Hawaii Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Aloha State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Hawaii Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
457 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
1
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Mandatory fingerprint-based criminal history check; Harm to students registry check (Act 156, 2024); TB clearance; Employment history and reference checks; Union-represented position
Governing Body
Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) - Single unified statewide district
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher from accredited institution
- 48 baccalaureate-level semester credits, including 3 in math and 3 in English
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Hawaii
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Hawaii 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.
Hawaii's Unified Single-District System
Hawaii is unique among all U.S. states because it operates as a single, unified school district under the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE). There are no separate local districts to navigate. Whether you work on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, the qualification standards, hiring processes, and pay schedules are exactly the same. This makes the path to becoming an Educational Assistant straightforward and consistent across every island.
One Set of Minimum Qualifications
Because the HIDOE is one statewide employer, it sets the minimum qualifications for every Educational Assistant position, so every EA starts from the same academic baseline.
This centralized approach means your qualification is fully portable across the state. Once the HIDOE confirms you meet the requirements, you can work at any HIDOE school on any island. Public charter schools hire separately, so apply to them directly. It also simplifies hiring: you only deal with one application system, one set of rules, and one personnel office.
For candidates who do not meet the college credit requirements, the HIDOE accepts an examination it approves, such as the ETS ParaPathways Assessment, which replaced the retired ParaPro.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Hawaii
The HIDOE has established clear, federally compliant standards for anyone seeking to work as an instructional paraprofessional, officially called an Educational Assistant (EA) in the Hawaii system. You must hold a high school diploma or GED, plus meet one of three pathways.
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Degree
Hold an associate's degree or higher (bachelor's, master's) from an accredited college or university.
- Provide proof of your credits to the HIDOE in the form its application asks for
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least 48 baccalaureate-level semester credits from an accredited institution recognized by the Department, including 3 credits in math and 3 in English.
- An official transcript is the only acceptable proof and will be reviewed by the HIDOE personnel office
- Only baccalaureate-level credits count
Option 3: Assessment
Pass an examination approved by the HIDOE.
- An examination approved by the HIDOE, such as ETS ParaPathways (a 457 on the retired ParaPro scale still counts if already earned)
Additional Mandatory Hawaii Requirements
Beyond meeting one of the three qualification pathways, all prospective HIDOE employees must also complete:
- 1. Fingerprint-based criminal history check reviewed by the HIDOE to confirm you are of "reputable and responsible character."
- 2. Harm to students registry check. By law, the HIDOE checks whether a candidate is listed on the state's harm to students registry.
- 3. Tuberculosis (TB) clearance obtained within 12 months before hire.
- 4. Employment history and reference checks to determine fitness for working with children.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Hawaii?
The HIDOE sets these as the minimum qualifications for every Educational Assistant position, whether or not the school receives Title I funding.
Must Meet HIDOE Requirements
- • Educational Assistant (EA): The official HIDOE title for an instructional paraprofessional
- • Special Education EAs: Aides who support the academic, behavioral, and functional goals outlined in a student's IEP
- • English Language Learner (ELL) EAs: Assistants providing language and academic support to English learners
- • Title I Tutors: Staff hired to deliver targeted academic interventions
May Have Different Requirements
- • Positions that are not instructional may have different requirements; check the posting on hawaiischooljobs.org.
Hawaii ParaPathways Score Details (332 and 334)
ETS lists 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759) as Hawaii's qualifying scores. Until December 31, 2026, though, the HIDOE is collecting test data and will accept any score on the combined ParaPathways test (5757) taken from March 16 to December 31, 2026 as passing. Check the HIDOE licensure page for the current rule before you test. The test has two separately timed and scored subtests: Reading and Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. A 457 on the retired ParaPro scale still counts if already earned.
Reading: part of the Reading and Writing subtest (5758, about 30 of its 51 questions)
What's tested: Your ability to read and analyze written passages. You'll answer questions about main ideas, key details, vocabulary in context, and logical inferences.
In a Hawaii classroom: An Educational Assistant on Maui might use these skills to help a small group of students read about the formation of the Hawaiian Islands, guiding them to identify geological concepts and new vocabulary.
Writing: part of the Reading and Writing subtest (5758, about 21 of its 51 questions)
What's tested: Your knowledge of standard English conventions: grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling. The section also checks whether you can apply this knowledge to help students with writing tasks.
In a Hawaii classroom: An EA in a Honolulu high school could use this expertise to help a student proofread an essay about the history of Iolani Palace, correcting errors and suggesting clearer phrasing.
