West Virginia Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Mountain State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
West Virginia Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
ETS lists ParaPathways qualifying scores of 332 (Reading and Writing, 5758) and 334 (Mathematics, 5759) for West Virginia; ask the county which tests it requires and whether it accepts an earlier score on the retired ParaPro
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
55
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
The hiring county tells you which checks apply to your position. State law requires applicants for a state license to be fingerprinted by the West Virginia State Police for a state criminal history record check, which is then forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Governing Body
West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) sets standards via WVBE Policy 5202 with local implementation. The Board of Education issues a Paraprofessional Certificate and related authorizations (Policy 5202) for some aide positions; the county tells you whether your position needs one. Qualification is "highly qualified" status verified by county boards of education. Official term is "Teacher Aide" (WV Code § 18A-4-8). Dual-layered system: (1) ESSA "highly qualified" for Title I instructional roles, (2) Classification system (class titles Aide I through Aide VI, each tied to a pay grade on the state minimum salary scale). Aide I (no stated education requirement), Aide II (state-board training program or high school diploma/GED), Aide III (diploma plus 6 semester hours of college credit, or one year as a special-education aide), Aide IV (diploma plus 18 hours of board-approved college credit). 55 county school districts (each county = one district).
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's degree or higher from an accredited institution
- Two years of study at an institution of higher education (ask the hiring district how many credits it counts as two years)
- A locally developed assessment, if your county uses one
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in West Virginia
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and state education laws, including WVBE Policy 5202, West Virginia Code sorts aides into class titles Aide I through Aide VI, each tied to a pay grade on the state minimum salary scale. West Virginia has 55 county school districts.
The official and legally defined term in West Virginia state code is "Teacher Aide," though you will also hear "paraprofessional" and "instructional aide" used in daily conversation. No matter what title a posting uses, the qualification process is the same.
West Virginia's Dual-Layered Qualification System
West Virginia uses a two-part approach. The first layer is the federal "highly qualified" baseline required by ESSA. The second layer is the state Aide Classification System (class titles Aide I through Aide VI; this page covers Aide I through IV), which ties each class title to a pay grade on the state minimum salary scale.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in West Virginia
To be hired as a Teacher Aide in West Virginia, you need to meet two sets of standards: the federal "highly qualified" floor (Layer 1) and the state's Aide Classification requirements (Layer 2). Here is how each layer works.
Layer 1: Achieving "Highly Qualified" Status
You must hold a high school diploma or GED AND meet one of the following three pathways. The local county Human Resources department verifies your documentation.
Option 1: Higher Education Degree
Hold an associate's degree or higher from an accredited institution.
- Associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree accepted
- Must be from an accredited college or university
- Official transcripts serve as proof for your county's HR department
Option 2: College Coursework (Two Years of Study)
Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education. West Virginia does not set a credit count for this route, so ask your county how many credits it counts as two years.
- No statewide credit count: your county decides what counts as two years of study
- Credits must be college-level coursework, not remedial
- Official transcripts required as proof
Option 3: Formal Academic Assessment
Pass a state-approved or locally validated assessment. Ask your county which assessment it requires and what score it needs.
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment: ETS lists the qualifying scores for West Virginia as 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). Ask your county which tests it requires for new aides and whether it still accepts an earlier ParaPro score.
- A locally developed assessment, if your county uses one
Important: Confirm With Your County
ETS lists the qualifying scores for West Virginia as 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). Ask the county which tests it requires for new aides and whether it still accepts an earlier ParaPro score. Always check with the specific county where you plan to apply.
Layer 2: The West Virginia Aide Classification System
Separately from the "highly qualified" baseline, West Virginia Code §18A-4-8 sorts Teacher Aides into class titles Aide I through Aide VI. This page covers Aide I through IV. Your class title sets your pay grade on the state minimum salary scale. Here is what the code requires for each.
Aide I (Entry Level)
Requirements: The code states no education requirement for this class title.
Aide II
Requirements: A training program approved by the State Board, or a high school diploma or GED.
State law says only an aide classified Aide II or higher may work as an aide in a special education program.
Aide III
Requirements: A high school diploma or GED, plus either 6 semester hours of college credit at an institution of higher education or one year of experience as an aide in special education.
Aide IV
Requirements: A high school diploma or GED, plus 18 hours of State Board-approved college credit at a regionally accredited institution, or 15 such hours plus an in-service training program the State Board counts as equal to three hours of college credit.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in West Virginia?
The dual-layered requirements apply to the vast majority of instructional paraprofessional positions in West Virginia public schools. If you are providing academic support to students, you need to be both "highly qualified" and classified.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Teacher Aides: The general title for aides providing academic support in any West Virginia school
- • Title I Teacher Aides: Aides hired with Title I funds to deliver targeted academic interventions
- • Special Education Aides: The largest and most in-demand category of paraprofessionals statewide
- • Early Childhood/Pre-K Aides: Aides working in West Virginia's universal public Pre-K programs
May Not Need Requirements
- • Non-Instructional Aides: Staff whose duties are strictly supervisory (playground, cafeteria, bus monitors)
- • Clerical Aides: Staff performing only administrative or clerical tasks
Assessment Options in West Virginia
ETS ParaPathways Assessment
- 87 questions across two subtests, 145 minutes total (85 + 60), timed separately
- Qualifying scores ETS lists for West Virginia: 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759)
- Available at a test center or from home; use ETS's test-center locator to find current sites
Locally Developed Assessment
- Some counties administer their own locally validated exam
ParaPathways Assessment Breakdown: A West Virginia Perspective
ParaPathways covers reading, writing, and math in 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 looks like and how it connects to the work you would actually do in a West Virginia classroom.
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.
