Colorado Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
460 (ParaPro) or Level 4 (WorkKeys) or District-set (Local)
Minimum passing score
Test Duration
ParaPro: 2.5 hours; WorkKeys: 165 min total (55 min per section); Local: Varies
Total testing time
Test Sections
3 Sections
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
Test Fee
$55-90 (Varies by location)
Standard assessment cost
School Districts
179
Districts in state
Governing Body
Colorado Department of Education (CDE)
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (AA, AS) or higher from accredited institution
- 48 semester hours of college coursework from accredited institution
Background Check
Required
Fingerprint-based criminal history check (CBI and FBI); Many districts require CDE Substitute Authorization; Age 18+; High school diploma or GED
Salary Range
Typical annual salary
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Colorado
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Colorado 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.
Colorado's Local Control Approach
Colorado's education system is one of real diversity, from the dense, multicultural Denver Public Schools system to small, remote rural districts on the Eastern Plains and in mountain communities. The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) recognizes that a single, rigid qualification process would not serve all students well. Districts can choose the assessment that best fits their needs: the academic ParaPro, the skills-based WorkKeys, or even a locally developed exam.
A unique and important aspect of Colorado's approach is the common district-level requirement for paraprofessionals to hold a CDE-issued Substitute Authorization. This elevates the standard by requiring paraprofessionals to undergo the same rigorous, fingerprint-based background check and application process as substitute teachers, to maintain a high level of safety and professionalism. This dual system of local academic qualification and state-level clearance means that Colorado's paraprofessionals are both academically competent and fully vetted to work with children.
This framework ensures that all instructional paraprofessionals have the proven skills to effectively reinforce instruction based on the Colorado Academic Standards, provide targeted support in reading, writing, and mathematics, collaborate professionally with certified staff, and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Colorado
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 accrediting body (e.g., the Higher Learning Commission)
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least 48 semester units (or 72 quarter units) of college coursework.
- Official transcript required
- Degree-applicable courses only
- Courses must be college-level (typically numbered 100+); remedial or developmental courses will not count toward the 48-hour requirement
Option 3: Assessment
Pass a formal state or locally approved assessment demonstrating knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPro Assessment: Passing score of 460 (CDE-recommended benchmark, widely accepted across the state)
- ACT WorkKeys Assessment: Level 4 ("Silver" NCRC) on Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents
- Local Assessment: A locally developed and validated exam (e.g., Jefferson County Public Schools may administer its own proficiency test)
CDE Substitute Authorization (Highly Common Requirement)
While not a statewide mandate for all paraprofessionals, a large number of districts (including Denver Public Schools) require instructional paraprofessionals to hold, at minimum, a 1-Year Substitute Authorization from the CDE. This means you'll need to create an account with the CDE, submit fingerprints for a CBI and FBI background check, complete the online application, and pay the associated fee. The 1-Year Authorization requires a high school diploma or GED. A 3-Year requires an associate's degree. A 5-Year requires a bachelor's degree.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Colorado?
These qualification standards apply to all paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in Title I-funded programs. Since many Colorado schools operate as school-wide Title I programs, the requirements apply to the majority of instructional aides at those sites.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Paraprofessionals/Para-educators: General aides who provide academic support
- • Title I Paraprofessionals: Staff hired with Title I funds for targeted academic intervention
- • Special Education Paraprofessionals: Aides who support the academic and behavioral goals in a student's IEP
- • Bilingual Education Aides (Spanish): Aides who support English Language Learners (ELLs)
May Not Need Requirements
- • Supervisory Aides: Staff with exclusively non-instructional duties (playground, cafeteria, bus monitors)
- • Personal Care Providers (PCPs): Aides in special education whose role is strictly physical, health, or safety needs without an instructional component
- • Community or Parent Liaisons: Staff who work with families but do not provide instruction
Assessment Format Options
ETS ParaPro Assessment (Score: 460)
- 90 multiple-choice questions in a single 2.5-hour session
- CDE-recommended benchmark; widely accepted across the state
- Covers reading, writing, and mathematics equally (30 questions each)
ACT WorkKeys Assessment (Level 4)
- Three separate assessments: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents
- Available at Colorado Workforce Centers statewide
- Earns a "Silver" National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), accepted by many districts
In-Depth Exam Breakdown
Whether you take the ParaPro or WorkKeys, both tests measure your ability to support instruction in the core academic areas. Here is what each assessment covers and how those skills show up in Colorado classrooms.
