Kansas Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Sunflower State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Kansas Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
455 on the retired ParaPro scale (KSDE's statewide passing score) or ACT WorkKeys Level 4 on all three tests (Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents)
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
286
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Background check and any training set by the hiring district; special education paras complete an orientation and yearly inservice (KSDE reimbursement rules); KPERS retirement in covered positions
Governing Body
Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) - sets Title I paraprofessional requirements; each district sets its own hiring requirements
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher from accredited institution
- 48 credit hours from an accredited institution
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Kansas
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Kansas 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.
Kansas Has No Statewide Paraeducator Certificate
Kansas has no statewide requirements for employment as a paraeducator; each district sets its own. Two sets of rules still apply depending on the job. Title I instructional paraprofessionals must meet the federal academic requirement (below). Special education paraeducators, for the district to receive state funding, must be high school graduates (or hold a GED), complete an orientation on confidentiality and district special education procedures, and complete 10 to 20 hours of inservice a year depending on experience.
Records are kept by the district, not KSDE. The assessment must be one the Kansas State Board of Education approved, at the passing score the Board set; a district may add its own requirements on top.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Kansas
Becoming a paraeducator in Kansas starts with the academic requirement for Title I instructional roles. The hiring district then sets any other hiring requirements.
Meeting the "ESSA Qualified" Requirement
This is the academic baseline. You need a high school diploma or its equivalent, plus you must satisfy one of three pathways:
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 provide official transcripts to the hiring school district for verification
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least 48 hours of coursework at an institution of higher education. You do not need to have finished a degree.
- Official transcript required
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts
- Keep a copy of your college transcript; the district keeps the record, not KSDE
Option 3: Assessment
The Kansas State Board of Education has approved three assessments and set a passing score for each: the ETS ParaPro (455), Master Teacher's Paraeducator Online Training (two assessments), and ACT WorkKeys. KSDE's page has not yet named ParaPathways, the ETS exam that replaced the ParaPro, so ask KSDE or your district whether it counts.
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment: This page lists no ParaPathways passing scores for Kansas; confirm the ParaPathways requirement with the state or your district. ETS recommends 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). An already-earned score of 455 on the retired ParaPro scale, KSDE's statewide passing score, still counts.
- Master Teacher Paraeducator Online Training: There are two assessments, and both must be passed.
- ACT WorkKeys Assessment: Level 4 on each of Applied Math, Graphic Literacy and Workplace Documents (the levels of a Silver National Career Readiness Certificate).
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Kansas?
In a Title I schoolwide building, every paraprofessional who gives instructional support must meet them, whoever pays the salary (general, special education, Title I, ESL or at-risk funds). In a targeted assistance school, only instructional paras paid with Title I, Part A funds must.
Must Meet the Title I Requirements
- β’ Special education paraeducators in Title I schoolwide buildings
- β’ Title I Instructional Paraeducators: Any aide providing academic support in a Title I-funded program
- β’ ESOL Paraeducators: Aides who support English language learners with academic instruction
- β’ Library Media Assistants: If their role includes direct instruction or literacy support
May Have Different Requirements
- β’ Non-instructional Aides: Playground, cafeteria, and bus monitor staff whose duties are purely supervisory
- β’ Personal Care Assistants: Aides whose duties are strictly for attending to a student's physical or health needs
- β’ After-School Program Staff: Those in programs that are recreational rather than instructional
Kansas Assessment Details
Kansas approves more than one test, and KSDE's page has not yet named ParaPathways, the ETS exam that replaced the ParaPro, so confirm with KSDE or your district whether it counts. Some candidates prefer the academic style of ParaPathways, with two separately timed and scored subtests: Reading & Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. Others do better on the practical, workplace-focused WorkKeys. Either way, your district will tell you which approved test it accepts.
ParaPathways Assessment Breakdown
Reading: Reading & Writing Subtest (5758), about 30 of 51 Questions
Skills Tested: Comprehending and analyzing texts, identifying main ideas and supporting details, defining vocabulary from context, and making logical inferences.
Kansas Classroom Application: A paraeducator in a Wichita elementary school might use these skills to help students read a story about the Kansas prairie, guiding them to pick out the different animals and plants described in the text.
