Illinois Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Prairie State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Illinois Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
460 (ParaPro), or a score of 4 on both ACT WorkKeys Applied Math and Workplace Documents (Reading for Information). ETS retired the ParaPro after August 31, 2026 and replaced it with the ParaPathways Assessment, which states adopt on their own timelines; an already-earned ParaPro score still counts.
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
857
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Mandatory fingerprint-based Illinois State Police (ISP) and FBI checks; Age 19+ for all grades (PK-22), 18-year-olds may hold the license for grades PK-8 only; ELS-Paraprofessional License (5-year validity); Must be registered with Regional Office of Education (ROE)
Governing Body
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) - Requires an Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for Paraprofessional Educator (ELS-Paraprofessional)
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (AA, AS) or higher from regionally accredited institution
- 60 semester hours of non-remedial coursework from regionally accredited institution
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Illinois
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Illinois 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.
Illinois's Centralized Licensure System
Illinois stands out because it requires a state-issued license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE): an Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for Paraprofessional Educator (ELS-Paraprofessional). This means your credential is processed through the same system that licenses teachers, using the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). The license is portable across Illinois school districts (about 857 regular districts, NCES 2021-22), so you won't need to re-qualify if you move from Chicago to Springfield or anywhere else. You do register it with the Regional Office of Education where you work.
The centralized approach ensures uniform quality and portability. Whether you work in the massive Chicago Public Schools district, suburban Naperville, or a rural district in Southern Illinois, the same standard applies. Illinois also offers two assessment options: the ETS paraprofessional test (the ISBE rule still names the ParaPro; ask ISBE whether it accepts ParaPathways, the test that replaced it) and the skills-based ACT WorkKeys. ISBE plans to add two Pearson paraprofessional tests and to retire the ETS and WorkKeys options on June 30, 2029.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Illinois
To obtain the mandatory ELS-Paraprofessional license from the ISBE, you need to create an account in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) and prove you meet the following requirements. You must be at least 19 (or 18 to work only in grades PK-8), hold a high school diploma or equivalent, AND meet one of the four pathways below.
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
- You must submit an official transcript to the ISBE as part of your license application
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least 60 semester hours of college coursework from an accredited institution.
- Official transcript required
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts
- Courses must be non-remedial and non-developmental from a regionally accredited institution; an official transcript is the only acceptable proof
Option 3: ETS Paraprofessional Test
Achieve a passing score on the state-approved academic assessment to demonstrate your knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ISBE does not name ParaPathways in its requirements; ask ISBE or your Regional Office of Education whether ParaPathways scores are accepted for the license. ETS recommends 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). An already-earned score of 460 on the retired ParaPro scale, the passing score ISBE lists, still counts.
- Email a copy of your score report and your high school diploma (or equivalent) to licensureforms@isbe.net
- 87 questions across two subtests, 145 minutes total (85 + 60), timed separately
Option 4: ACT WorkKeys Assessment
Achieve a passing score on this skills-based assessment that measures workplace-ready competencies.
- Applied Math: score of 4 or higher
- Workplace Documents (formerly Reading for Information): score of 4 or higher
Additional Mandatory Requirements for the ELS-Paraprofessional
Age Requirement: You must be at least 19 to work with students in all grades. At 18 you can qualify, but only to work in prekindergarten through grade 8.
Criminal History Background Check: As a condition of employment, you must authorize a fingerprint-based check by the Illinois State Police (ISP) and the FBI. A district may not hire you until the check has been started; the results go to the district (or the regional superintendent).
Application and Fee: You apply for the license in your ELIS account and pay the $100 application fee to the ISBE. After it is issued, you register it (the registration fee goes to your Regional Office of Education).
Who Needs a Paraprofessional Educator License in Illinois?
The ELS-Paraprofessional is required for any individual employed as a paraprofessional who provides instructional support in an Illinois public school. This applies to aides in both Title I and non-Title I schools.
Must Hold an ELS-Paraprofessional License
- β’ Instructional Paraprofessionals/Teacher's Aides: The general title for aides providing academic support
- β’ Special Education Paraprofessionals: Aides who support the academic and functional goals in a student's IEP.
