Maryland Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Old Line State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Maryland Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
455 on the retired ParaPro scale (Statewide minimum set by MSDE)
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
24
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
National and State criminal history records check through the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the FBI; ask your hiring school system about any minimum age
Governing Body
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) - MSDE sets which assessments count for Title I paraprofessionals; ask your hiring school system how it checks your qualification; 24 local school systems
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher from accredited institution
- 48 semester hours of college coursework from accredited institution
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Maryland
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Maryland 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.
Maryland's Qualification Standard
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) defines precise qualification pathways and statewide minimum passing scores on the ParaPathways Assessment of 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). A score of 455 on the retired ParaPro scale still counts if already earned. Title I paraprofessionals must meet Maryland's requirements. The state's 24 local school systems (LSSs), one per county plus Baltimore City, handle the hiring and verification process while following the MSDE's standards.
Maryland's approach is tied to its broader commitment to educational quality, seen in the ambitious "Blueprint for Maryland's Future" reform plan. The state treats paraprofessionals as a key part of the instructional workforce, not just support staff. By setting a firm statewide benchmark, the MSDE ensures that whether you work in Baltimore City, Montgomery County, or a rural district on the Eastern Shore, you have demonstrated the same level of academic skill.
The three distinct pathways to qualification (degree, college credits, or the ParaPathways test) are designed to make the process accessible. You pick the option that fits your background. And once you meet Maryland's requirements, local school systems and the state place a strong emphasis on continued professional development, particularly in special education, reading intervention, and behavior management.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Maryland
State education codes and federal ESSA guidelines establish clear standards for all instructional paraprofessionals working in Title I programs.
Three Pathways to Qualification
To work as an instructional paraprofessional in a Maryland Title I school, you need at least one of the following (if you qualify through the assessment, you also need a high school diploma or GED):
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 your hiring school system which colleges' degrees it accepts.
- Ask your hiring school system what proof of your degree it needs.
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least two years of study at a college or university, the equivalent of 48 credit hours.
- Official transcript required
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts
- Ask your hiring school system which courses it counts toward the 48 credit hours.
- Your credit hours are counted from your college transcript; ask your hiring school system what kind it needs.
Option 3: Assessment
Pass a formal state or locally approved assessment demonstrating knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment with passing scores of 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). A score of 455 on the retired ParaPro scale (the statewide minimum set by the MSDE) still counts if already earned.
- ParaPathways is one of the state-approved assessments; Maryland also approves two Pearson exams, Foundations of Classroom Support (517) and Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519).
- Your official ETS score report is your proof of qualification
Additional Maryland Requirements
Beyond meeting one of the three pathways above, keep these points in mind:
- 1. Criminal History Records Check: State law requires a national and State criminal history records check for public school employees. Your school system tells you when and where to be fingerprinted.
- 2. Age: Ask your hiring school system about any minimum age.
- 3. Education: If you qualify through the assessment, you also need a high school diploma or GED.
Who Needs to Meet Maryland's Requirements?
The requirements apply to paraprofessionals who work in a Title I program (schoolwide or targeted assistance), whether or not they are paid with Title I funds. Paraprofessionals in non-Title I schools do not need to meet these federal requirements, so ask whether the school runs a Title I program.
Must Meet the Requirements When Working in a Title I Program
- • Instructional Paraprofessionals/Paraeducators: Aides providing academic support in core subjects
- • Title I Paraprofessionals: Staff hired specifically with Title I funds for targeted academic interventions
- • Special Education Paraeducators: Aides supporting IEP goals under a certified special education teacher.
