Virginia Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
455
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
131
Districts in state
Governing Body
Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) sets standards with local implementation. No state license—qualification is "Virginia Qualified" status verified by school divisions. Virginia uses "school division" (not district) terminology. 131 school divisions total. Statewide minimum ParaPro score is 455 (firm benchmark, not local variable). Divisions may also offer locally developed assessments. Virginia Literacy Act emphasizes evidence-based "science of reading" instruction. Highly qualified paraprofessionals provide intensive small-group phonics-based support. Northern Virginia (NOVA) region offers highest salaries in nation. Strong union representation via VEA.
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher
- 48 semester hours of college coursework
Background Check
Required
Mandatory fingerprint-based background checks: (1) Virginia State Police criminal history check, (2) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) national criminal history check, (3) Child Abuse and Neglect Registry check (Virginia Department of Social Services). All processed through Fieldprint.
Salary Range
Typical annual salary
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Virginia
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Virginia 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.
Virginia's Approach: State Standards, Local Control
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) sets the qualification standards, including a firm statewide minimum ParaPro score of 455. But the 131 local school divisions handle hiring, testing, and verification on their own. This means the bar is the same whether you work in Fairfax County or a small rural county in Southside Virginia.
One thing worth noting: Virginia uses the term "school division" instead of "district." It means the same thing, but you will see "division" on all official documents and job postings. The Commonwealth also does not issue a state-level license for paraprofessionals. Instead, your qualification is a status, "Virginia Qualified," which your employing division verifies and documents.
A Diverse Education System
Virginia's communities range from the densely populated and affluent suburbs of Northern Virginia (NOVA) to the major urban centers of Richmond and Hampton Roads, to the rural stretches of the Shenandoah Valley, Southside, and Southwest Virginia. Each region has different needs, different budgets, and different hiring timelines. The state's system is built to serve all of them under one set of standards while giving local divisions room to adapt.
Virginia has also made a significant investment in early literacy through the Virginia Literacy Act, which emphasizes evidence-based, "science of reading" instruction. Qualified paraprofessionals play a direct role in this effort by providing small-group and one-on-one phonics-based support in elementary classrooms.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Virginia
The VDOE has established clear, federally compliant standards for instructional paraprofessionals in Title I schools. You must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent AND meet one of the following three requirements.
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Higher Education Degree
Hold an associate's degree or higher (bachelor's, master's) from a regionally accredited college or university.
- The hiring division's HR department will require an official, sealed transcript sent directly from your institution's registrar
- A copy of your diploma alone or an unsealed transcript is not accepted as official documentation
- The institution must be accredited by a recognized regional body (SACSCOC for Virginia and surrounding states)
Option 2: College Coursework (48 Semester Hours)
Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education, defined as a minimum of 48 semester hours.
- An official transcript is the only acceptable proof, and the hiring division's HR will count credits to confirm the 48-hour threshold
- Courses typically numbered 100 or above count; remedial or developmental courses do not
- Credits from any accredited institution count, including the Virginia Community College System (VCCS)
Option 3: Formal Academic Assessment
Pass a state-approved or locally validated assessment of reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPro Assessment: achieve a passing score of 455 (the official VDOE minimum)
- Local Assessment: some divisions may use their own locally developed and validated exam
- The ParaPro is the most common option for candidates who do not meet the college credit requirements
Additional Mandatory Requirements
Beyond meeting one of the three pathways above, every prospective paraprofessional in Virginia must also satisfy these requirements:
- Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history records check through both the Virginia State Police and the FBI, processed via the state's approved vendor, Fieldprint.
- Child Abuse Registry: A check of the state's child abuse and neglect registry maintained by the Virginia Department of Social Services.
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: A high school diploma or GED is the minimum baseline.
Who Needs to Be "Virginia Qualified"?
The "Virginia Qualified" standard applies to all paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in a Title I school. Since many Virginia schools operate as Title I school-wide programs, these requirements cover the vast majority of instructional paraprofessional positions across the Commonwealth.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Paraprofessionals/Assistants: The general title for aides providing academic support in core subjects
- • Special Education Paraprofessionals: Aides working under a certified special education teacher to support students' IEP goals (the largest and most in-demand category in Virginia)
- • EL Paraprofessionals: Assistants who provide language and academic support to English learners, especially in Northern Virginia's diverse communities
- • Title I Paraprofessionals: Aides hired specifically with Title I funds for targeted academic interventions
- • Pre-Kindergarten Assistants: Aides in the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI), the state's public Pre-K program
May Not Need Requirements
- • Lunchroom or Recess Monitors: Staff whose duties are purely supervisory with no instructional component
- • Bus Monitors: Staff responsible for student safety during transportation
- • Personal Care Assistants (PCAs): Aides whose duties are strictly non-instructional and relate to a student's physical, health, or daily living needs
- • Note: If any non-instructional role includes academic support, the qualification requirement applies
ParaPro Assessment Details: Virginia Context
The ParaPro is designed to confirm that you have the fundamental academic skills needed to assist with classroom instruction. It covers 90 multiple-choice questions across three sections, and you have 2.5 hours to complete the exam. The Virginia minimum passing score is 455.
