Missouri Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Show-Me State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Missouri Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
Set by the hiring district; DESE publishes no passing score (ETS lists 322 on Reading and Writing and 325 on Mathematics for ParaPathways)
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
The fingerprint background check is charged separately from the exam fee: the Missouri State Highway Patrol lists $20 for the state search, $15 for the FBI search and a $12 fingerprinting fee.
School Districts
518
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Mandatory fingerprint-based criminal history background check through Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) system; Submitted to Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI for state and national check; fees listed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol: $20 state search, $15 FBI search, $12 fingerprinting; Child abuse registry check also required; PEERS (Public Education Employee Retirement System) retirement plan if you work at least 20 hours a week
Governing Body
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). A paraprofessional qualifies with 60 college credit hours, a passing ETS assessment (ParaPathways from July 1, 2026), or the 20-hour Substitute Certificate Course; ESSA qualification is verified by the hiring district; about 518 regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22) with local hiring authority
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher (federal ESSA route)
- 60 college credit hours (DESE)
- The 20-hour Substitute Certificate Course, which DESE lists as its own route
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Missouri
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Missouri 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.
Three Ways to Qualify in Missouri
Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) lets a paraprofessional with a high school diploma qualify in any one of three ways: 60 college credit hours, a passing score on the ETS paraprofessional assessment, or completing the 20-hour Substitute Certificate Course.
DESE's guidance names no certificate a paraprofessional must hold. Districts can set their own hiring requirements, so check with the district you apply to.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Missouri
With a high school diploma, you qualify as a paraprofessional in Missouri by meeting any one of the three routes below. DESE's guidance names no certificate a paraprofessional must hold.
DESE's Three Routes
Option 1: College Credits
Complete 60 college credit hours and show them on an official transcript.
- Any one route is enough; you do not also need the test or the course
Option 2: The ETS Paraprofessional Assessment
Pass the ETS assessment DESE accepts. For tests taken from July 1, 2026, that is ParaPathways; DESE also lists, by test date, which earlier ParaPro and Pearson results count.
- ETS lists Missouri at 322 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 325 on Mathematics (5759)
Option 3: The 20-Hour Substitute Certificate Course
Complete the 20-hour Substitute Certificate Course. Finishing the course is enough; you do not need to hold the Substitute Certificate itself.
- If you also want to substitute teach, the Substitute Certificate needs 36 semester hours of college credit or this same 20-hour course
The Bottom Line
The ParaPathways test is a full alternative to the 60 college credit hours, and so is the 20-hour course. Districts can still set their own hiring requirements, so confirm with the district before you choose a route.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Missouri?
DESE's routes are for paraprofessionals. Whether a particular role counts as one, and what else it needs, is up to the hiring district.
Paraprofessional Roles
- • Instructional Paraprofessionals/Paraeducators: The general title for aides providing academic support in core subjects
- • Title I Paraprofessionals: Aides hired with Title I funds for targeted academic interventions
- • Special Education Paraprofessionals: Aides supporting students with IEPs under a licensed special education teacher
- • ESOL Paraprofessionals: Assistants who provide language and academic support to English learners
- • Early Childhood/Pre-K Assistants: Aides in Missouri's public Pre-K and early childhood special education programs
May Have Different Requirements
- • Non-Instructional Aides: Staff whose duties are exclusively supervisory (playground, cafeteria, bus monitors); the hiring district sets what these roles need
- • Personal Care Assistants: Aides whose work is strictly non-instructional and focused on a student's physical, health, or daily living needs; ask the district what applies
Missouri Assessment Details
In Missouri, the ETS assessment is one of three routes. If you have 60 college credit hours or have completed the 20-hour Substitute Certificate Course, DESE does not require the test.
The ETS ParaPathways Assessment
- 87 questions across two subtests, 145 minutes total (85 + 60), timed separately
- ETS lists 322 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 325 on Mathematics (5759). DESE publishes no number of its own, so confirm the score with your district
- With a high school diploma, a passing score qualifies you without the 60 college credit hours
ParaPathways Assessment In-Depth Breakdown: A Missouri Context
If you qualify through the ETS paraprofessional assessment, you will take ParaPathways (5757): two separately timed, separately scored subtests, Reading & Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. Here is what each part covers and how the skills apply to real Missouri classrooms.
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.
Missouri Classroom Application: A paraprofessional in a St. Louis Public Schools classroom might use these skills to help a small group of students read a text about the significance of the Gateway Arch. You would guide students to understand its symbolism (main idea) and the historical facts about its construction (supporting details).
Writing (Reading & Writing subtest 5758, about 21 of 51 questions)
Skills Tested: Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure.
Missouri Classroom Application: An aide in a Columbia Public Schools high school could use this expertise to help a student proofread an essay about the University of Missouri's history, focusing on correct grammar and clear organization.
Mathematics (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. An on-screen calculator is provided.
Missouri Classroom Application: A paraprofessional in a Springfield Public Schools elementary school might help students with a math project that involves calculating the area of a map of the Ozarks or interpreting a graph showing tourism data for Branson.
After the Test: Scores and Next Steps in Missouri
If you qualify through the test, here is what to do once you have your scores.