- • ESOL Paraprofessionals: Assistants providing language and academic support to English learners
- • Pre-Kindergarten Assistants: Aides in Maryland's public Pre-K programs
May Not Need to Meet the Requirements
- • Non-Instructional Aides: Playground monitors, cafeteria monitors, and bus aides whose duties are purely supervisory
- • Personal Care Assistants: Aides whose duties are strictly related to a student's physical or health needs (though any instructional support triggers the requirement)
- • Parent Liaisons or Community Outreach Coordinators: Staff who work with families but do not provide instruction
ParaPathways Assessment In-Depth Breakdown
ParaPathways is designed to confirm that you have the fundamental academic skills needed to assist in classroom instruction. It covers 87 questions across two separately scored subtests, Reading & Writing (5758, 51 questions) and Mathematics (5759, 36 questions), and you have 145 minutes in total, 85 for Reading & Writing and 60 for Mathematics. Here is what each section looks like in practice.
Reading (Reading & Writing subtest 5758: about 30 of 51 questions)
- Measures your ability to comprehend and analyze a variety of written materials
- Tests skills in identifying main ideas, locating key details, defining vocabulary in context, and making logical inferences
- Maryland example: You might help students in an Anne Arundel County classroom read a historical text about the founding of Annapolis, guiding them to identify key figures and understand the significance of Annapolis as an early colonial capital
Writing (Reading & Writing subtest 5758: about 21 of 51 questions)
- Evaluates your knowledge of standard written English, including grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling
- Assesses your ability to apply this knowledge when helping students improve their writing
- Maryland example: An aide in Baltimore County Public Schools could help a student proofread a research paper about the economic importance of the Port of Baltimore, correcting sentence fragments and checking comma usage
Mathematics (Mathematics subtest 5759: 36 questions)
- Covers operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages, plus basic algebra and geometry: about 18 questions on numbers and operations and 18 on geometry, measurement and data, some of them numeric entry (you type the number), with an on-screen four-function calculator provided
- Includes data interpretation from charts and graphs
- Maryland example: A paraeducator in Montgomery County Public Schools might help elementary students with a hands-on science project measuring and graphing water quality of a local Chesapeake Bay tributary, working with decimals and creating line graphs
After the Test: Getting Hired in Maryland
Passing the assessment is one way to meet Maryland's requirements and clears the way for you to move through the hiring process. Hiring steps vary by school system, so use this as a general outline.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Hired
- Step 1: Get Your Qualifications in Order. Have your proof of qualification ready before you apply. That means either your official college transcripts or a ParaPathways score report showing 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics (an earlier ParaPro score report showing 455 or higher on the retired ParaPro scale also counts).
- Step 2: Search for Jobs. Hiring in Maryland is handled by the 24 local school systems. Visit the "Careers" or "Human Resources" pages on the websites of the counties where you want to work (e.g., Carroll County, Harford County, Baltimore City). Check regularly for new postings.
- Step 3: Complete the Application. Fill out the school system's online application thoroughly. Upload your resume, references, and proof of qualification (a scanned copy of your ParaPathways or earlier ParaPro score report, or college transcripts).
- Step 4: Interview. After HR verifies that you meet Maryland's requirements, your application goes to school principals with openings. A principal or assistant principal will contact you to schedule an interview.
- Step 5: Conditional Job Offer. If the interview goes well, the principal recommends you for hire, and HR extends a conditional offer of employment.
- Step 6: Background Check and Onboarding. You will complete the fingerprinting process for the state and national background checks. Do not delay on this step.
- Step 7: Finalization. Once your background checks clear and your pre-employment paperwork is complete, your employment is finalized and you will be scheduled for a new hire orientation.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Know 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 can take it two more times. Some testing locations may have additional scheduling constraints.
- Step 2: Review Your Score Report. Reading and Writing (5758) and Mathematics (5759) are scored separately, so your report shows which subtest you missed. Use it to focus your study time on the content areas where you scored lowest.
- Step 3: Study with Focus. Target the subtest and content areas that need improvement rather than trying to cover everything again.
- Step 4: Re-register. Sign up again through the ETS website. You can register for just the subtest you need ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center). Ask your school system whether a subtest you already passed still counts.
Preparing for Your Maryland ParaPathways Assessment
How much time you need depends on where you are starting from. If you have been in college recently, a couple of weeks of review might be plenty. If it has been years since you sat down with a math textbook, plan for more time. There is no rush.
