The Miami County Probation Department employs staff in a variety of roles. Certified probation officers represent the largest portion of staff. In order to obtain employment as a probation officer in the State of Indiana, individuals must meet certain minimum qualifications.

Probation Officer Qualifications

• A probation officer shall be not less than 21 years of age.
• A probation officer shall be an American citizen.
• A person who submits an application to take the examination for prospective probation officers shall have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university or be in the last semester of a baccalaureate degree program. A person may not serve as a probation officer unless and until he or she has received a baccalaureate degree.
• A person who submits an application to take the examination for prospective probation officers shall be a person of good moral character.
• A person shall take and pass an examination for prospective probation officers prior to employment or within six months from the date that the person is first employed as a probation officer.
  • A person who fails the examination shall be permitted to take the examination a second time. The second examination shall not be given until ninety days after the first examination, during which time the person shall not be permitted to serve as a probation officer.
  • A person who fails the examination a second time shall not be permitted to take the examination or serve as a probation officer until one year after the second examination.
• A probation officer shall be required to attend an orientation program conducted by the Indiana Judicial Center within one year from the date that the officer is employed.
• The qualifications established by the Judicial Conference of Indiana shall be minimum qualifications only, and a trial court judge may require higher qualifications for probation officers.
• The qualifications established by the Judicial Conference of Indiana shall be effective on July 1, 1984. The qualifications shall not apply to persons who have been certified as eligible to serve as probation officers in Indiana courts prior to July 1, 1984.

Probation Officer Certification Exam

If you are interested in obtaining employment as a probation officer, we strongly encourage applicants to initiate the certification process by applying to take the Certification Exam. The exam is administered by the Indiana Judicial Center. You may contact the Indiana Judicial Center at 317-232-1313 for further information.