District of Columbia Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Nation's Capital. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
District of Columbia Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
ParaPathways 332 (Reading and Writing) and 334 (Mathematics), ETS state list
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
1
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
DCPS requires fingerprint-based Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and FBI criminal background checks, a TB risk screening (and a TB test if the screening calls for one), and mandated reporter training; DCPS also lists a drug test and a sex offender registry check. Charter schools set their own process.
Governing Body
Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is the state education agency; DC Public Schools (DCPS) and each public charter school set and check aide qualifications. OSSE does not issue a paraprofessional credential.
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (AA, AS) or higher from accredited institution
- 48 semester hours of college coursework (the DC Public Schools standard; public charter schools may set their own)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in District of Columbia
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), District of Columbia 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.
Who Sets Aide Qualifications in DC
DC does not issue a separate state license for paraprofessionals. OSSE licenses teachers, school service providers and principals.
DC Public Schools (DCPS) and each public charter school set and check the qualifications for aides they hire. DCPS asks for an associate's degree, 48 college credit hours, or a passing score on the ETS paraprofessional assessment, plus a high school diploma or equivalent.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in District of Columbia
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
- From an accredited college; confirm with the hiring school which accreditation it accepts
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least 48 semester hours of college coursework. That is the DC Public Schools (DCPS) standard; public charter schools may set their own, so confirm with the school you are applying to.
- Official transcript required
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts
- Ask the hiring school which courses count toward the 48 hours
Option 3: Assessment
Pass a formal state or locally approved assessment demonstrating knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment: 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759), per the ETS state list. Ask the hiring school whether an earlier ParaPro score still counts.
- 87 questions across two subtests: Reading & Writing (51) and Mathematics (36)
- Keep your official ETS score report; the hiring school will ask for it.
Additional Requirements Before You Start Work
Beyond the academic pathway, DCPS requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the FBI, a TB risk screening (and a TB test if the screening calls for one), and mandated reporter training. DCPS also lists a drug test and a sex offender registry check among its suitability checks. Charter schools set their own process. The hiring school runs these checks before you start work.
Which Aide Roles Need the Degree, Credits or Test?
Federal Title I law sets minimum qualifications for paraprofessionals with instructional duties in Title I programs. DCPS applies its aide qualifications to its Educational Aide roles; charter schools set their own. Ask the school which roles need the degree, credits or test.
ParaPathways Assessment In-Depth Breakdown
ParaPathways, the ETS test that replaced the ParaPro, confirms that you have the fundamental academic skills needed to assist with classroom instruction. It has two separately timed and scored subtests: Reading and Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. Here is what each part covers:
Reading: part of the Reading and Writing subtest (5758, about 30 of its 51 questions)
What's Tested: Comprehending and analyzing written passages, identifying main ideas, locating key details, defining vocabulary from context, and making logical inferences from different types of texts.
DC Classroom Example: You might help a small group of students at a DCPS elementary school read a passage about historical landmarks in Washington, D.C., guiding them to identify key facts and summarize the content.
Writing: part of the Reading and Writing subtest (5758, about 21 of its 51 questions)
What's Tested: Your knowledge of standard written English, including grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling. It also covers your ability to help students through the writing process.
DC Classroom Example: You could help a student at a DC Public Charter High School proofread an essay for a civics class, correcting grammatical errors, fixing comma usage, and suggesting ways to improve sentence clarity.
Mathematics subtest (5759, 36 questions, calculator provided)
What's Tested: Operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages. Basic algebra, geometry and measurement, and data interpretation from charts and graphs. The 36 questions split roughly evenly: about 18 on numbers and operations and 18 on geometry, measurement and data analysis. An on-screen calculator is provided.
DC Classroom Example: You might help DCPS middle school students with a math project that involves calculating distances on a map of the District or interpreting a graph showing population changes in different DC wards.
After the Test: Getting Hired
Passing the test is a big milestone. The next steps in DC run through the school that hires you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Hired
- Step 1: Have your proof ready. An associate's degree or official transcripts showing 48 college credit hours, or your ETS score report.
- Step 2: Apply and get selected for hire by a school. DCPS lists school-based jobs on its careers site; charter schools hire directly.
- Step 3: Complete the suitability checks the school sends you. For DCPS these can include an FBI criminal background check, a drug test, a sex offender registry check and a TB risk assessment.
- Step 4: Submit the required documents. DCPS sends an offer letter only after the checks and documents are complete.
- Step 5: Accept the offer and attend onboarding.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Know the retake rules. ETS lets you retake the test once as soon as you like. After that, you wait 21 days after your most recent attempt, and then you can take it two more times.
- Step 2: Focus your study plan. Your score report shows a separate score for each subtest. Concentrate your study time on the subtest you did not pass. You can register for that subtest alone ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center), but ask the hiring school whether a subtest you already passed still counts.
- Step 3: Take advantage of free resources. The DC Public Library offers access to LearningExpress Library for skill-building practice. Make sure any practice test you use covers ParaPathways.
- Step 4: Re-register through ETS. Schedule your retake when you're ready, after any required 21-day wait.