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 brush up on 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 have not looked at in a while.
In-Depth Review
If you have been out of school for a while or math and writing feel unfamiliar, give yourself extra time. The confidence you build is worth it on test day.
Free Study Resources
- Maryland public library databases: Your Maryland library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which has paraprofessional test-prep practice tests and skill-building courses (make sure they cover ParaPathways). Check your county library's website for access details.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Free and self-paced.
- ETS ParaPathways study materials: ETS publishes an official ParaPathways Study Companion with sample questions, and when you register you get a free interactive practice test for each subtest you sign up for. Together they show you the format you will face on test day.
- Online practice tests: Sites like parapropracticetest.com and uniontestprep.com/parapro-assessment offer free practice questions covering reading, writing, and math.
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.
Maryland-Specific Tip
Maryland approves ParaPathways and two Pearson exams, so make sure your study materials match the exam you register for.
Test Day: What to Expect in Maryland
Knowing what to expect on test day removes a lot of the stress. Whether you are testing at a community college or taking the at-home proctored version, here is a rundown.
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 registration receipt from ETS or your community college 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 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
You have about 1 minute and 40 seconds per question. If you get stuck, mark it and move on. Come back to it later if there is time.
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 Maryland Testing Locations
Many Maryland community colleges run testing centers; ETS decides where ParaPathways is offered, so check its test-center locator for current sites. You can also take the test from home through the ETS at-home proctored version, which is often the most flexible choice. ETS also lists some school districts and other agencies as participating test centers that you register with directly; its locator shows whether one is near you.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Maryland
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Typical Benefits Package
Maryland 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
- • Many Maryland community colleges run testing centers. Check the ETS test-center locator for the sites that offer ParaPathways now.
- • Some school districts are participating ETS test centers that you register with directly. Check the ETS test-center locator rather than assuming your LSS is one.
How to Register for an Assessment in Maryland
There are three main ways to register for the ETS paraprofessional assessment in Maryland. Pick the one that works best for your schedule and location.
At-Home Testing (Most Flexible)
ETS offers a live, remotely proctored version of ParaPathways that you can take from home. Register directly through the ETS website. This option has the widest scheduling availability and is often the most convenient choice. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator.
In-Person at a Community College
Many Maryland community colleges run testing centers. ETS decides which sites offer ParaPathways, so confirm a college on the ETS test-center locator, then check its testing center website for schedules.
At a Participating School District or Agency
ETS says some school districts, regional offices of education and other agencies are participating test centers, and you register with them directly. Use the ETS test-center locator to see whether one near you offers ParaPathways before you contact it.
Pathway to a Teaching Career in Maryland
If you want to eventually become a teacher, Maryland has clear pathways to help. The Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Programs (MAAPP) let you earn certification if you already have a bachelor's degree. Your hands-on classroom experience as a paraeducator makes you an especially strong candidate.
The Blueprint for Maryland's Future supports "Grow Your Own" programming. Ask your school system whether it runs a grow-your-own or para-to-teacher program and what support it offers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Maryland Paraprofessionals
Is there a state-level license for paraprofessionals in Maryland?
MSDE's policy lists three ways to qualify and does not describe a separate state license. Ask your hiring school system what proof it needs.
What is the "Blueprint for Maryland's Future"?
It is a major education reform law. For paraprofessionals, the most relevant part is its support for pathways into teaching, including grow-your-own programs and opportunities for paraprofessionals to become teachers.
How do I find job openings in Maryland?
Go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page of the individual local school system websites. Hiring steps vary by school system. Make a list of the counties you are willing to work in and check their sites regularly.
I passed the ParaPro in another state. Will Maryland accept my score?
Yes. If your score is 455 or higher on the retired ParaPro scale, any Maryland school system will accept it as proof of qualification. You just need to provide your official ETS score report. ETS lists Maryland as accepting ParaPro scores through August 31, 2027.
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.
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 Maryland Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.