Alaska Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
459 (ParaPro) or Level 4 on all three assessments (WorkKeys)
Minimum passing score
Test Duration
ParaPro: 2.5 hours; WorkKeys: 165 minutes total (55 min per section)
Total testing time
Test Sections
3 Sections
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
Test Fee
$55-85 (Varies by testing center)
Standard assessment cost
School Districts
54
Districts in state
Governing Body
Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED)
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (AA, AS) or higher from accredited institution
- 48 semester hours (or 72 quarter hours) of college coursework from accredited institution
Background Check
Required
Comprehensive criminal background check; fingerprints submitted to Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) and FBI
Salary Range
Typical annual salary
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Alaska
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Alaska requires that all paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in Title I-funded programs meet rigorous standards of qualification.
ESSA Compliance and State Standards
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) establishes federal requirements that paraprofessionals working in Title I programs must meet one of three qualification pathways: hold a degree, complete college coursework, or pass a formal assessment.
Alaska's Unique and Flexible Approach
Alaska's school system is unlike any other state's. With a vast geographical area, numerous remote and fly-in-only communities, and a wide range of Alaska Native cultures, a one-size-fits-all approach to educator qualification just does not work here. The state's flexible pathways are a direct response to these realities.
By offering both the academically-focused ParaPro Assessment and the skills-based ACT WorkKeys, Alaska allows candidates to choose the assessment that best reflects their strengths. This is especially important for staffing schools in remote villages where the pool of applicants may be small but rich in local knowledge and experience. Qualified local paraprofessionals serve as a vital bridge between certified teaching staff (who may be from outside the community) and the students and their families.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Alaska
State education codes and federal ESSA guidelines establish clear standards for all instructional paraprofessionals working in Title I programs.
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Degree
Hold an associate's degree (AA, AS) or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Official sealed transcripts required
- Must be from accredited institution
- Accredited by a recognized regional body (e.g., Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities for Alaska)
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least 48 semester units (or 72 quarter units) of college coursework.
- Official transcript required
- Degree-applicable courses only
- Remedial or developmental courses (often numbered below 100, e.g., MATH 055) do not count toward the 48-credit requirement
Option 3: Assessment
Pass a formal state or locally approved assessment demonstrating knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPro Assessment: Achieve a composite score of 459 or higher
- ACT WorkKeys: Achieve Level 4 on all three assessments (Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents)
- Passing WorkKeys earns a nationally recognized Silver Level National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
Additional Mandatory Alaska Requirements
- * Background Check: All school employees must undergo a criminal background check through the Alaska Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Results go to the DEED for clearance.
- * Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old. Some districts require candidates to be 19 or 21 for certain positions.
- * Education: A high school diploma or GED is the minimum for all pathways.
- * District-Specific Training: After hiring, you will complete mandatory training including child abuse reporting, suicide prevention (QPR), bloodborne pathogens, and often the Alaska Cultural Standards for Educators.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Alaska?
These qualification standards apply to any paraprofessional who provides instructional support in a school-wide Title I program or a targeted assistance Title I program. The key factor is whether your role involves teaching or reinforcing academic content under the supervision of a certified teacher.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Aides/Assistants: The most common title for paraprofessionals working directly with students on academic tasks
- • Special Education Aides: Paraprofessionals who provide academic and behavioral support to students with IEPs
- • Title I Tutors: Staff hired to provide small-group or one-on-one instruction in reading, writing, or math
- • Library/Media Aides: If their duties include helping students find information, teaching research skills, or leading literacy activities
- • Bilingual or Alaska Native Language Education Aides: Paraprofessionals who use a second language to provide instruction and support
May Not Need Requirements
- • Non-Instructional Aides: Playground monitors, cafeteria supervisors, and bus duty aides whose primary role is safety and supervision
- • Family/Community Liaisons: Staff who connect the school with families but do not work with students in an instructional capacity
- • Clerical Staff: School secretaries and office assistants
- • Unpaid Volunteers: While they must undergo a background check, volunteers are not required to meet the ESSA academic qualifications
Assessment Details: ParaPro vs. WorkKeys
ETS ParaPro Assessment (Score: 459)
- 90 multiple-choice questions in a single 2.5-hour session
- Three sections: Reading (30 questions), Writing (30 questions), Math (30 questions)
- Best for candidates with a traditional academic background
ACT WorkKeys Assessment (Score: Level 4)
- Three separate assessments: Applied Math (38 questions), Graphic Literacy (38 questions), Workplace Documents (30 questions)
- 55 minutes per section (165 minutes total)
- Best for candidates with strong practical and reasoning skills; earns a nationally recognized NCRC
In-Depth Exam Breakdown
Here is what you can expect on each section of the ParaPro and WorkKeys assessments, along with real examples of how these skills apply in Alaska classrooms.
