Tennessee Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
456
Minimum passing score
Test Duration
2.5 hours
Total testing time
Test Sections
3 Sections
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
Test Fee
$55 / $85 Prometric
Standard assessment cost
School Districts
147
Districts in state
Governing Body
Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) sets standards with local implementation. No state license—qualification is "highly qualified" status verified by Local Education Agencies (LEAs). Each of 147 LEAs sets own passing scores (common: ParaPro 456, WorkKeys Silver NCRC). Three Grand Divisions (East, Middle, West) with diverse demographics. Strong focus on early literacy and achievement gaps. "Grow Your Own" programs heavily funded. Tennessee ranks #50 in nation for paraprofessional pay (LOWEST). Strong union representation via TEA.
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's degree or higher from regionally accredited institution
- Two years of study (48 semester hours) at accredited institution
- Passing score on state-approved assessment (WorkKeys Silver NCRC or ParaPro 456)
Background Check
Required
Mandatory fingerprint-based background checks: (1) Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) state criminal history check, (2) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) national criminal history check. Processed through IdentoGO. Certain felony and misdemeanor convictions can be disqualifying.
Salary Range
Typical annual salary
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Tennessee
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Tennessee 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.
Tennessee's Approach: State Standards, Local Control
The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) defines the acceptable pathways to becoming "highly qualified," but it gives the state's 140+ Local Education Agencies (LEAs) the authority to manage the details. This includes which assessments they prefer and the specific passing scores required.
Tennessee's school system stretches across three "Grand Divisions" with very different needs. From the consolidated Shelby County Schools in Memphis to the booming suburban districts around Nashville to the smaller rural districts across East Tennessee, this local-control model lets each LEA tailor requirements to their own community.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Tennessee
To work as an instructional Educational Assistant in a Tennessee Title I school, you need a high school diploma or its equivalent (HiSET in Tennessee) plus one of three qualification pathways.
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Degree
Hold an associate's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
- The hiring LEA's HR department will need an official, sealed transcript sent directly from your institution's registrar
- A copy of your diploma or an unsealed transcript is not considered official documentation
- The institution must be accredited by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) or another recognized regional accreditor
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education, defined as a minimum of 48 semester hours of coursework.
- An official transcript is the only acceptable proof and will be reviewed by the hiring LEA's HR department
- HR will count your credits carefully to confirm the 48-hour threshold is met
- Courses typically numbered 1000 or above count; remedial or developmental courses do not
Option 3: Assessment
Achieve a passing score on a state-approved assessment that demonstrates your ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPro Assessment: The passing score is set by the hiring district (a common benchmark is 457)
- ACT WorkKeys: Achieve at least a Silver Level National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), meaning Level 4 on all three core sections
- Which test to take depends on the district you're applying to, so check with their HR department first
Additional Tennessee Requirements
Beyond qualifying through one of the three pathways above, Tennessee also requires that you be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or HiSET.
All prospective school employees must undergo a fingerprint-based background check processed through IdentoGO. Your prints are run through both the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the FBI. Certain felony and misdemeanor convictions can be disqualifying.
Who Needs to Be "Highly Qualified" in Tennessee?
The "highly qualified" standard applies to all Educational Assistants who provide instructional support in a Title I school. Because many schools across Tennessee operate as Title I school-wide programs, these requirements apply to the vast majority of instructional paraprofessional positions in the state.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Educational Assistants: The general title for aides providing academic support in core subjects
- • Special Education Assistants: 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 Tennessee.
- • Title I Educational Assistants: Aides hired specifically with Title I funds to provide targeted academic interventions
- • ESL Assistants: Staff who provide language and academic support to English learners
- • Pre-Kindergarten Assistants: Aides working in Tennessee's public Pre-K programs
May Not Need Requirements
- • Lunchroom or Recess Monitors: Staff whose duties are purely supervisory and do not involve any form of teaching
- • Bus Monitors: Aides who supervise student transportation but provide no academic reinforcement
- • Personal Care Assistants (PCAs): Aides whose duties are strictly non-instructional and related to a student's physical or health needs. If their role includes any instructional support, they must qualify.
Tennessee Assessment Options
ACT WorkKeys (Silver NCRC)
- A common and often preferred assessment in Tennessee
- Three core assessments: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents
- You need at least a Level 4 on each section to earn the Silver NCRC
- Widely administered at Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) across the state
ETS ParaPro Assessment
- 90 multiple-choice questions in a single 2.5-hour session
- Covers reading, writing, and math at equal weight (30 questions each)
- Available at-home through ETS remote proctoring or at local testing centers
In-Depth Assessment Breakdown
Tennessee accepts two distinct assessments, and each has its own format and focus. Here is what each test covers and how it connects to real classroom work.
WorkKeys: Applied Math (Level 4)
Skills Tested: Using mathematics to solve everyday workplace problems. At Level 4, you'll set up and solve problems with one or two operations, often involving fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Tennessee Classroom Example: Helping a teacher calculate the total cost of a field trip to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga by multiplying the per-student ticket price by the number of students and adding the flat-rate bus fee.
