Colorado Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Centennial State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Colorado Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
Set by each district (CDE names no score; ETS lists 460 on the retired ParaPro scale)
Exam and minimum vary by state or district. Verify the current requirement.
Test Duration
145 min total (85 + 60)
ParaPathways: Reading & Writing 85 min, Mathematics 60 min, timed separately
Test Sections
2
Reading & Writing and Mathematics, scored separately
Test Fee
$59 / $75
ParaPathways: $59 at a test center, $75 at home
School Districts
178
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Fingerprint-based criminal history check (CBI and FBI), run for the hiring district; some districts may ask for a CDE substitute authorization; High school diploma or GED
Governing Body
Colorado Department of Education (CDE)
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (AA, AS) or higher from accredited institution
- Two years of study at an institution of higher education (ask the hiring district how many credits it counts as two years)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
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. CDE leaves the choice of assessment to each district: ACT WorkKeys, the ETS paraprofessional assessment (now ParaPathways, which replaced the retired ParaPro), or a district assessment that meets CDE's criteria. Ask the district which one it accepts.
Colorado does not require a state license for paraprofessionals. Fingerprints for the background check are submitted for your employing school district, which runs the check. Some districts may ask for a CDE substitute authorization, which also lets you work as a substitute teacher; ask the district you are applying to whether it wants one.
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
- Ask the hiring district whether it requires the degree to come from an accredited institution
Option 2: College Credits
Complete two years of study at an institution of higher education. Ask the district you are applying to how many credits it counts as two years.
- Official transcript required
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts
Option 3: Assessment
Pass a formal state or locally approved assessment demonstrating knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment: Colorado has not published statewide ParaPathways cut scores, so confirm the requirement with CDE or your district; ETS recommends 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics. CDE does not set a passing score; each district decides which assessment and score it accepts. Ask the district whether it accepts an earlier ParaPro score (ETS lists 460 for Colorado).
- ACT WorkKeys Assessment: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy and Workplace Documents. CDE does not set a level; ask the district which level it requires (a Silver NCRC means Level 4 or higher on all three)
- Local Assessment: A district-developed or existing local assessment that meets CDE's criteria
CDE Substitute Authorization (Ask Your District)
Colorado does not require a state license for paraprofessionals. Some districts may ask for a CDE substitute authorization, which also lets you work as a substitute teacher. Ask the district you are applying to whether it wants one. If it does, you will 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. A 1-Year Authorization requires a high school diploma or equivalent and successful experience working with children. A 3-Year Authorization requires a bachelor's or higher degree. A 5-Year Authorization requires a current or expired full teacher license from Colorado or another state.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Colorado?
These standards apply to every instructional paraprofessional in a Title I schoolwide program, and to instructional paraprofessionals in a Title I targeted assistance program whose salaries are paid with Title I funds.
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: Those with instructional duties in a Title I schoolwide school (or paid partly with Title I funds in a targeted assistance school)
- • Bilingual Education Aides (Spanish): Those who provide instructional support (aides who only translate are exempt)
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 ParaPathways Assessment (replaced the ParaPro)
- 87 questions across two subtests, 145 minutes total (85 + 60), timed separately
- CDE does not set a passing score; each district decides which assessment and score it accepts. Ask the district whether it accepts an earlier ParaPro score (ETS lists 460 for Colorado)
- Reading and Writing subtest (5758): 51 questions; Mathematics subtest (5759): 36 questions, with an on-screen calculator provided; each scored 310-350
ACT WorkKeys Assessment
- Three separate assessments: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents
- Ask your local Colorado Workforce Center or community college whether it offers WorkKeys testing
- A "Silver" National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) means Level 4 or higher on all three; ask the district which level it requires
In-Depth Breakdown: ParaPathways and WorkKeys
Whether you take the ETS ParaPathways Assessment or WorkKeys, both tests measure your ability to support instruction in the core academic areas. ParaPathways (5757) has two separately timed, separately scored subtests: Reading and Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. Each subtest is scored on a 310-350 scale. Some Reading and Writing questions ask you to select one or more answers, and some math questions ask you to type in a number. Here is what each assessment covers and how those skills show up in Colorado classrooms.
Reading (ParaPathways Reading and Writing subtest 5758: about 30 of its 51 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 (ParaPathways Reading and Writing subtest 5758: about 21 of its 51 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 (ParaPathways subtest 5759: 36 questions)
Skills Tested: About 18 questions on numbers and operations and 18 on geometry, measurement and data analysis; an on-screen four-function calculator is provided. 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
Applied Math (34 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 (35 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. Next, ask the district whether it also wants a CDE substitute authorization.
If You Passed the Assessment
- Step 1: Obtain Your Official Score Report. If you tested at home, save the unofficial scores shown on screen right away. ETS sends official scores roughly one to three weeks after the test.
- Step 2: Ask About a CDE Substitute Authorization. Some districts may ask for one. If yours does, go to the CDE website, create an account, and begin the application, which includes submitting your fingerprints. CDE says it evaluates an application within 45 business days of receiving it, and fingerprint results can take from a day to several weeks, so start early.