Writing: Reading & Writing Subtest (5758), about 21 of 51 Questions
Skills Tested: Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure.
Kansas Classroom Application: An aide in a Topeka high school could use this expertise to help a student proofread an essay about the landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case, making sure the arguments are presented clearly and correctly.
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.
Kansas Classroom Application: A paraeducator in an Olathe middle school might help students with a math project that involves calculating the area of a farm field or interpreting a graph showing wheat production in Kansas over several years.
ACT WorkKeys Breakdown
Applied Math (Score: Level 4)
Skills Tested: Using mathematics to solve everyday workplace problems. Level 4 involves setting up and solving problems with one or two operations, often dealing with fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Kansas Classroom Application: Helping a teacher calculate the amount of seed needed for a school garden by determining the area and using a formula for seed coverage per square foot.
Graphic Literacy (Score: Level 4)
Skills Tested: Reading and interpreting workplace graphics like charts, graphs, floor plans, and assembly instructions.
Kansas Classroom Application: Looking at a student's progress monitoring chart for reading fluency and helping the teacher identify the rate of improvement over the last nine weeks.
Workplace Documents (Score: Level 4)
Skills Tested: Reading and understanding basic workplace texts like simple memos and instructions. Kansas requires Level 4 on this test.
Kansas Classroom Application: Reading a set of instructions from the teacher for a science experiment and making sure the small group of students follows each step in the correct order.
Preparing for Your Kansas Paraeducator Assessment
The amount of prep time you need depends on your starting point. If you recently finished college coursework, a couple of weeks of review might be enough. If it has been years since you did formal math or academic writing, plan on a longer runway.
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 patching up any weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The right pace for most people. You will have enough time to work through a study guide, take several practice tests, and revisit topics that feel rusty without getting burned out.
In-Depth Review
If you have been out of school for a while or math and writing feel unfamiliar, give yourself the extra time. Being well-prepared builds real confidence that 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. This is the best place to start so you can see the format and difficulty level before committing to a study plan.
- ACT WorkKeys practice: If you are taking the WorkKeys, ACT offers free practice tests and sample questions on their website. Make sure you practice all three sections: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It is free, self-paced, and explains concepts step by step.
- Kansas public library databases: Your Kansas library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which has paraprofessional test-prep materials and skill-building courses. Make sure what you use covers ParaPathways. Check your local library's website for access information.
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.
Kansas-Specific Tip
Because Kansas approves more than one test, think about your strengths before you register. If you are stronger in traditional academics like reading passages, grammar, and textbook math, ParaPathways is a solid choice, as long as your district accepts it. If you are more comfortable with practical, workplace-style problems, the ACT WorkKeys might be a better fit.
Contact your regional Education Service Center with questions about local testing and registration. The main centers include Greenbush (Southeast), Smoky Hill (North Central), and Southwest Plains Regional Service Center.
Test Day: What to Expect in Kansas
Knowing what to expect on test day removes a lot of the anxiety. Whether you are testing at an Education Service Center, a community college, or through the at-home proctored option, here is what the process looks like.
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 service center or testing site.
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 get 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 Kansas Testing Locations
Kansas is served by a network of seven Education Service Centers that are the primary hubs for professional development and a good first call about local testing. These include Greenbush (Southeast), Smoky Hill (North Central), and Southwest Plains Regional Service Center, among others.
Some community colleges also host testing in their assessment centers, so ask the ones near you. And if you live in rural western Kansas, the remotely proctored at-home ParaPathways option through ETS can save you a long drive. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator rather than assuming a site listed here carried over.
How to Register for an Assessment in Kansas
The registration process in Kansas is handled at the regional or local level rather than through a single statewide system. Here is how to get started.
Contact Your Regional Education Service Center
Kansas is served by seven Education Service Centers that act as the primary hubs for professional development. Visit the website of the service center in your region to find out which tests they offer, their testing schedules, and how to register. For ParaPathways, confirm any site with the ETS test-center locator.
Check Community Colleges and Districts
Ask Kansas community colleges near you whether they host testing in their assessment centers. Some larger school districts may also offer testing directly to applicants.
