officer? Peterson’s test prep features three full-length practice tests to help you prepare for the Court Officer exam, your first step to becoming a court officer.
