Corrections Vic Prison Officer SJQ exam-day guide
Corrections Vic Prison Officer SJQ · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the original government-issued photo ID (passport or driver licence) in the exact name on your application. Confirm with the provider which ID types they accept and whether a secondary ID is required.
Booking confirmation
Print or screenshot your invitation, booking reference, and venue/start time. If the SJQ is delivered online, have the login email and any access code to hand.
Arrival time and route
Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes early. Check public transport, parking, and building entry/security screening the day before. Confirm with the provider whether early entry to the waiting area is permitted.
Comfortable professional clothing
Neat, modest business-casual clothing you can sit in for a long period. Avoid slogans or offensive graphics. Confirm with the provider whether a uniform or fitness-style clothing is required.
Water and a light snack
Bring a sealed water bottle and something small to eat during any scheduled break. Confirm with the provider what is allowed into the test room.
Pen and pencil
Carry a couple of black or blue pens and a pencil in case rough paper or a sign-in sheet is provided. Do not assume scrap paper is permitted; ask if you need it.
Glasses or hearing aids if you use them
Bring any corrective aids you normally rely on, plus spare batteries or a case. If you need adjustments (extra time, separate room, screen reader), confirm with the provider well before the day.
Simple analogue watch
A basic wristwatch helps you pace yourself if there is no visible clock. Leave smart watches and fitness trackers at home - confirm with the provider whether they must be surrendered.
Phone off and stowed
Expect mobile phones to be switched off and stored away for the duration. Confirm with the provider where devices are kept.
Declare anything that may trigger screening
If you carry medication, a medical device, or anything that might set off security screening, tell staff on arrival and confirm with the provider in advance how it will be handled.
Sleep and a normal breakfast
Prioritise sleep over last-minute cramming. Eat something you normally eat so you are not distracted by hunger or an unsettled stomach.
Backup plan for delays
Save the provider's contact number and know who to call if transport fails. Confirm with the provider what to do if you are running late or cannot attend.
Plan the day
Re-read your invitation end to end and write down the venue or online link, start time, reporting time, and duration. Note any instructions about ID, devices, or what to bring.
If anything is unclear - format, length, sections, permitted materials, adjustments - contact the provider now rather than on the day.
Do a short practice set of situational judgement questions to re-familiarise yourself with the format and the pace. Stop at one or two sets; extra volume at this stage adds fatigue, not skill.
Plan and, if practical, test your travel route. Check whether parking needs pre-booking and how long entry and security screening take.
Lay out your ID, booking confirmation, clothing, water, pens, and watch in one place. Charge nothing you will not be allowed to use.
Confirm your alarm and a backup alarm. Avoid alcohol and a late night. Do not start learning new material.
If the SJQ is online, test your device, camera, microphone, browser, and internet connection at the same time of day as your session, and check the room and lighting you will use.
Eat a normal breakfast, dress, and leave with buffer time. Re-check the reporting time before you depart.
Arrive early, switch your phone off when instructed, complete sign-in and any ID check calmly, and use the waiting time to settle your breathing rather than to quiz other candidates.
Read the instructions and any worked example carefully before the timer starts. Note the number of questions and the time limit, then set a steady pace and keep an eye on your watch.
Answer as a corrections officer should act in the setting described - lawful, safe, and consistent with supervision and reporting duties - rather than as you personally might react. Look for the option that addresses risk first and then follows procedure.
Do not leave a question blank if there is no penalty for guessing; flag anything genuinely ambiguous and come back to it if the format allows.
If technology fails online, or you feel unwell at a venue, stop and notify the invigilator or provider immediately rather than trying to push through - there may be a process for interruptions, but only if you raise it at the time.
Note what you found difficult while it is fresh, and ask the provider about timelines and next steps before you leave or log off.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID specified in your invitation and present it when asked. If your ID does not match your application name, raise it with the provider before the day - do not turn up hoping it will pass.
Follow all directions from invigilators and security staff immediately, including where to sit, when to start and stop, and when you may speak.
Phones, smart watches, and other devices must be off and stored as directed. Do not use them during the session, including any break, unless a staff member tells you otherwise.
Breaks are only at the times set by the provider. If the format is timed and continuous, confirm in advance whether a break is included and whether the clock stops. Ask to leave the room if you are unwell, and expect supervision.
Do not discuss, copy, photograph, or share the questions with anyone. Treat the content as confidential and confirm with the provider what you have agreed to.
Read the scoring rules in your invitation. Some formats penalise incorrect answers and some do not; if this is not stated, ask the provider before you start.
Answer in your own words and do not bring notes, prepared scripts, or another person's assistance into the session unless the provider has explicitly permitted it.
If you have a disability, medical condition, or cultural or religious need that affects the day, request an adjustment with the provider as early as possible - do not wait until you are at the venue.