Prison officer in French
In France, this job is advertised as “Surveillant pénitentiaire”. To search for jobs in France, type “Surveillant pénitentiaire” or “Surveillante pénitentiaire”.
- Masculine
- Surveillant pénitentiaire
- Feminine
- Surveillante pénitentiaire
- ROME code
- K1711
Source: France Travail, ROME 4.0 occupation directory (v61, published 15 June 2026) · Data downloaded on 18 October 2026
Official ROME job titles
Job titles France Travail attaches to this occupation, useful as search keywords.
- Premier surveillant / Première surveillante pénitentiaire
- Surveillant pénitentiaire / Surveillante pénitentiaire
- Surveillant(e) brigadier(ère) pénitentiaire
Working as a prison officer in France
Surveillant pénitentiaire is a civil service post in the Ministry of Justice. Access is through a national competitive exam (concours), followed by paid training at the École nationale d'administration pénitentiaire (ENAP) in Agen and placements in establishments. French nationality is required, along with a criminal record compatible with the role, age and fitness conditions set in each exam notice. Foreign diplomas do not replace the exam. Look for « surveillant pénitentiaire », « surveillante pénitentiaire » or « agent pénitentiaire » and follow the exam calendar published by the Ministry of Justice.
French job profile (in French): Surveillant pénitentiaire
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