Reading (ParaPro: 30 Questions)
Skills Tested: Analyzing texts to find the main idea and supporting details, defining vocabulary from context, drawing inferences, and understanding the author's purpose.
Colorado Classroom Application: A paraprofessional in a Colorado Springs classroom might help students read a passage about the geology of Pikes Peak, guiding them to identify key vocabulary and summarize the main points about how the mountain formed.
Writing (ParaPro: 30 Questions)
Skills Tested: Applying knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure. It also assesses your ability to assist in the writing process.
Colorado Classroom Application: An aide in a Fort Collins middle school could help a student proofread a report on the Cache la Poudre River, identifying sentence fragments and making sure citations are used correctly.
Mathematics (ParaPro: 30 Questions)
Skills Tested: Computation with fractions, decimals, and percentages; solving algebraic equations; interpreting data from charts and graphs; applying geometric principles.
Colorado Classroom Application: A paraprofessional in a Grand Junction elementary school might help students with a hands-on science project that involves measuring plant growth over time and graphing the results on a coordinate plane.
ACT WorkKeys Breakdown (Level 4)
Applied Math (38 Questions): Uses mathematics to solve common workplace problems. Level 4 involves setting up and solving problems with one or two distinct operations. Think: helping a teacher calculate the amount of classroom supplies needed for a project based on a per-student cost and a budget.
Graphic Literacy (38 Questions): Reading and interpreting workplace graphics like charts, graphs, and dashboards. In a Colorado classroom, you might look at a student's data dashboard and help the teacher identify trends in academic performance.
Workplace Documents (30 Questions): Reading and understanding workplace texts like memos, policies, and instructions. The practical classroom version of this is reading a student's 504 Plan or IEP and correctly implementing the required accommodations.
After the Test: Scores and Next Steps in Colorado
Passing the assessment is a key milestone, but in Colorado, the next step is often the state authorization process.
If You Passed the Assessment
- Step 1: Obtain Your Official Score Report. Save the unofficial report right away. The official one from ETS will follow within a few weeks.
- Step 2: Apply for Your CDE Substitute Authorization. This is the most important next step for many districts. Go to the CDE website, create an account, and begin the application. This includes submitting your fingerprints for the background check. The process can take 4-8 weeks, so start right away.
- Step 3: Update Your Job Application. Upload your passing score report and a copy of your substitute authorization application receipt to your job application file. Let the HR department know that you are in the process of obtaining your authorization.
- Step 4: Interview and Accept a Position. With your qualifications in place, you can move forward with site-level interviews at specific schools.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Analyze Your Score Report. Pinpoint the subject area where you need the most improvement.
- Step 2: Observe the Waiting Period. ETS requires a 28-day waiting period for ParaPro retakes. Use this time for focused study.
- Step 3: Create a New Study Plan. Use different resources. If you used a book, try an online video course. Mix up the approach.
- Step 4: Reschedule Your Test. Do not retake the test until you feel confident you can pass.
Preparing for Your Colorado Paraprofessional Assessment
How long you need to study depends on where you're starting from. Some people feel ready after a couple weeks of focused review. Others need more time, especially if it has been a while since they have done formal math or writing exercises.
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're 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. There is no penalty for being well-prepared, and the confidence boost helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ETS ParaPro study companion: The official free resource from ETS includes a content overview, sample questions, and a full-length practice test. Download it from the ETS website before anything else.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It is free, self-paced, and covers everything on the math section of both tests.
- Colorado public library databases: Your library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which has ParaPro-specific practice tests and skill-building courses. Check your local library's website.
- Online practice tests: Sites like parapropracticetest.com and uniontestprep.com/parapro-assessment offer free practice questions that cover reading, writing, and math.
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 ones published within the last couple of years so the content stays current.
- Online prep courses ($50-150): These usually include video lessons, quizzes, and multiple 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 thing.
Colorado-Specific Tip
Before you pick a test, check with the district where you want to work. Some districts prefer the ParaPro, others prefer WorkKeys, and a few use their own local exam. The Colorado Workforce Centers are a great resource for the WorkKeys; they often offer free or low-cost testing and can help you prepare. Starting the CDE Substitute Authorization application at the same time as your test prep saves weeks in the hiring timeline.
Test Day: What to Expect in Colorado
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
Driver's license, state ID, or passport. Make sure it is not expired.
Bring the confirmation email or letter from the testing center or ETS.