Reading Skills and Knowledge (ParaPro - 30 Questions)
Skills Tested: Identifying the main idea, supporting details, and author's purpose; understanding vocabulary in context; drawing inferences and making predictions; analyzing the structure of a text.
Classroom Application: You will need these skills to lead a small reading group, helping students break down a challenging passage or understand a science textbook.
Writing Skills and Knowledge (ParaPro - 30 Questions)
Skills Tested: Identifying errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling; understanding sentence structure and organization; recognizing different stages of the writing process.
Classroom Application: You will use this knowledge when helping a student edit their essay, correct their sentence structure, or organize their ideas for a report.
Mathematics (ParaPro - 30 Questions)
Skills Tested: Number sense and operations (fractions, decimals, percentages); algebraic concepts (solving simple equations); geometry and measurement (area, perimeter, volume); data analysis (reading charts and graphs).
Classroom Application: You will use these skills daily, whether helping a student with a multi-step word problem, reviewing multiplication tables, or assisting with a hands-on measurement activity.
WorkKeys: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents
Applied Math (38 Questions): Setting up and solving problems with one or two math operations. Working with fractions, decimals, percentages, and converting units of measurement.
Graphic Literacy (38 Questions): Interpreting line graphs and pie charts, understanding diagrams, identifying trends in data, and comparing information between related graphics.
Workplace Documents (30 Questions): Understanding and applying information from moderately complex workplace texts like multi-step instructions, official policies, or detailed emails.
After the Test: Scores and Next Steps in Alaska
You will receive your unofficial scores on the computer screen right after finishing the test.
If You Passed (459+ on ParaPro or Level 4+ on WorkKeys)
- Step 1: Celebrate. This is a real accomplishment that opens the door to a rewarding career.
- Step 2: Get Official Documentation. Your official score report will be mailed or emailed within a few weeks. If you took WorkKeys, follow the instructions to access your National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).
- Step 3: Update Your Resume. Add your achievement: "Qualified as an Instructional Paraprofessional in Alaska by achieving a passing score of [Your Score] on the ETS ParaPro Assessment."
- Step 4: Submit Applications. Start applying on the Alaska Teacher Placement website (ATP) and directly on district websites. Attach your score report to every application.
- Step 5: Prepare for the Interview. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you would support students and contribute to a positive school environment, especially in the unique context of an Alaska school.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Do Not Be Discouraged. Many successful paraprofessionals did not pass on their first attempt. View it as a diagnostic tool.
- Step 2: Analyze Your Score Report. It will break down your performance by subject area. If you scored low in Math, that is where you need to focus.
- Step 3: Respect the Waiting Period. ETS requires a 28-day waiting period for ParaPro retakes. There is no formal waiting period for WorkKeys, but give yourself time to study.
- Step 4: Change Your Strategy. If you used a study guide before, try an online course. If you studied alone, find a study partner. Focus hard on your weakest areas.
Preparing for Your Alaska Paraprofessional Assessment
A structured study plan is the key to success. How long you need depends on where you are starting from and which test you choose. Whether you go with the ParaPro or WorkKeys, giving yourself enough time to practice makes a real difference.