Reading (30 Questions)
Skills Tested: Your ability to comprehend and analyze written materials. This includes identifying the main idea, locating key details, defining vocabulary in context, and making logical inferences.
Virginia Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a school near the Historic Triangle (Williamsburg-Jamestown-Yorktown) might use these skills to help a small group of students read a historical text about the Jamestown settlement. You would guide students to identify key figures and understand the significance of the settlement in American history.
Writing (30 Questions)
Skills Tested: Your knowledge of the conventions of standard written English, including grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling. It also tests your ability to help students with the writing process.
Virginia Classroom Example: An aide in Richmond City Public Schools could use this expertise to help a student proofread a research paper. You might correct sentence fragments, ensure proper comma usage, and check for spelling errors to help the student produce a clear and persuasive paper.
Mathematics (30 Questions)
Skills Tested: Operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages; basic algebra; geometry and measurement; and data interpretation from charts and graphs.
Virginia Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a school in the Blue Ridge Mountains might help students with a hands-on science project measuring and graphing elevation changes on a local hiking trail. This would require working with decimals, creating a line graph, and interpreting the data together.
After the Test: The Virginia Hiring Process
Passing the assessment makes you "Virginia Qualified" and opens the door to the hiring process. In Virginia, hiring is decentralized, so you will apply directly to individual school divisions.
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 official college transcripts or your ParaPro score report showing 455 or higher.
- Step 2: Search for Openings. Go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page on individual school division websites. Large divisions like Fairfax County, Prince William County, and Virginia Beach City post openings regularly.
- Step 3: Complete the Application. Fill out the division's online application thoroughly. Upload your resume, letters of reference, and your proof of qualification.
- Step 4: Interview. Once HR verifies that you meet the "Virginia Qualified" standard, your application is shared with principals who have openings. The principal or assistant principal will contact you for 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 Checks and Onboarding. You will schedule your fingerprinting appointment through Fieldprint for the state and national background checks, plus the child abuse registry check.
- Step 7: Finalization. Once all checks clear and paperwork is complete, your employment is finalized and you will be scheduled for a new hire orientation.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Understand the Waiting Period. ETS has a standard 21-day waiting period between retakes for the ParaPro. Check with your local testing site about scheduling availability.
- Step 2: Review Your Score Report. Look at which sections you scored lowest in and concentrate your study time there.
- Step 3: Study with Focus. Use the waiting period productively. If math was your weakest area, spend most of your time on fractions, decimals, and basic algebra.
- Step 4: Re-register. Sign up again through the ETS website or your local community college testing center once the waiting period has passed.
Preparing for Your Virginia Paraprofessional Assessment
How much study time you need depends on your starting point. If you finished college coursework recently, a quick review might be enough. If it has been a while since you worked through math problems or grammar exercises, plan for extra time.
Recommended Study Timelines
Quick Refresher
Best if you recently finished college coursework or feel confident in all three subject areas. Take a practice test first to find any weak spots, then focus your review there.
Solid Preparation
This is the sweet spot for most people. Enough time to work through a study guide, take multiple 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, give yourself the extra time. Being well-prepared builds confidence, and that makes a real difference on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ETS official ParaPro resources: The ETS website provides free sample questions and a test overview. Since Virginia uses the standard ParaPro, these materials align directly with what you will see on exam day.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It is free and self-paced, so you can work on your own schedule.
- Virginia public library databases: Your Virginia library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which has ParaPro-specific practice tests and skill-building courses. Check your local library's website for access.
- Online practice tests: Websites 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 a more structured approach. Here are common paid options:
- ParaPro study guide books ($20-40): Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Look for recently published editions so the content stays 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 you prefer watching explanations over reading textbook-style material.
Virginia-Specific Tip
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is a primary provider of in-person ParaPro testing. Many of the 23 community colleges in the state have testing centers, and some also offer tutoring or workshops to help you prepare. If you are registering through a community college, ask their testing center about any study resources they provide.
Test Day: What to Expect in Virginia
Whether you are testing at a Virginia community college, a local school division office, or from home through ETS remote proctoring, knowing what to expect ahead of time takes away a lot of the stress.
What to Bring
Driver's license, Virginia state ID, or passport. Make sure it is not expired.
Bring any confirmation email or letter from the testing center or the school division's HR department.
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, handle any paperwork, and settle in without rushing.
- 2 Present your photo ID. A proctor will verify your identity against the test roster.
- 3 Store personal items. You will be asked to put your phone, bag, and other belongings in a designated area away from your testing station.
- 4 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 2.5 hours for 90 questions. That works out to about 1 minute and 40 seconds per question. If you get stuck, mark it and move on.