Testing rooms can be cold. 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 Colorado Testing Locations
If you are taking the ParaPro in person, many districts administer it at their own offices. Colorado Workforce Centers are the go-to for WorkKeys testing and often have more flexible scheduling. The at-home proctored option through ETS is popular with candidates in mountain and rural areas where driving to a testing site can mean a long trip.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Colorado
Paraprofessional salaries vary by district, experience level, and role specialization.
Typical Starting Range
Experienced / Higher Districts
Salary by Region
Denver Metro Area: Offers the highest number of jobs and competitive pay, but also the highest cost of living in the state
Front Range Urban Corridor (Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs): Strong, competitive pay and excellent school districts
Mountain/Resort Communities (Aspen, Vail, Steamboat Springs): Often offer very high hourly wages to attract staff in extremely high-cost-of-living areas
Western Slope and Eastern Plains: Salaries are lower, but this is often offset by a much more affordable cost of living
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles
Special Education Paraprofessionals: There is a shortage across the entire state. Aides with experience in behavior management (RBTs), supporting students with significant needs, or autism are in constant demand.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) Paraprofessionals: In high demand in nearly every urban and agricultural district. These positions often include a language proficiency test and a pay stipend.
Rural and Remote District Aides: Small districts on the Eastern Plains or in the mountains often struggle to fill positions and may offer unique incentives.
The Pathway to a Teaching Career in Colorado
Alternative Teacher Licensure Programs: If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can enroll in a one-year intensive program that allows you to be a "teacher of record" while completing your coursework. Your experience as a paraprofessional makes you an ideal candidate.
"Grow Your Own" Programs: Many Colorado school districts invest in these initiatives, providing financial assistance and support for their current paraprofessionals to complete a bachelor's degree and earn a teaching license.
Teacher Residency Programs: Programs like the Denver Teacher Residency offer a year-long apprenticeship model where you co-teach with a mentor teacher while earning your master's degree and teaching license.
Colorado ParaPro Test Centers
Tests administered by school districts and approved testing centers.
Important Information
- Apply directly to district websites: Denver Public Schools, Cherry Creek Schools, Boulder Valley School District, and others
- Colorado Workforce Centers are primary providers of WorkKeys testing statewide
- Community colleges like Front Range, Pikes Peak, and Community College of Denver offer ParaPro testing
How to Register for an Assessment in Colorado
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.
Apply through district portals such as Denver Public Schools, Cherry Creek Schools, or Boulder Valley School District.
Step 2: Receive Test Invitation
If you meet minimum qualifications, the HR department will send you testing information and schedule.
The district HR department will tell you which test they accept and provide a list of approved testing centers. Many large districts administer the tests themselves.
Step 3: Prepare and Take the Test
Review study materials provided by the district and complete the assessment on the scheduled date.
Start your CDE Substitute Authorization application at the same time as your assessment preparation. The at-home proctored ParaPro is also a popular option; register on the ETS website.
Pathway to Teaching
Colorado actively encourages paraprofessionals to become licensed teachers. The state offers alternative teacher licensure programs, "Grow Your Own" initiatives, and the Denver Teacher Residency program.
Working as a paraprofessional gives you the classroom experience that makes these programs much more accessible and makes you a stronger candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions - Colorado Paraprofessionals
Why do so many districts require a substitute authorization?
Districts do this for two main reasons: 1) It makes sure that all instructional staff have passed the same rigorous, CDE-vetted background check. 2) It provides staffing flexibility. If a teacher is suddenly absent, a qualified paraprofessional who holds a substitute authorization can legally step in to cover the class, preventing disruptions to student learning.
What is the difference between a 1-Year, 3-Year, and 5-Year Substitute Authorization?
The main difference is the educational requirement. A 1-Year Authorization requires a high school diploma or GED. A 3-Year Authorization requires an associate's degree. A 5-Year Authorization requires a bachelor's degree. For most paraprofessional roles, the 1-Year Authorization is sufficient.
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.
I passed the ParaPro in another state. Will Colorado accept my score?
Yes. If you passed the ParaPro with a score of 460 or higher, Colorado districts will accept it. You will still need to complete the Colorado-specific requirements, such as the background check and potentially the CDE substitute authorization.
What might disqualify me on the background check?
Certain felony convictions, particularly those involving children, violence, or unlawful sexual behavior, will disqualify you. Misdemeanors related to child abuse or domestic violence can also be disqualifying. The CDE makes the final determination during the authorization process.
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. In Colorado, ETS requires a 28-day waiting period for ParaPro retakes. Use this time for focused study on the areas where you scored lowest.
