South Carolina Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Palmetto State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
South Carolina Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
456 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
80
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
State law requires a name-based criminal record search through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and a National Sex Offender Registry check for every school district hire. Your district may require more (such as fingerprints); it will tell you what to do.
Governing Body
South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) sets standards with local implementation. No state license: qualification is "highly qualified" status verified by districts. SCDE lists the ParaPathways Assessment (332 on Reading and Writing, 334 on Mathematics) as the approved test; an already-earned ParaPro score of 456 still counts. Some districts may accept other assessments, so ask the hiring district. The "Read to Succeed" Act requires a student to be retained in the third grade if the student fails to demonstrate reading proficiency. About 80 regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22).
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's degree or higher from accredited institution
- Two years of study (60 semester hours) at accredited institution
- Qualifying score on state-approved assessment (ParaPathways; an already-earned ParaPro 456 still counts)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in South Carolina
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), South Carolina 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.
How South Carolina Qualifies Paraprofessionals
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) sets the standards, while the state's local school districts handle hiring, testing, and verification. There is no state paraprofessional license; your district verifies that you meet the requirements.
South Carolina's "Read to Succeed" Act requires a student to be retained in the third grade if the student fails to demonstrate reading proficiency. Qualified paraprofessionals can support early literacy in the classroom.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in South Carolina
State education codes and federal ESSA guidelines establish clear standards for all instructional paraprofessionals working in Title I programs.
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
- Must be from an accredited college or university
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
- South Carolina defines two years of study as a minimum of 60 semester hours from an accredited institution
Option 3: Assessment
Pass a formal state or locally approved assessment demonstrating knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment with 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759); a score of 456 or higher on the retired ParaPro scale still counts if already earned
- Some districts may accept other assessments, so ask the hiring district
Additional South Carolina Requirements
Beyond meeting one of the three qualification pathways, South Carolina law requires every school district hire to go through a name-based criminal record search through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and a National Sex Offender Registry check. Your district may require more (such as fingerprints); it will tell you what to do.
You must also be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or a state equivalency certificate.
Who Needs to Be "Highly Qualified" in South Carolina?
The "highly qualified" standard applies to all paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in a Title I school. Since the vast majority of South Carolina schools receive Title I funding and operate as school-wide programs, these requirements apply to nearly all instructional paraprofessional positions across the state.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Paraprofessionals/Assistants: The general title for aides providing academic support in core subjects
- • Title I Paraprofessionals: Aides hired specifically with Title I funds to provide targeted academic interventions
- • Special Education Paraprofessionals: Aides who support students with IEPs under the direction of a certified special education teacher. This is the largest and most in-demand category in the state.
- • ESOL Paraprofessionals: Assistants who provide language and academic support to English learners
- • Early Childhood/4K Assistants: Aides working in South Carolina's state-funded public 4-year-old kindergarten programs
May Not Need Requirements
- • Lunchroom or Recess Monitors: Staff whose duties are exclusively supervisory with no instructional component
- • Bus Monitors: Staff responsible only for student safety during transportation
- • Personal Care Assistants (PCAs): Aides whose duties are strictly related to a student's physical, health, or daily living needs. If any instructional support is part of the role, the qualification is required.
Assessment Options in South Carolina
ETS ParaPathways Assessment
- 87 questions across two subtests, 145 minutes total (85 + 60), timed separately
- Passing scores of 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759); an already-earned ParaPro score of 456 or higher (retired ParaPro scale) still counts
- Some districts may accept other assessments, so ask the hiring district
In-Depth Assessment Breakdown
South Carolina lists the ParaPathways Assessment (5757), which has 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 it covers and how the skills translate to your daily work in the classroom.
ParaPathways Assessment (Scores: 332 and 334)
Reading (part of Reading & Writing 5758: about 30 of 51 questions)
What it tests: Your ability to comprehend and analyze written materials. Questions focus on main ideas, key details, vocabulary in context, and logical inferences.
In the classroom: A paraprofessional in a Charleston County School District classroom might help a small group of students read a historical text about Charleston. You would guide them to identify key figures and understand the significance of the city's role in American history.
Writing (part of Reading & Writing 5758: about 21 of 51 questions)
What it tests: Your knowledge of standard written English conventions, including grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling.
In the classroom: An aide in a Greenville County Schools high school could use this expertise to help a student proofread a research paper about the history of the textile industry in the Upstate. You would help correct sentence fragments, check comma usage, and catch spelling errors.
Mathematics (subtest 5759: 36 questions)
What it tests: Operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages; basic algebra; geometry and measurement; and data interpretation from charts and graphs. The subtest splits about evenly between numbers and operations (about 18 questions) and geometry, measurement and data (about 18), and an on-screen four-function calculator is provided.
In the classroom: A paraprofessional in a Richland County School District elementary school might help students with a hands-on science project measuring and graphing plant growth in a school garden, working with decimals and creating line graphs.
After the Test: The South Carolina Hiring Process
Passing your assessment means you are officially "highly qualified" and can move through the hiring pipeline. Here is how the process works from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Hired
- Step 1: Get Your Qualifications in Order. Before you apply, have your proof of qualification ready. That means either your official college transcripts or your ParaPathways (or earlier ParaPro) score report.
- Step 2: Search for Openings. Hiring in South Carolina is decentralized. You need to search on individual district websites. Many districts use platforms like AppliTrack to post their vacancies. The Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA) is also a great statewide resource.
- Step 3: Complete the Application. Fill out the district's online application thoroughly. Upload your resume, letters of reference, and your proof of qualification.
- Step 4: Interview. Once the HR department verifies that you meet the "highly qualified" standard, your application goes to school principals who have openings. The 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 the HR department extends a conditional offer.