Mathematics subtest (5759, 36 questions, calculator provided)
What's tested: A broad range of math concepts including fractions, decimals, percentages, basic algebra, geometry, 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.
In a Hawaii classroom: An EA on the Big Island might help students with a math project that involves calculating the area of a taro patch (lo'i) or interpreting a graph showing rainfall patterns in different climate zones on the island.
After the Test: The HIDOE Hiring Process
Passing the test is the first step. The next is working through the centralized HIDOE application process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Hired
- Step 1: Get your qualifications in order. Either confirm you have the required degree or credits and can access your official transcripts, or schedule, study for, and pass an HIDOE-approved examination such as the ETS ParaPathways Assessment.
- Step 2: Create an account on the HIDOE careers website. The HIDOE uses a centralized online application system. You'll create a profile and submit a formal application for the "Educational Assistant" position.
- Step 3: Upload all documentation. Attach your official ParaPathways (or earlier ParaPro) score report or college transcripts, resume, and references to your application file.
- Step 4: Interview at the school level. After the HIDOE reviews your application, schools with openings contact candidates for interviews.
- Step 5: Receive a conditional job offer. If the interview goes well, you receive a conditional offer. This is when you complete the background checks and TB clearance.
- Step 6: Finalize employment. Once all clearances are approved, your employment is finalized and you'll be scheduled for a new hire orientation.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Check the retake policy. 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: Review your score report. Your report shows a separate score for each subtest, with your raw points in each content category. Focus your study time on the subtest you did not pass.
- Step 3: Build a focused study plan. Use the time before your retake to zero in on your weaker areas. Practice tests can help you gauge when you're ready.
- Step 4: Re-register. When you're ready, and after any required 21-day wait, contact a Community School for Adults campus to schedule an in-person test, or arrange an at-home test through ETS. ETS lists $37.50 at home for one subtest alone, but ask the HIDOE whether a subtest you already passed still counts.
Preparing for Your Hawaii ParaPathways Assessment
How much time you need depends on your starting point. If you've recently been in school, a couple weeks of review may be plenty. If it has been a while since you tackled math problems or grammar rules, give yourself more breathing room.
Recommended Study Timelines
Quick Refresher
Best if you recently finished college coursework or feel confident in reading, writing, and math. Focus on taking practice tests and reviewing any weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The sweet spot for most people. 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've been out of school for a while or math and writing feel unfamiliar, take the extra time. There's no penalty for being well prepared, and the confidence boost helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ETS ParaPathways study companion: ETS publishes a Study Companion for ParaPathways. It includes an overview of each subtest plus sample questions. Start here, and use the free interactive practice test ETS gives you when you register.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Free and self-paced.
- Hawaii State Public Library System: Your Hawaii library card gives you access to databases like LearningExpress Library, a collection of test-preparation tools. Make sure any practice test you use covers ParaPathways. Check the HSPLS website for details.
- Online practice tests: Several test-prep sites offer free paraprofessional practice questions covering reading, writing, and math. Make sure they cover ParaPathways.
Paid Study Options
You don't need to spend money to pass, but some people prefer the structure of a paid resource. Here are some options:
- Paraprofessional test-prep books: Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Make sure they cover ParaPathways, not only the retired ParaPro.
- Online prep courses: These may include video lessons, quizzes, and 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 aren't your thing.
Hawaii-Specific Tip
The HIDOE accepts an examination it approves, such as the ETS ParaPathways Assessment, so confirm with the HIDOE which exam you are sitting before you prepare. For ParaPathways, the ETS Study Companion is a good starting point because it describes the actual test. Pair it with the free interactive practice test you get when you register and practice tests from this site, and spend extra time on whichever subtest feels least familiar.
Test Day: What to Expect in Hawaii
You can take ParaPathways in person at a HIDOE Community School for Adults campus or at home through ETS's remote proctoring. Knowing what to expect ahead of time takes a lot of the stress away.
What to Bring (In-Person Testing)
ETS lists the identification it accepts in your confirmation email and test-day instructions. Check yours against that list before test day.
Bring a printed or digital copy of your registration confirmation from the testing center.
Testing rooms can be heavily air-conditioned. A light jacket 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'll 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
You have 145 minutes for 87 questions across the two subtests. That works out to about 1 minute and 40 seconds per question. If you get stuck, mark it and come back later.
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 aren't sure about the right one.
Don't 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 At-Home Testing
ETS offers a remotely proctored version of ParaPathways. This is a good option if you prefer to test from home. You'll need a computer with a webcam, a stable internet connection, and a quiet, private room. The proctor monitors you through the webcam for the entire session. The rules about prohibited items still apply: no notes, no phone, and no calculator of your own (the Mathematics subtest provides one on screen).