WorkKeys: Graphic Literacy (Level 4)
Skills Tested: Reading and interpreting workplace graphics like charts, graphs, floor plans, and assembly instructions.
Tennessee Classroom Example: Looking at a student's Aimsweb progress monitoring data chart and helping the teacher identify the student's rate of improvement in reading fluency over the last six weeks.
WorkKeys: Workplace Documents (Level 4)
Skills Tested: Reading and understanding moderately complex workplace texts like policies and multi-step instructions.
Tennessee Classroom Example: Reading a student's 504 Plan and correctly implementing the required accommodations, such as "provide a copy of teacher's notes" or "allow for preferential seating."
ParaPro Section Breakdown (Score: 457)
Reading (30 Questions)
Skills Tested: Comprehending and analyzing written materials. You'll identify main ideas, locate key details, define vocabulary in context, and draw logical inferences.
Tennessee Classroom Example: In a Metro Nashville Public Schools classroom, you might help a small group of students read a historical text about the Civil Rights sit-ins in Nashville, guiding them to identify key figures and understand the significance of the nonviolent protest movement.
Writing (30 Questions)
Skills Tested: Grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, spelling, and the ability to apply these conventions when helping students with the writing process.
Tennessee Classroom Example: In a Knox County Schools high school, you could help a student proofread a research paper about the scientific research conducted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, correcting sentence fragments and checking for spelling errors.
Mathematics (30 Questions)
Skills Tested: Operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages; basic algebra; geometry and measurement; and data interpretation from charts and graphs.
Tennessee Classroom Example: In a Shelby County Schools elementary classroom, you might help students with a hands-on music project that involves understanding the fractional notes in a measure of blues music, connecting math to the cultural heritage of Memphis.
After the Test: The Tennessee Hiring Process
Passing your assessment makes you "highly qualified" and opens the door to the hiring process. Here is how it works step by step.
Getting Hired in Tennessee
- Step 1: Get Your Qualifications in Order. Before you apply, have your proof of qualification ready. That means official college transcripts in hand, or a passing score on the WorkKeys (Silver Level) or ParaPro.
- Step 2: Search for Openings. Hiring is decentralized in Tennessee. You need to check the career pages of individual school districts. Metro Nashville, Shelby County, Knox County, and Hamilton County all post openings on their own websites.
- Step 3: Complete the Application. Fill out the district's online application and upload your supporting documents: resume, references, and proof of qualification.
- Step 4: Interview. Once HR verifies you meet the "highly qualified" standard, your application goes to principals with open positions. A principal or assistant principal will contact you to set up an interview.
- Step 5: Conditional Job Offer. If the interview goes well, the principal recommends you for hire and HR extends a conditional offer.
- Step 6: Background Check and Onboarding. You'll receive forms and instructions to schedule your fingerprinting appointment through IdentoGO for both TBI and FBI checks.
- Step 7: Finalization. Once your background checks clear and pre-employment paperwork is complete, your employment is finalized and you'll be scheduled for new hire orientation.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Check the Waiting Period. ETS requires a 28-day wait between ParaPro attempts. WorkKeys policies vary by testing center, so ask your local TCAT about their retake schedule.
- Step 2: Review Your Score Report. The ParaPro breaks down your performance by section. WorkKeys shows your level for each assessment. Use this information to figure out where to focus.
- Step 3: Build a Study Plan. Spend the waiting period targeting the areas where you scored lowest. Even a few weeks of focused review can make a real difference.
- Step 4: Re-register. Sign up again through ETS or your local TCAT once the waiting period is over.
Preparing for Your Tennessee Paraprofessional Assessment
The amount of study time you need depends on where you're starting. If you've recently finished college courses, you might only need a couple of weeks. If it's been a while since you sat for a formal exam, give yourself more time.
Recommended Study Timelines
Quick Refresher
Best if you recently finished college coursework or feel solid in reading, writing, and math. Focus on practice tests and shore up any weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The sweet spot for most people. You'll have 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 if math and writing feel unfamiliar, the extra time is worth it. There's no penalty for being well-prepared, and the confidence boost helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ACT WorkKeys practice tests: ACT provides free sample questions for each WorkKeys assessment on their website. These are the closest thing to the actual test format you'll find.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It's free and self-paced.
- Tennessee public library databases: Your Tennessee library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which includes ParaPro-specific practice tests and skill-building courses. Check your local library's website.
- 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 don't have to spend money to pass, but some people like the structure of a paid resource. Here are the most common options:
- ParaPro or WorkKeys study guide books ($20-40): Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Look for ones published within the last couple of years so the content is current.
- Online prep courses ($50-150): These usually include video lessons, quizzes, and 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 preference.
Tennessee-Specific Tip
Before you start studying, confirm with the hiring district which test they want you to take. The WorkKeys and ParaPro are very different in format and content focus. Studying for one when the district requires the other would waste your time. Your local TCAT can also help you prepare for WorkKeys, and some districts offer test preparation sessions for applicants.