- Step 6: Background Check and Onboarding. Your district will tell you how to complete the required checks (a name-based criminal record search through SLED and a National Sex Offender Registry check).
- Step 7: Finalization. Once your background checks clear and all pre-employment paperwork is complete, your employment is finalized and you will be scheduled for new hire orientation.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Check the retake policy. The retake policy depends on which assessment you took. For ParaPathways, 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. You can register for just the subtest you need to retake, but ask your district whether a subtest you already passed still counts.
- Step 2: Identify your weak areas. Review your score report to see where you lost points. ParaPathways reports Reading & Writing and Mathematics as two separately scored subtests. Focus your study time on the weakest one.
- Step 3: Use targeted study resources. Take advantage of free resources like Khan Academy for math review or free online practice tests (make sure they cover ParaPathways).
- Step 4: Re-register. Sign up for the next available testing date through ETS.
Preparing for Your South Carolina Paraprofessional Assessment
The amount of preparation you need depends on your starting point. If you have been out of school for a while, you will likely want more time than someone who just finished college coursework. The good news is that ParaPathways tests practical, real-world skills that you can brush up on with the right resources.
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 you find.
Solid Preparation
This is the sweet spot for most people. It gives you enough time to work through a study guide, take multiple practice tests, and revisit topics you feel rusty on without feeling rushed.
In-Depth Review
If math or writing feel unfamiliar after years away from school, take the extra time. There is no penalty for being well-prepared, and the confidence boost helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- Khan Academy: Excellent for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It is free and self-paced.
- Public library databases: Your South Carolina library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which has paraprofessional practice tests and skill-building courses (check that the practice tests cover ParaPathways).
- Online practice tests: Several test-prep websites offer free practice questions in reading, writing, and math; make sure they cover ParaPathways.
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 popular options:
- Paraprofessional test-prep books ($20-40): Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. For the ETS test, make sure they cover ParaPathways, not only the retired ParaPro.
- Online prep courses ($50-150): These typically 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 preferred learning style.
South Carolina-Specific Tip
Check with your target district about which assessments it accepts before you register. The SCDE lists ParaPathways as the approved test, and some districts may accept other assessments.
Test Day: What to Expect in South Carolina
Knowing what to expect on test day takes away a lot of the stress. Whether you take the ETS paraprofessional assessment at a test center or at home, the basics are similar.
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 your testing center or ETS account.
Testing rooms can be cold. 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 will be asked to put your phone, bag, and other belongings in a designated area or locker.
- 3 Take your assigned seat. The proctor will direct you to your workstation 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. Come back to it later if time allows.
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.
Answer every question
ETS counts only the questions you answer correctly on ParaPathways, so never leave a blank. If time is running out, fill in your best guess for every remaining question.
About South Carolina Testing Locations
ParaPathways is offered at ETS-approved test centers or at home through ETS remote proctoring. Either way, the rules around prohibited items and ID checks are strictly enforced. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator rather than assuming a site listed here carried over.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in South Carolina
Paraprofessional salaries vary by district, experience level, and role specialization.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Salary by District
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles in South Carolina
Special Education Paraprofessionals: This is the most pressing need across the entire state. There is a constant and significant demand for aides to work with students who have a wide range of disabilities.
Early Literacy Assistants: Under the "Read to Succeed" Act, a student must be retained in the third grade if the student fails to demonstrate reading proficiency. Aides who provide small-group reading support in grades K-3 work directly on that goal.
Early Childhood/4K Assistants: South Carolina's state-funded 4-year-old kindergarten program creates a growing need for qualified aides in early childhood settings.
South Carolina 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.
How to Register for an Assessment in South Carolina
The registration process typically begins through a school district's Human Resources department or the state education agency.
Step 1: Find Job Openings and Apply
Visit school district websites and apply for paraprofessional positions through their online portals.
Register for the ETS paraprofessional assessment directly through the ETS website.
Step 2: Receive Test Invitation
If you meet minimum qualifications, the HR department will send you testing information and schedule.
For at-home paraprofessional assessment testing, you can often find appointments within a few days.
Step 3: Prepare and Take the Test
Review study materials provided by the district and complete the assessment on the scheduled date.
For ParaPathways, use the official ETS study materials and the free interactive practice test ETS gives you when you register.
Pathway to a Teaching Career
If you want to become a licensed teacher, ask your district whether it offers financial assistance, scholarships, or mentorship for current paraprofessionals who want to complete a bachelor's degree and earn a teaching license.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, the Program of Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) offers an alternative route to a teaching certificate. Your hands-on classroom experience as a paraprofessional makes you an especially strong candidate for this path.
Frequently Asked Questions - South Carolina Paraprofessionals
Is there a state-level license for paraprofessionals in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina does not issue a state-level license or certificate for paraprofessionals. Your qualification is a status, being "highly qualified," which is verified and documented by your employing school district. There is no separate credential to apply for or renew.
What is the SLED check?
The SLED check is the name-based criminal record search that the district conducts using records maintained by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. State law also requires a National Sex Offender Registry check for every school district hire. Your district may require more, such as fingerprints; it will tell you what to do.
How do I find job openings in South Carolina?
A great statewide resource is the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA). You should also go directly to the "Human Resources" or "Employment" pages of individual school district websites. Many districts use AppliTrack or similar platforms to post their 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.
I passed the ParaPro test in another state. Will South Carolina accept my score?
Generally, yes. An already-earned ParaPro score of 456 or higher (retired ParaPro scale) still counts in South Carolina, and your official ETS score report is the proof. Confirm with the hiring district before assuming it will be accepted.
Ready to Start Your South Carolina Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.