Recommended Study Timelines
Quick Refresher
Best if you recently finished college coursework or feel confident in reading, writing, and math. Focus on practice tests and reviewing any weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The sweet spot for most people. Gives you enough time to work through a study guide, take practice tests, and revisit topics you are rusty on without feeling rushed.
In-Depth Review
If you have been out of school for a while or math and writing feel unfamiliar, take the extra time. The confidence boost helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ETS official ParaPro practice test: The free practice test from ETS gives you the best preview of the format and difficulty level. Take it as your first step to see where you stand.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Free and self-paced.
- Public library databases: Your Alaska library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which has ParaPro-specific practice tests and skill-building courses.
- ACT WorkKeys practice tests: If you are taking WorkKeys, the ACT website has free sample questions for Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents.
Paid Study Options
You do not need to spend money to pass, but some people prefer the structure of a paid resource. Here are the most common options:
- ParaPro study guide books ($20-40): Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Look for recent editions so the content stays current.
- Online prep courses ($50-150): These usually include video lessons, quizzes, and full-length practice tests. Helpful if you learn better with guided instruction.
- Video tutorial packages: Some test prep companies sell video bundles focused on specific subjects. These work well if reading-heavy study materials are not your style.
Alaska-Specific Study Tip
Testing days can be infrequent in remote areas of Alaska. Plan ahead and register early, especially if you need to travel to a testing center. Check with your target district's HR department, University of Alaska campuses (UAA, UAF, UAS), and Alaska Job Centers to find the nearest testing location. If you are choosing between ParaPro and WorkKeys, consider which test plays to your strengths: the ParaPro focuses on academic knowledge while WorkKeys measures practical, real-world skills.
Test Day: What to Expect in Alaska
Knowing what to expect on test day takes away a lot of the stress. Here is a rundown so you can walk in feeling ready.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID like a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Make sure it is not expired.
Bring the confirmation email or document from the testing center with your test date, time, and location.
Testing rooms can be cold, especially in winter. A light jacket or sweater lets you adjust without distraction.
What NOT to Bring
Check-In Procedure
- 1 Arrive 20-30 minutes early. This gives you time to find the room, settle in, and handle any paperwork without rushing.
- 2 Present your photo ID. A proctor will verify your identity against the test roster.
- 3 Store personal items. You will be asked to put your phone, bag, and other belongings in a designated area.
- 4 Take your assigned seat. The proctor will direct you to your spot and go over the testing rules before the clock starts.
Tips for During the Test
Watch your time
Do not spend too long on any single question. If you are stuck, mark it and move on. You can come back to it if there is time left.
Read carefully
Many wrong answers come from misreading the question. Pay attention to words like "not," "except," and "best." They change the meaning entirely.
Eliminate wrong answers
On multiple-choice questions, crossing out answers you know are wrong improves your odds even when you are unsure about the right one.
Do not leave blanks
There is no penalty for guessing on the ParaPro. If time is running out, fill in your best guess for every remaining question.
About Alaska Testing Locations
Testing in Alaska happens at school district offices, University of Alaska campuses (UAA, UAF, UAS and community campuses like Kenai Peninsula College or Mat-Su College), and Alaska Job Centers. If you live in a remote area, you may need to travel to a regional hub for testing. Plan your travel and lodging well in advance, especially during winter months when weather can disrupt schedules.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Alaska
Paraprofessional salaries vary by district, experience level, and role specialization.
Typical Starting Range
Experienced / Higher Districts
Salary by Region
Urban Alaska (Anchorage, Mat-Su): Starting around $18-22/hr with strong benefits packages
Fairbanks/Interior: Competitive pay with additional considerations for harsh winter conditions
Southeast Alaska (Juneau, Sitka): Moderate salaries reflecting the region's higher cost of living
Rural/Remote Villages: Highest pay rates ($29+/hr) to offset extreme cost of living and attract qualified staff
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles in Alaska
Special Education Aides: The need is critical and constant across the entire state. These roles often come with a pay differential.