If You Passed
- Step 1: Notify the Hiring District. Send the district's HR department your ParaPathways score report and ask what other paperwork it needs.
- Step 2: Complete District Onboarding. Finish any remaining new-hire paperwork, including payroll forms, mandatory training modules, and district-specific orientation sessions.
- Step 3: Enroll in PEERS. If you work at least 20 hours a week, you join the Public Education Employee Retirement System of Missouri (PEERS), the plan for non-certificated school staff.
If You Need to Retake ParaPathways
- Step 1: Check the Retake Rules. 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 retake it two more times. Your district may have additional rules, so ask HR.
- Step 2: Review Your Score Report. The ParaPathways score report shows each subtest separately. Focus your study on whichever subtest (Reading and Writing, or Mathematics) fell short.
- Step 3: Use Targeted Study Materials. Spend the time before your retake working through practice tests and reviewing weak spots rather than re-studying everything from scratch.
- Step 4: Re-register Through ETS. You can register for just the subtest you need ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center), but ask your district whether a subtest you already passed still counts.
Preparing for Your Missouri Paraprofessional Qualification
If you qualify through the ETS ParaPathways Assessment rather than college credit or the 20-hour course, the study advice below will help you prepare.
Recommended Study Timelines (for ParaPathways)
Quick Refresher
Best if you recently finished your college coursework or feel confident in reading, writing, and math. Focus on practice tests and review any weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The right pace for most people. Gives you time to work through a study guide, take practice tests, and revisit topics you are rusty on without feeling rushed.
In-Depth Review
If you have been out of school for a while or math and writing feel unfamiliar, take the extra time. There is no penalty for being well-prepared, and the confidence boost helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ETS ParaPathways practice materials: When you register, ETS gives you a free interactive practice test for the subtest you registered for. ETS also publishes the ParaPathways Study Companion, which describes what each subtest covers. Start here to understand the format.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It is free and self-paced.
- Public library databases: Check your local library website. Some libraries offer test-prep databases free with a library card; make sure a practice test covers ParaPathways before you rely on it.
- Online practice questions: Free paraprofessional practice questions covering reading, writing, and math are easy to find online; make sure they cover ParaPathways rather than the retired ParaPro.
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; older books were written for 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.
Missouri-Specific Tip
If you would rather qualify through the 60 college credit hours, consider enrolling at a local community college. St. Louis Community College, Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, and Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield all offer college credit.
Test Day: What to Expect in Missouri
If you take the ETS paraprofessional assessment, here is what to expect on test day. You can take ParaPathways at a test center or at home through ETS's remote proctoring. ETS decides where ParaPathways is offered, so use its test-center locator rather than assuming a site that once gave the ParaPro still does.
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 admission ticket from ETS or from the district that scheduled your test.
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 Missouri Testing Locations
Some Missouri districts and regional professional development centers used to host ParaPro testing; for ParaPathways, check ETS's test-center locator, or test at home through ETS's remote proctoring. If you are taking the test at a district site or regional center, the atmosphere may be more informal than a commercial testing center. If you choose at-home proctoring, make sure you have a quiet room, a working computer with camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. Either way, the rules about prohibited items and ID checks still apply.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Missouri
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Typical Benefits Package
Missouri 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
- • Check the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page on individual district websites for paraprofessional job openings
How to Qualify and Get Hired in Missouri: A Step-by-Step Guide
With a high school diploma, you need only one of the three routes. These steps take you from choosing a route to your first day.
Choose Your Route
Pick one: 60 college credit hours, a passing score on the ETS paraprofessional assessment, or the 20-hour Substitute Certificate Course.
Complete It and Keep the Proof
Keep your official transcript, your ETS score report, or proof that you finished the 20-hour course. This is what the hiring district will ask to see.
Search for Jobs and Apply
Search for open paraprofessional positions on district websites. Districts can set their own hiring requirements, so read each posting.
Interview and Finalize Employment
After a successful interview, follow the district's onboarding steps and complete any remaining paperwork.
Pathway to a Teaching Career in Missouri
If you qualified with 60 college credit hours and want to become a licensed teacher, you already have a significant head start.
If you have a bachelor's degree, see DESE's Routes to Certification for alternative routes. Ask your district whether it has a grow-your-own program.
Frequently Asked Questions - Missouri Paraprofessionals
Can I take the ETS paraprofessional assessment instead of earning 60 college credit hours?
Yes. With a high school diploma, DESE accepts any one of three routes: 60 college credit hours, a passing score on the ETS assessment (ParaPathways, which replaced the ParaPro), or completing the 20-hour Substitute Certificate Course. Districts can set their own hiring requirements, so ask the district which proof it wants.
What is DESE?
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is the state agency that oversees all public K-12 education. It issues educator certificates and publishes the routes paraprofessionals use to qualify. Its guidance names no certificate a paraprofessional must hold.
What is PSRS/PEERS?
The Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri are the state's pension plans for school employees. Teachers are in PSRS, and non-certificated staff (including paraprofessionals) who work at least 20 hours a week are in PEERS.
How do I find job openings in Missouri?
Go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page on individual school district websites to see current openings.
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. Your hiring district may have additional policies.
Ready to Start Your Missouri Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.