- β’ Bilingual and ESL Paraprofessionals: Assistants who provide language and academic support
- β’ Title I Aides: Aides hired to provide interventions in Title I programs
May Not Need a License
- β’ Supervisory Aides: Staff whose duties are exclusively non-instructional (lunchroom, playground, or bus monitors).
- β’ Personal Care Assistants: Aides whose duties are strictly non-instructional and related to a student's physical or health needs
- β’ Clerical Aides: Staff performing administrative or clerical tasks
Illinois Assessment Details: ParaPathways and WorkKeys
Illinois gives you two distinct testing options to accommodate different strengths. The ETS option is the ETS paraprofessional test. ETS replaced the ParaPro with ParaPathways, which is more academically focused, with two separately timed and scored subtests: Reading & Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. WorkKeys measures practical workplace skills. The ISBE rule still names the ParaPro, so ask ISBE or your Regional Office of Education whether ParaPathways scores are accepted for the license.
ParaPathways Reading: Reading & Writing Subtest (5758), about 30 of 51 Questions
Skills Tested: Comprehending and analyzing texts, identifying main ideas and supporting details, defining vocabulary in context, and drawing logical inferences.
Illinois Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a Chicago Public Schools classroom might use these skills to help students read a text about the Great Chicago Fire, guiding them to understand the cause-and-effect relationships.
ParaPathways Writing: Reading & Writing Subtest (5758), about 21 of 51 Questions
Skills Tested: Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure.
Illinois Classroom Example: An aide in a Springfield high school could help a student proofread an essay about Abraham Lincoln, focusing on correct grammar and clear organization.
ParaPathways Mathematics Subtest (5759): 36 Questions
Skills Tested: Operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages; basic algebra; geometry; and data interpretation. About 18 questions cover numbers and operations and about 18 cover geometry, measurement and data. Some ask you to type in a number instead of choosing one, and an on-screen four-function calculator is provided.
Illinois Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a suburban Naperville elementary school might help students calculate measurements for a classroom garden or graph local weather data.
ACT WorkKeys Breakdown (Level 4 on Both Tests)
Applied Math (Score: 4 or higher)
Using mathematics to solve common workplace problems. Example: Helping a teacher calculate the total cost of a field trip by multiplying the per-student fee by the number of attendees and adding the bus fee.
Workplace Documents, formerly Reading for Information (Score: 4 or higher)
Reading and understanding workplace texts like memos, policies, and instructions. Example: Reading a student's 504 Plan and correctly implementing the required accommodations.
Preparing for Your Illinois Paraprofessional Assessment
How long you need to study depends on where you're starting from. Some people feel ready after a couple weeks of review. Others need more time, especially if it's been a while since they've done formal math or writing.
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'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 practice test: When you register, ETS gives you a free interactive practice test for each subtest you sign up for. ETS also publishes the official ParaPathways Study Companion, with a content overview and sample questions. Start here to get a feel for the format and difficulty level.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It's free and self-paced.
- Public library databases: Many public libraries offer free test-prep databases. Ask your library what it has and whether it covers ParaPathways or WorkKeys.
- Online practice tests: Several test-prep sites offer free practice questions in reading, writing, and math. Make sure they cover ParaPathways and its two subtests, not only the retired ParaPro.
Paid Study Options
You don't 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: Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Make sure they cover ParaPathways, not only the retired ParaPro.
- Online prep courses: 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 aren't your thing.
Illinois-Specific Tip
Illinois offers two test options, so consider your strengths carefully. If you're stronger in traditional academics, the ETS paraprofessional assessment is likely your best bet. If you're more comfortable with practical, workplace-style problems, the ACT WorkKeys might be a better fit. Your Regional Office of Education (ROE) or Intermediate Service Center (ISC) is the local contact for licensure questions; some also offer WorkKeys testing, so ask yours. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator.
Test Day: What to Expect in Illinois
Knowing what to expect on test day takes away a lot of the stress. Here's 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 registration confirmation or email from your ROE or testing center.
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'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
Don't spend too long on any single question. If you're stuck, mark it and move on. You can come back to it if there's 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're unsure 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 Illinois Testing Locations
Illinois has 35 Regional Offices of Education (ROEs), plus 3 Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs) that serve suburban Cook County. They are the local contact for licensure questions, and some also offer WorkKeys testing. Use the ETS test-center locator to find a site that offers ParaPathways. You can also take the ETS paraprofessional assessment at home through ETS's remotely proctored option, which is especially convenient if you're in a rural part of the state.