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
There is no penalty for guessing on the ParaPro. If time is running out, fill in your best guess for every remaining question.
About Virginia Testing Locations
In Virginia, you have three main options for where to take the test. The at-home remote proctoring option through ETS is the most flexible. The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) offers in-person testing at nearly all 23 community colleges across the state, including NOVA, Tidewater Community College, and J. Sargeant Reynolds. Some larger school divisions like Fairfax County and Prince William County can also administer the test directly to their applicants.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Virginia
Salaries for paraprofessionals in Virginia vary dramatically by region. Northern Virginia, as part of the Washington, D.C. metro area, is one of the highest-paying regions in the country for this role.
Typical Starting Range
Experienced / Higher Districts
Salary by Region
Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William): Part of the D.C. metro area with the highest cost of living in the state. These divisions offer the best salaries and most generous benefits packages to compete for talent. Starting pay often ranges from $18-27/hr.
Richmond Metro (Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover): A growing region with moderate cost of living and competitive pay. A solid middle ground between NOVA salaries and rural compensation.
Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk): A large metropolitan area with a significant military presence and competitive pay scales.
Southwest and Southside Virginia: Salaries are typically the lowest here, often starting at $13-17/hr. But the cost of living is much lower too, and the need for qualified paraprofessionals is especially strong in these communities.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles in Virginia
Special Education Paraprofessionals: This is the most in-demand category across the entire state. There is a constant and significant need for aides to work with students with a wide range of disabilities.
EL Paraprofessionals: With diverse and growing immigrant communities, particularly in Northern Virginia, bilingual aides (especially Spanish/English) are in very high demand.
Early Childhood/VPI Assistants: Virginia's state-funded Virginia Preschool Initiative creates a high demand for qualified aides in early childhood settings across the Commonwealth.
Pathway to a Teaching Career
Virginia has a significant teacher shortage and actively encourages paraprofessionals to become licensed teachers. Several programs can help you make that transition:
- Career Switcher Programs: If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can enroll in an intensive, fast-track program to earn your teaching license. Your classroom experience as a paraprofessional makes you a strong candidate.
- "Grow Your Own" Programs: Many Virginia divisions invest in these initiatives, providing financial assistance, scholarships, and mentorship for current paraprofessionals to complete a bachelor's degree and earn a teaching license.
- Virginia Troops to Teachers: A program designed to help military veterans transition into teaching. Many veterans start as paraprofessionals before making the switch.
Virginia ParaPro Test Centers
Tests administered by school districts and approved testing centers.
Important Information About Virginia Testing
- The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is a primary provider with testing centers at nearly all 23 community colleges
- Larger school divisions (Fairfax County, Prince William County, Virginia Beach City) may administer the test directly to applicants
- At-home remote proctoring through ETS is available and is the most flexible option for scheduling
How to Register for an Assessment in Virginia
The registration process depends on how and where you plan to take the test. Virginia offers several options, so pick the one that works best for your schedule and location.
At-Home Testing (Most Flexible)
ETS offers a live, remotely proctored version of the ParaPro that you can take from home. Register directly through the ETS website. This is the easiest option to schedule on your own terms.
In-Person at a Virginia Community College
Nearly all 23 community colleges in the VCCS have testing centers that offer the ParaPro to the public. This includes Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Tidewater Community College (TCC), J. Sargeant Reynolds, and many others. Visit the specific college's testing center website for their schedule, registration process, and fees.
In-Person at a Local School Division
Some larger divisions like Fairfax County, Prince William County, and Virginia Beach City are certified to administer the ParaPro directly to their applicants. Contact the HR department of the division where you want to work to ask about this option.
Score Portability
If you passed the ParaPro in another state with a score of 455 or higher, any Virginia school division will accept that score. You just need to provide your official ETS score report. This makes it easy to transfer if you are moving to Virginia from another state.
Frequently Asked Questions - Virginia Paraprofessionals
Is there a state-level license for paraprofessionals in Virginia?
No. Virginia does not issue a state-level license or certificate. Your qualification is a status, being "Virginia Qualified," which is verified and documented by your employing school division. There is no separate credential you need to apply for at the state level.
What is a school "division"?
In Virginia, the official term for a local school district is a "school division." It means the same thing as a district in other states, but you will see "division" used on all Virginia official documents, job postings, and websites. There are 131 school divisions across the Commonwealth.
How do I find job openings in Virginia?
The best approach is to go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page on individual school division websites. Unlike some states that have a centralized job portal, Virginia's hiring is decentralized, so each division manages its own postings.
I passed the ParaPro in another state. Will Virginia accept my score?
Yes. If you scored 455 or higher on the ParaPro, any Virginia school division will accept that as proof of qualification. You will need to provide your official ETS score report to the hiring division's HR department.
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.
What happens if I don't pass the assessment?
Most districts have a waiting period (typically 30-90 days) before you can retake the assessment. Use this time to study and prepare. For the ETS ParaPro, there is a standard 21-day waiting period between retakes.