Itinerant Aides (Rural): Some paraprofessionals travel by small plane between several village schools in a region to provide specialized support.
Boarding Home Aides: In regional hub towns with high schools that serve students from surrounding villages, paraprofessionals may work in residential dorms providing academic and life-skills support.
Cultural Heritage Aides: These roles involve working alongside elders and teachers to integrate Alaska Native culture, language, and traditions into the curriculum.
Career Pathway: From Paraprofessional to Teacher
Alaska has programs to help paraprofessionals transition into teaching. Working as a paraprofessional while pursuing your degree through the University of Alaska system is a practical and well-supported path. Many districts actively encourage this growth and may provide tuition assistance.
Alaska ParaPro Test Centers
Tests administered by school districts and approved testing centers.
Important Information
- Use the Alaska Teacher Placement (ATP) website at alaskateacher.org for job openings
- University of Alaska campuses (UAA, UAF, UAS) and community campuses serve as common testing locations
- Alaska Job Centers offer WorkKeys testing as part of workforce development services
How to Register for an Assessment in Alaska
The registration process typically begins through a school district's Human Resources department or the state education agency.
Step 1: Find Job Openings and Apply
Visit school district websites and apply for paraprofessional positions through their online portals.
Contact the HR department of the school district where you want to work (e.g., Anchorage School District, Mat-Su Borough School District). Ask: "Do you offer the ParaPro or WorkKeys test? What is your testing schedule? How do I register?"
Step 2: Receive Test Invitation
If you meet minimum qualifications, the HR department will send you testing information and schedule.
If the district does not offer testing directly, they will guide you to a regional center. University of Alaska campuses and Alaska Job Centers are common alternatives.
Step 3: Prepare and Take the Test
Review study materials provided by the district and complete the assessment on the scheduled date.
Contact the testing center by phone or email to find an available test slot. In Alaska, plan ahead because testing days can be infrequent, especially in remote locations. Fees are paid directly to the testing center (typically $55-$85).
Pathway to Teaching
Alaska has programs to help paraprofessionals transition into teaching careers. Working as a paraprofessional while pursuing your education degree through the University of Alaska system is a well-supported path.
Many districts actively encourage this growth and may provide tuition assistance, especially for positions in high-need areas like special education and Alaska Native language education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Alaska Paraprofessionals
What is the difference between a paraprofessional, a teacher's aide, and an instructional assistant?
In Alaska, these titles are often used interchangeably. The official title under federal law is "paraprofessional," but the day-to-day title varies by district. The important thing is that the role involves instructional support under the supervision of a certified teacher.
Can I work as a paraprofessional while I am still in college?
Yes. As long as you have completed 48 semester credits, you meet the qualification. This makes it a great job for college students. If you have not reached 48 credits yet, you would need to pass one of the approved assessments (ParaPro or WorkKeys).
How long does it take to get certified?
The timeline varies, but most candidates complete the process within 2-4 weeks after passing the assessment, including background check clearance.
Can I work while completing my certification?
Some districts allow provisional or probationary employment while you complete requirements, but this varies by district policy.
Are there opportunities for part-time work?
Yes, many districts hire part-time paraprofessionals, especially for specific programs like after-school tutoring or to provide one-on-one support for a student for part of the school day. Keep in mind that part-time positions may not always include benefits.
How do I find job openings in Alaska?
The best resource is the Alaska Teacher Placement (ATP) website at alaskateacher.org. It is a consortium of nearly all school districts in the state and lists paraprofessional openings alongside teaching positions. You should also check the websites of major districts like Anchorage, Mat-Su, and Fairbanks directly.
What happens if I don't pass the assessment?
Most districts have a waiting period (typically 30-90 days) before you can retake the assessment. Use this time to study and prepare. ETS requires a 28-day waiting period for ParaPro retakes. There is no formal waiting period for WorkKeys, but it is wise to wait until you have had enough time to study your weak areas.