How to Register for an Assessment in Illinois
The registration process in Illinois is typically handled at the local or regional level. Here's how to get started.
Contact Your Regional Office of Education (ROE)
Illinois has 35 ROEs plus 3 ISCs, and they are the local contact for licensure questions and license registration. Visit the website of the ROE that serves your county for WorkKeys testing schedules (if it offers them), registration procedures, and fee information, and ask where local candidates take the ETS assessment.
In-Person Testing
Use the ETS test-center locator to find a site that offers ParaPathways near you. Some large school districts may also offer testing directly to their applicants.
At-Home Testing Option
The remotely proctored at-home version of the ETS paraprofessional assessment is a valid option. You can register for it directly on the ETS website. This is especially helpful for residents in rural parts of Illinois. Confirm current test sites and dates with ETS before you plan around any of them.
Pathway to Teaching in Illinois
Illinois's Grow Your Own Teacher Education Initiative, funded through the Board of Higher Education, supports paraeducators and community members working toward a teaching license in hard-to-staff schools. Ask your district whether it takes part.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can enroll in an alternative licensure program. Your classroom experience as a paraprofessional will be a significant advantage.
After the Test: The Illinois Licensure Process
Passing the test is the first step. The next phase is applying for your mandatory state license through the ISBE.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Your ELS-Paraprofessional License
Obtaining Your License
- Step 1: Pass Your Chosen Assessment. Get your official score report from ETS or ACT, or have your official college transcripts ready.
- Step 2: Create an Account in ELIS. The Educator Licensure Information System is the ISBE's online portal for all educator licensing. You must create a personal profile.
- Step 3: Apply for the License. Log into your ELIS account and complete the application for the "Paraprofessional License (Teacher's Aide)".
- Step 4: Submit All Documentation. Have your college send official transcripts directly to the ISBE, or email a copy of your test score report and diploma to licensureforms@isbe.net. Follow the instructions in your ELIS account carefully.
- Step 5: Pay the Application Fee. Pay the license application fee directly to the ISBE through your ELIS account.
- Step 6: Get Hired and Complete the Background Check. Once offered a position, you'll get instructions for the fingerprint-based background check through the Illinois State Police and FBI.
- Step 7: Register Your License. After the ISBE issues your license, you must register it with the ROE that serves the region where you will be working. You'll pay a registration fee. Your license is not valid for employment until it is registered.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Illinois
Pay for paraprofessionals in Illinois varies by district. The figures below are statewide numbers.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Pay by District
Pay varies by district; check each district's published support-staff salary schedule or contract.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles
Districts often report a need for special education and bilingual paraprofessionals; ask the districts you are applying to.
Illinois 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
- • Contact your Regional Office of Education (ROE) for licensure questions and license registration
- • The ELS-Paraprofessional license is valid for five years and is renewable
Frequently Asked Questions - Illinois Paraprofessionals
What is the difference between the ELS-Paraprofessional and a substitute license?
The ELS-Paraprofessional license is specifically for working as a paraprofessional. A Substitute Teaching License (SUB) has different requirements (typically a bachelor's degree) and allows you to serve as a classroom teacher when the regular teacher is absent. Some individuals hold both.
What is an ROE?
Illinois has 35 Regional Offices of Education (ROEs), plus 3 Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs) that serve suburban Cook County. Your ROE or ISC is the local contact for licensure questions, and you register your license with the ROE where you work. Some also offer WorkKeys testing, so ask yours.
How do I renew my ELS-Paraprofessional license?
The license is valid until the June 30 following five years from issue. You renew it by applying in ELIS and paying the $25 renewal fee, then registering it again with your Regional Office of Education. State law sets professional-development hours for Professional Educator License holders, not for the paraprofessional license.
I passed the ParaPro in another state before it was retired. Will Illinois accept my score?
Yes. An already-earned ParaPro score of 460 or higher still counts, and the ISBE will accept it as proof of qualification for the ELS-Paraprofessional license. You will need to provide your official ETS score report; ETS keeps scores on record for 10 years.
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 Illinois Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.