At-Home Testing Option
The remotely proctored at-home version of the ETS paraprofessional assessment is a valid option in Kansas. You can register for it directly on the ETS website. This is particularly useful if you live in a rural area far from the nearest service center or community college. Confirm current test sites and dates with ETS before you plan around any of them.
Pathway to Teaching in Kansas
If you hold a bachelor's degree, KSDE lists nontraditional routes that let you teach while you finish coursework: the Limited Elementary Residency Program License (elementary), the Limited Residency License (special education), and the Restricted Teaching License (secondary subjects, with a degree in the subject you will teach).
Ask your district whether it supports paraeducators who want to finish a bachelor's degree and become teachers.
After the Test: Hiring in Kansas
Passing the test is the first step. The next phase is securing a job. Kansas has no statewide paraeducator certificate, so the hiring district sets the remaining steps.
Step-by-Step Process
- Step 1: Meet the Academic Requirement. Pass an assessment KSDE has approved, or confirm that you have the necessary college credits or degree.
- Step 2: Apply for Jobs. Search for open paraeducator positions on district websites. Blue Valley, Wichita, and Shawnee Mission are among the larger employers. You can also search Educate Kansas, the free statewide job board KSDE points to; para jobs are listed under Classified.
- Step 3: Complete the District's Hiring Steps. Complete the district's hiring steps (background check and any training the district requires).
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Check the Retake Rule. ETS lets you retake ParaPathways once as soon as you like. After that, you wait 21 days after your most recent attempt, and then you get two more attempts. WorkKeys policies may vary depending on the testing site.
- Step 2: Focus Your Study. Reading & Writing and Mathematics are scored separately, so see which subtest fell short. You can register for just that one ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center), but ask your district whether the subtest you already passed still counts.
- Step 3: Re-register. Register again through ETS for ParaPathways, or through your testing site for WorkKeys, when you are ready.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Kansas
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts. The figures below are statewide figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Salary by Region
Johnson County (Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission, Olathe): The Shawnee Mission School District's 2026-27 classified pay scale, posted on the district's website, shows hourly pay from $17.07 (Range A, step 1) to $23.00 (Range D, step 12). Blue Valley and Olathe post their own schedules.
Other Metro Areas (Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence): Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Western and Rural Kansas: Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles
Special Education Paraeducators: The most in-demand role; districts receive state funding for these positions when the para meets KSDE's orientation and inservice rules.
ESL/ESOL Paraeducators: Growing immigrant communities in cities like Wichita, Kansas City KS, and Garden City have created strong demand for bilingual aides who can help English language learners.
Kansas 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
- • Search Educate Kansas, the free statewide job board KSDE points to; para jobs are listed under Classified
- • KSDE approves the ETS ParaPro, Master Teacher's Paraeducator Online Training and ACT WorkKeys; ask KSDE or your district whether ParaPathways counts
Frequently Asked Questions - Kansas Paraprofessionals
Is there a Kansas paraeducator certificate?
No. KSDE does not license paraeducators; each district sets its own hiring requirements. "ESSA Qualified" is the federal requirement for a Title I instructional role. You can meet it with college credits, a degree, or a passing score on an approved assessment.
What is an Education Service Center?
Education Service Centers are regional agencies that provide support to school districts across Kansas. They handle professional development and special education services. Kansas has seven of these centers spread across the state. They are a central part of how the educational system works in Kansas, particularly for smaller districts that rely on them for resources they could not provide on their own.
How long does it take to get hired as a paraeducator?
The timeline varies by district and includes background check clearance. Ask your district for the current steps.
Can I work while completing the requirements?
Some districts allow provisional or probationary employment while you complete requirements, but this varies by district policy.
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. WorkKeys retake policies may vary by testing site, so check with your regional service center.
Should I take the ETS paraprofessional assessment or the WorkKeys?
That depends on which approved assessment your district accepts and where your strengths lie. KSDE's page has not yet named ParaPathways, so ask whether it counts. ParaPathways covers reading, writing, and math in an academic format, as two separately timed and scored subtests: Reading & Writing and Mathematics. The WorkKeys is a set of three separate workplace-focused assessments. If your district accepts both, try free practice questions for each and see which style feels more natural to you.
Ready to Start Your Kansas Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.