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Hawaii
Salaries for Educational Assistants in Hawaii are set by a statewide salary schedule, negotiated between the State and the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) for bargaining unit 3. Because Hawaii is a single district, your pay is the same no matter which island you work on.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
The HIDOE Salary Schedule
Pay for EAs follows the statewide salary schedule for HGEA bargaining unit 3, by classification (Educational Assistant I, II or III) and step. The HIDOE publishes the current schedules on its Current Salary Schedules page.
Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles in Hawaii
Special Education EAs: This is the biggest area of need statewide. There is constant demand for EAs to work with students who have a wide range of disabilities.
Rural and Neighbor Island Schools: Schools on the outer islands or in rural parts of Oahu often have a harder time filling positions and are regularly looking for dedicated staff.
EAs with Cultural Competency: Na Hopena A'o (HA) is Board of Education Policy E-3, a framework of six outcomes rooted in Hawaiian values. EAs who understand it are well placed to support it in the classroom.
Hawaii Test Centers
In Hawaii, HIDOE's Community Schools for Adults (CSA) give the ParaPathways test in person. Contact a CSA campus to schedule it: McKinley CSA (McKinley, Kauaʻi and Maui campuses) or Waipahu CSA (Waipahu, Hilo and Wahiawa campuses). At-home testing is arranged through ETS.
Important Information
- In-person testing is scheduled through a HIDOE Community School for Adults campus; at-home testing is arranged through ETS
- At-home testing through ETS is an alternative if no campus is convenient
- All HIDOE job openings are posted on the official HIDOE careers website
How to Register for ParaPathways in Hawaii
You have two ways to take ParaPathways in Hawaii. Pick whichever works best for your schedule and location.
In Person at a Community School for Adults
HIDOE's Community Schools for Adults (CSA) give the ParaPathways test in person. Contact a CSA campus to schedule a test date and time: McKinley CSA (McKinley, Kauaʻi and Maui campuses) or Waipahu CSA (Waipahu, Hilo and Wahiawa campuses). Ask the campus what you pay for an in-person test.
At-Home Testing Through ETS
ETS offers a live, remotely proctored version of the ParaPathways test. Arrange it through the ETS website. ETS lists $75 at home for both subtests, or $37.50 for either one alone.
Prepare and Take the Test
Once you are scheduled, use the study resources listed above to prepare. The test has 87 questions across two subtests covering reading, writing and math. ETS lists 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759) as Hawaii's qualifying scores, but check the HIDOE licensure page for the current rule before you test. If you test at home, you'll see unofficial scores on screen; ETS issues official scores roughly one to three weeks after the test.
Pathway to a Teaching Career in Hawaii
Working as an EA is one of the most respected pathways to becoming a licensed teacher in Hawaii. The HIDOE and the University of Hawaii system have a strong partnership to support current EAs in becoming certified teachers through "Grow Our Own" initiatives, including scholarship programs.
If you already have a bachelor's degree in a non-education field, you can enroll in a post-baccalaureate program at UH Manoa or UH West Oahu. Your hands-on classroom experience as an EA will make you a strong candidate. If you have your 48 college credits, you can work toward completing your bachelor's degree in education at one of the UH campuses while continuing to work.
Frequently Asked Questions - Hawaii Paraprofessionals
What is the difference between an Educational Assistant (EA) and a paraprofessional?
In Hawaii, the terms are interchangeable. "Educational Assistant" or "EA" is the official job title within the HIDOE system. If you see a job posting for "paraprofessional" or "instructional aide," it's the same role.
How do I find job openings?
All HIDOE job openings are posted on the official HIDOE careers website. You must use their centralized application system to apply. There is no separate portal for individual schools.
Can I start working before my background checks are complete?
No. A conditional offer is made, but you cannot have any contact with students or begin employment until all of your background checks and TB clearance have been fully processed and approved by the HIDOE.
Is my Hawaii qualification valid in other states?
Your ParaPathways scores (or an earlier ParaPro score of 457) and your 48+ college credits are highly portable and will likely meet the requirements in other states. However, you would still need to go through the specific hiring and credentialing process for that state.
What is Na Hopena A'o (HA)?
Na Hopena A'o (HA) is a framework of six outcomes rooted in Hawaiian values and language: Belonging, Responsibility, Excellence, Aloha, Total Well-Being, and Hawaii. It is Board of Education Policy E-3, adopted in 2015.
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.
Ready to Start Your Hawaii Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.