- Step 3: Update Your Job Application. Upload your passing score report to your job application file. If the district asks for a substitute authorization, add a copy of your application receipt and let the HR department know that you are in the process of obtaining it.
- 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. Each ParaPathways subtest is scored separately. Pinpoint the subtest and content category where you need the most improvement.
- Step 2: Plan Your Retake Timing. ETS lets you retake ParaPathways once as soon as you like; after that, you wait 21 days after your most recent attempt, then you can take it two more times. 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. You can register for just the subtest you missed ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center). Do not retake it 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 ParaPathways Study Companion: The official guide from ETS includes a content overview and sample questions. When you register, ETS also gives you a free interactive practice test. Start with these 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.
- Public library databases: Some Colorado libraries, such as Denver Public Library, offer LearningExpress Library with reading, writing and math skill courses. Check your library's website.
- Online practice tests: Sites like parapropracticetest.com and uniontestprep.com offer free practice questions that cover reading, writing, and math; check that they cover ParaPathways.
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:
- Paraprofessional test-prep books ($20-40): Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Make sure they cover ParaPathways, not only the retired ParaPro.
- 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 ParaPathways, others prefer WorkKeys, and a few use their own local exam. If the district asks for a CDE substitute authorization, start that application alongside your test prep.
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
ETS lists the identification it accepts in your confirmation email and test-day instructions. Check yours against that list before test day.
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 Follow the ETS check-in instructions. ETS states how early to arrive and what identification to present in your confirmation email and the test-day instructions for the delivery option you chose. Read them before you leave.
- 2 Store personal items. You will be asked to put your phone, bag, and other belongings in a designated area.
- 3 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
ETS counts only the questions you answer correctly, so never leave a blank. If time is running out, fill in your best guess for every remaining question.
About Colorado Testing Locations
If you are taking the ETS paraprofessional assessment in person, find a test center on the ETS locator; some school districts and agencies are participating test centers that you register with directly. 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.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts. The figures above are statewide figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles
Paraprofessionals Statewide: In CDE's 2023-24 educator shortage survey, 565 paraprofessional positions statewide (16.30% of those districts needed to fill) stayed unfilled all school year.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) Paraprofessionals: Some districts pay a stipend to bilingual aides; ask the district.
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 have a bachelor's degree, Colorado's alternative teacher pathway lets you teach while you complete teacher preparation; CDE says most programs last one to two years. Your experience as a paraprofessional makes you an ideal candidate.
"Grow Your Own" Programs: Districts may use federal Title II funds to pay for coursework for paraprofessionals working toward teaching ("Grow Your Own" programs). Ask your district whether it runs one.
Teacher Residency Programs: Some Colorado programs let you train for a year alongside a mentor teacher while earning a license. Search CDE's list of approved educator preparation programs.
Colorado Test Centers
If you take the ETS ParaPathways test, ETS lists community-based test centers by state and also offers at-home testing. Some school districts and agencies are test centers; contact the center directly to book.
Practical notes
- • Apply directly to district websites: Denver Public Schools, Cherry Creek Schools, Boulder Valley School District, and others
- • Ask your local Colorado Workforce Center or community college whether it offers WorkKeys 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. Some large districts give their own local tests; for ParaPathways, find a test center on the ETS locator.
Step 3: Prepare and Take the Test
Review study materials provided by the district and complete the assessment on the scheduled date.
If the district asks for a CDE substitute authorization, start that application at the same time as your assessment preparation. You can also take ParaPathways at home with live remote proctoring; 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 some districts run, and teacher residency programs.
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
What is the difference between a 1-Year, 3-Year, and 5-Year Substitute Authorization?
The main difference is the requirement. A 1-Year Authorization requires a high school diploma or equivalent and successful experience working with children. A 3-Year Authorization requires a bachelor's or higher degree. A 5-Year Authorization requires a current or expired full teacher license from Colorado or another state.
How long does it take to get certified?
The timeline varies by state and district and includes background check clearance. Ask your district or state education agency for the current steps.
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 already passed the ParaPro in another state. Will Colorado accept my score?
CDE does not set a passing score; each district decides which assessment and score it accepts. Ask the district whether it accepts an earlier ParaPro score. You will still need to complete the Colorado-specific requirements, such as the background check and, if the district asks for one, the CDE substitute authorization.
What might disqualify me on the background check?
Colorado law bars school districts from employing anyone in a non-licensed job, including paraprofessionals, who has been convicted of certain offenses, such as felony child abuse, a crime of violence, or a felony involving unlawful sexual behavior. For other convictions, such as a misdemeanor involving child abuse, the hiring district decides case by case. The district, not CDE, receives your results and makes the decision.
What happens if I don't pass the assessment?
ETS lets you retake ParaPathways once as soon as you like; if you need more attempts after that, you wait 21 days after your most recent one. You can register for just one subtest ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center), but ask your district whether a subtest you already passed still counts. Use the time to study the subtest you missed.
Ready to Start Your Colorado Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.