Preparing for Your DC ParaPathways Test
Passing scores of 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics are firm requirements, so dedicated and strategic preparation matters. How much time you need depends on your starting point, but most people do well with a structured plan.
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 identifying any weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The sweet spot for most people. Gives you time to take a diagnostic test, build up your weaker subtest, review both subtests, and finish with timed practice tests.
In-Depth Review
If it has been a while since you did formal math or writing, take the extra time. There is no penalty for being well-prepared, and the confidence boost helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ETS official resources: The official ParaPathways Study Companion (PDF) and the free interactive practice test ETS gives you when you register are your best starting points. They show you the exact format and question types.
- DC Public Library (DCPL): Your DCPL library card gives you free access to Learning Express Library, which offers practice tests and skill-building courses. Make sure any practice test you use covers ParaPathways.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Free and self-paced.
- Online practice tests: Several test-prep sites offer free paraprofessional practice questions that cover reading, writing, and math. Make sure 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.
- 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): Several test-prep companies offer paraprofessional courses with video lessons and practice questions. Make sure a course covers ParaPathways before you pay for it.
- ETS practice tests ($12.50-$24.95): ETS sells additional ParaPathways practice test forms for each subtest, timed just like the real test.
DC-Specific Study Tip
Since DC uses the standard ETS ParaPathways Assessment (not a local exam), ParaPathways prep materials align directly with what you will see on test day. Start with the ETS Study Companion and the free interactive practice test that comes with registration, use your DCPL card for LearningExpress, and take at least two full-length timed practice tests before your scheduled exam date. The thresholds of 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics are reachable with focused preparation.
Test Day: What to Expect in DC
Knowing what to expect on test day takes away a lot of the stress. DC offers both at-home and in-person testing, so your experience will depend on which option you choose.
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 your ETS confirmation email or registration receipt, whether testing in person or at home.
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 DC Testing Options
At-home testing is often the most flexible option for DC residents. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in District of Columbia
Paraprofessional salaries vary by district, experience level, and role specialization.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Salary and Employment Landscape
DC Public Schools (DCPS): As the largest employer, DCPS offers a structured salary schedule where you can advance in pay based on years of experience and the education shown on your transcripts.
DC Public Charter Schools: Charter schools set their own salary scales and benefits packages. Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
High Cost of Living: Check the cost of living in DC, particularly housing, when you evaluate an offer.
Typical Benefits Package
Aide Roles at DCPS
DCPS hires special education, English learner and early childhood aides, among others.
The Pathway to a Teaching Career in DC
Alternative Certification Programs: If you already have a bachelor's degree, DC offers several alternative routes to teacher certification through OSSE-approved programs such as Relay Graduate School of Education and several teacher residencies (OSSE publishes the full list).
Completing Your Degree: If you have your 48 college credits, you can continue at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), whose Division of Education, Health and Social Work is an OSSE-approved educator preparation provider.
OSSE Apprenticeship in Teaching: OSSE's Apprenticeship in Teaching program has a paraprofessional pathway: aides working in a DC school can earn a tuition-free bachelor's degree while they work. Check OSSE's page for the next application cycle.
District of Columbia 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.
How to Register for an Assessment in District of Columbia
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.
Testing locations are set by ETS, so use its test-center locator to find sites near you.
Step 2: Receive Test Invitation
If you meet minimum qualifications, the HR department will send you testing information and schedule.
For at-home testing, you can select a date and time that works for your schedule. For in-person testing, some centers may charge an additional proctoring fee, so check with the center. Both subtests cost $75 at home or $59 at a test center; either one alone costs $37.50 or $29.50.
Step 3: Prepare and Take the Test
Review study materials provided by the district and complete the assessment on the scheduled date.
At-home testing requires a computer with a webcam that meets ETS technical specs, a stable internet connection, and a quiet, private room where you will not be interrupted.
Pathway to Teaching in DC
Working as a paraprofessional in DC is a strong stepping stone for aspiring teachers. The District actively supports "grow your own" initiatives.
If you already hold a bachelor's degree, DC offers several alternative routes to teacher certification through OSSE-approved programs such as Relay Graduate School of Education and several teacher residencies (OSSE publishes the full list). OSSE's Apprenticeship in Teaching program also has a paraprofessional pathway: aides working in a DC school can earn a tuition-free bachelor's degree while they work. Check OSSE's page for the next application cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions - District of Columbia Paraprofessionals
What is the difference between DCPS and a DC Public Charter School?
DCPS schools are traditional public schools run by the District government. DC public charter schools are publicly funded but independently run, and each one sets the qualifications for its staff. Check the requirements with the school you apply to.
Can I start working before my background check clears?
At DCPS, no. DCPS requires a completed background check and an accepted offer letter before you start. Charter schools set their own process, so ask the school.
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.
Do DC aide qualifications carry over to Maryland or Virginia?
DC does not issue an aide license, so there is nothing to transfer. Your ParaPathways scores, an earlier ParaPro score, or your college credits may meet a neighboring state's rules. Check with that state or the hiring district.
Are there part-time paraprofessional positions in DC?
Some schools hire part-time aides. Check current postings on DCPS's careers site or with charter schools directly.
Ready to Start Your District of Columbia Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.