Tennessee Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Volunteer State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Tennessee Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
ParaPathways: 332 (Reading and Writing) and 334 (Mathematics)
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
140
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
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.
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). ETS lists passing scores of 332 on ParaPathways Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics; some districts may accept a local assessment instead, so ask the district which tests it accepts. Three Grand Divisions (East, Middle, West) with diverse demographics. About 140 regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22).
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's degree or higher from accredited institution
- Two years of study at an institution of higher education (ask the hiring district how many credits it counts as two years)
- Passing score on state-approved assessment (ParaPathways; ask the hiring district whether a retired ParaPro score you already earned still counts)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
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 districts, called Local Education Agencies (LEAs), manage the details. Tennessee has about 140 regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22). Ask the hiring district which assessments it accepts.
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 a high school equivalency credential (HiSET or GED) plus one of three qualification pathways.
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Degree
Hold an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Ask the hiring district what proof of your degree it accepts (usually an official transcript)
Option 2: College Credits
Complete two years of study at an institution of higher education. Ask the district you are applying to how many credits it counts as two years.
- Ask the hiring district what proof of credits it accepts (usually an official transcript)
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 ParaPathways Assessment: 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). Ask the hiring district whether a retired ParaPro score you already earned still counts
- Some districts may accept a local assessment instead; ask the district which tests it accepts
Additional Tennessee Requirements
Beyond qualifying through one of the three pathways above, Tennessee also requires a high school diploma or a high school equivalency credential (HiSET or GED).
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.
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
ETS ParaPathways Assessment
- 87 questions across two subtests, 145 minutes total (85 + 60), timed separately
- Two separately scored subtests: Reading & Writing (5758, 51 questions) and Mathematics (5759, 36 questions), each on a 310-350 scale
- Available at-home through ETS remote proctoring or at local testing centers
In-Depth Assessment Breakdown
ParaPathways (5757) 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 each subtest covers and how it connects to real classroom work.
ParaPathways Section Breakdown (Scores: 332 and 334)
Reading (part of Reading & Writing 5758: about 30 of 51 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 (part of Reading & Writing 5758: about 21 of 51 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 (subtest 5759: 36 questions)
Skills Tested: 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.
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 ParaPathways (332 on Reading and Writing, 334 on Mathematics), or an already-earned ParaPro score.
- 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 Retake Policy. 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.
- Step 2: Review Your Score Report. ParaPathways scores Reading & Writing and Mathematics separately and breaks each down by content category. Use this information to figure out where to focus.
- Step 3: Build a Study Plan. Spend the time before your retake 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. For ParaPathways, you can register for just the subtest you need to retake, but ask your district whether a subtest you already passed still counts.
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
- 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 paraprofessional practice tests and skill-building courses (check that the practice tests cover ParaPathways). Check your local library's website.
- 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 don't have to spend money to pass, but some people like 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. For the ETS test, make sure they cover ParaPathways, not only the retired ParaPro.
- 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 assessments it accepts, so you do not study for the wrong one.
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
ETS lists the identification it accepts in your confirmation email and test-day instructions. Check yours against that list before test day.
Bring your confirmation email or any scheduling documentation from ETS.
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'll 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 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
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 Tennessee Testing Locations
For the ETS paraprofessional assessment, you can take it at an ETS-approved test center or from home through ETS remote proctoring. The at-home option can save a long drive if you live far from a testing center. 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 Tennessee
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
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: Aides who provide small-group reading support in grades K-3 work directly on early literacy.
ESL Assistants: With growing immigrant communities in the larger urban and suburban districts, bilingual aides (especially Spanish/English) are increasingly needed.
Tennessee 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
- • Larger districts like Metro Nashville, Shelby County, and Knox County can often administer assessments to their applicants directly
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 (ParaPathways)
ETS offers a live, remotely proctored version of ParaPathways 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.
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
If you want to become a licensed teacher, ask your district whether it offers scholarships, financial assistance, or mentorship for current paraprofessionals who want to complete a 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. Tennessee has about 140 regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22), 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 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.
I passed the ParaPro test in another state. Will Tennessee accept my score?
The ParaPro has been replaced by ParaPathways, for which ETS lists passing scores of 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics in Tennessee. Ask the hiring district whether a ParaPro score you already earned still counts.
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.
Ready to Start Your Tennessee Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.