Test Day: What to Expect in Tennessee
Knowing what to expect ahead of time takes away a lot of the stress. Here is a rundown so you can walk in ready.
What to Bring
Driver's license, state ID, or passport. Make sure it's not expired.
Bring your confirmation email or any scheduling documentation from ETS or your TCAT.
Testing rooms can be cold. A light jacket or sweater lets you adjust without distraction.
What NOT to Bring
Check-In Procedure
- 1 Arrive 20-30 minutes early. This gives you time to find the room, settle in, and handle any paperwork without rushing.
- 2 Present your photo ID. A proctor will verify your identity against the test roster.
- 3 Store personal items. You'll be asked to put your phone, bag, and other belongings in a designated area.
- 4 Take your assigned seat. The proctor will direct you to your spot and review 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
There's no penalty for guessing on the ParaPro or WorkKeys. If time is running out, fill in your best guess for every remaining question.
About Tennessee Testing Locations
If you're taking the WorkKeys, you'll likely test at one of Tennessee's 27 TCATs or at a local school district office. For the ParaPro, you can take it at a Prometric testing center or from home through ETS remote proctoring. The at-home option is popular because it avoids a long drive if you live far from a testing center.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Tennessee
Salaries for paraprofessionals in Tennessee have been rising, but they still tend to fall below the national average. Where you work makes a big difference.
Typical Starting Range
Experienced / Higher Districts
Salary by Region
Middle Tennessee (Nashville Metro Area): The affluent suburban districts surrounding Nashville, including Williamson County, Wilson County, and Rutherford County, offer the highest salaries and most complete benefits packages in the state.
East Tennessee (Knoxville, Chattanooga): These areas have a more moderate cost of living and offer competitive pay for the region.
West Tennessee (Memphis Metro Area): The suburban districts surrounding Memphis, like Collierville and Germantown, are high-performing and offer competitive compensation.
Rural Areas: Salaries are typically the lowest in rural districts, but the need for qualified paraprofessionals is significant in these communities.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles in Tennessee
Special Education Assistants: This is the most in-demand category across the entire state. There is a constant need for aides to work with students who have a wide range of disabilities.
Early Literacy Assistants: Tennessee has invested heavily in early literacy. Aides who can provide effective small-group reading intervention in grades K-3 are in very high demand.
ESL Assistants: With growing immigrant communities in the larger urban and suburban districts, bilingual aides (especially Spanish/English) are increasingly needed.
Tennessee ParaPro Test Centers
Tests administered by school districts and approved testing centers.
Important Information
- Tennessee's 27 TCATs (Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology) are the primary providers for WorkKeys testing
- Larger districts like Metro Nashville, Shelby County, and Knox County can often administer assessments to their applicants directly
- The ETS ParaPro at-home testing option is available for candidates who prefer remote proctoring
How to Register for an Assessment in Tennessee
The registration process in Tennessee depends on which assessment you plan to take and where you want to test.
At-Home Testing (ParaPro)
ETS offers a live, remotely proctored version of the ParaPro that you can take from your own home. You register directly through the ETS website. This is the most flexible option if you live far from a testing center.
TCAT Testing (WorkKeys)
The state's 27 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology are the primary providers of the ACT WorkKeys assessment. Contact the testing center at your local TCAT to get their schedule and registration information.
Local School District Testing
Many of the larger school districts (Metro Nashville, Shelby County, Knox County) are certified to administer tests to their applicants. Contact the Human Resources department of the district where you want to work to ask about their testing options.
Pathway to Teaching in Tennessee
Tennessee has a significant teacher shortage and actively encourages paraprofessionals to become licensed teachers. The TDOE has invested heavily in "Grow Your Own" programs that provide scholarships, financial assistance, and mentorship for current paraprofessionals to complete their bachelor's degree and earn a teaching license while continuing to work.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can be hired as a teacher on a Job-Embedded Practitioner License while you complete an educator preparation program. Your hands-on classroom experience as a paraprofessional makes you an especially strong candidate for this path.
Frequently Asked Questions - Tennessee Paraprofessionals
Is there a state-level license for paraprofessionals in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee 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 LEA (school district).
What is an LEA?
A Local Education Agency is the official term for a public school district in Tennessee. The state has over 140 LEAs, each with its own hiring process and qualification verification.
What is the TBI?
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is the state's law enforcement agency that handles the state-level criminal background check for school employees. Your fingerprints are processed by both the TBI and the FBI.
How long does it take to get certified?
The timeline varies, but most candidates complete the process within 2-4 weeks after passing the assessment, including background check clearance.
Can I work while completing my certification?
Some districts allow provisional or probationary employment while you complete requirements, but this varies by district policy.
I passed the ParaPro test in another state. Will Tennessee accept my score?
Yes. Since the ParaPro is a national test, a Tennessee school district will accept your official score report as long as your score meets their specific local passing threshold (commonly 457).
How do I find job openings in Tennessee?
The best approach is to go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page on individual school district websites. Tennessee does not have a single centralized job portal for school positions, so you'll need to check each district separately.