West Virginia Classroom Example: A Teacher Aide in a school near the New River Gorge might use these skills to help a small group of students read a text about the history of coal mining. You would guide them to understand its impact on the state's economy and culture (main idea) while identifying the specific challenges faced by miners (supporting details).
Writing (Reading & Writing Subtest 5758, About 21 of 51 Questions)
Skills Tested: Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure.
West Virginia Classroom Example: An aide in a Charleston high school could use this knowledge to help a student proofread an essay about the history of the state capitol building, focusing on correct grammar and clear organization.
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.
West Virginia Classroom Example: A Teacher Aide in the Eastern Panhandle might help students with a project that involves interpreting a graph showing apple production from local orchards or calculating the area of a nearby historical battlefield like Antietam.
After the Test: Scores and Next Steps in West Virginia
Once you pass the assessment and your county's HR department verifies your status, the hiring process moves forward.
If You Passed the Assessment
- Step 1: Get Your Official Score Report. Your county's HR department will verify that your scores meet the requirement. Keep a copy for your records.
- Step 2: Complete the Background Check. The hiring county will tell you which background checks apply to your position and how to complete them. Applicants for a state license are fingerprinted by the West Virginia State Police, with a federal check through the FBI.
- Step 3: Finalize Employment. Once your background check clears, your employment is official. The county places you in the Aide class title whose requirements you meet and on the state minimum salary scale.
- Step 4: Keep Building College Credit. College credit can move you to a higher class title: Aide III takes 6 semester hours, and Aide IV takes 18 hours of State Board-approved credit.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Understand 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 take it two more times. Check with your county about any additional local policies.
- Step 2: Review Your Score Report. Your ParaPathways score report will break down your performance by subtest. Focus your study time on the subtest you did not pass. You can register for just that subtest, but ask your county whether the subtest you already passed still counts.
- Step 3: Use Free Resources. Practice with free tests and the official ETS study materials before you retake.
- Step 4: Re-register and Retake. When you are eligible, register for a new test date through ETS and try again.
Preparing for Your West Virginia Teacher Aide Assessment
How long you need to study 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 did formal math or writing, give yourself more time. There is no rush here.
Recommended Study Timelines
Quick Refresher
Best if you recently finished college coursework or already feel solid in reading, writing, and math. Focus on taking practice tests and brushing up on any weak spots.
Solid Preparation
This is the sweet spot for most people. You will have time to work through a study guide, take multiple practice tests, and revisit topics you are rusty on.
In-Depth Review
If you have been out of school for a while, or if math and writing feel unfamiliar, take the extra time. The confidence boost alone is worth it on test day.
Free Study Resources
- Khan Academy: A solid free option for reviewing math topics from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Self-paced and available anytime.
- Public library databases: Your West Virginia library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which has paraprofessional practice tests and skill-building courses; make sure the practice tests cover ParaPathways. Check the Kanawha County Public Library or your local branch's website.
- Online practice tests: Several test-prep sites offer free questions covering reading, writing, and math; make sure they cover ParaPathways and its two subtests.
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 bookstores. Make sure they cover ParaPathways (Reading & Writing 5758 and Mathematics 5759); guides written for the retired ParaPro follow an older format.
- 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 preference.
West Virginia-Specific Tip
Before you start studying, call the HR department of the county school district you want to work in. Ask them which test they accept (ParaPathways or a local exam) and what the passing score is. This saves you from preparing for the wrong test.
Test Day: What to Expect in West Virginia
Knowing what to expect ahead of time takes a lot of the stress out of test day. Here is a breakdown so you can walk in feeling prepared.
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.
Your ETS registration confirmation email or the appointment details from your county's HR office.
Testing rooms can run cold. A light jacket or sweater lets you stay comfortable 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 later if time allows.
Read carefully
Many wrong answers come from misreading the question. Watch for 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, so never leave a blank. If time is running out, fill in your best guess for every remaining question.
About West Virginia Testing Locations
If you are taking the ETS ParaPathways Assessment at a test center, the atmosphere will be formal with strict security. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator for current sites. The at-home testing option through ETS is also available if the nearest testing center is far from you. Some counties may use a local exam; ask your county where it is given.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in West Virginia
Salaries for Teacher Aides in West Virginia are determined by the state's minimum salary scale, plus any local supplements that the county provides. Your class title sets your pay grade on that scale.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Pay Varies by District
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
The Power of the State Salary Scale
West Virginia state law mandates a minimum salary for each classification level and for each year of experience. A county can pay above this minimum by providing a local supplement, but it cannot pay below it. This creates a transparent and equitable system. When you advance from Aide I to Aide II, for example, the law guarantees you a higher salary, regardless of which county you work in.
Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles in West Virginia
Special Education Aides: This is by far the most pressing area of need across the entire state. Every county is looking for qualified people in these positions.
Early Childhood/Pre-K Aides: West Virginia has a universal Pre-K program, which creates steady demand for aides in early childhood settings.
Rural School Aides: Small, remote districts often have the hardest time filling positions. If you are willing to work in a rural community, your chances of getting hired quickly are strong.
West Virginia 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
- • Hiring is decentralized. Check individual county school district websites for job openings.
How to Get Qualified and Hired in West Virginia
The process in West Virginia follows a specific sequence. It involves local hiring at the county level, followed by state classification.
Achieve "Highly Qualified" Status
This is the first gate. Either gather official transcripts showing an associate degree or two years of college study (ask your county how many credits it counts as two years), or schedule and pass the ETS ParaPathways Assessment (332 on Reading and Writing; the Mathematics cut is 334) or the assessment your target county requires.
Search for Jobs
In West Virginia, hiring is decentralized. Go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page of the individual county school district websites. Kanawha County Schools, Cabell County Schools, and Monongalia County Schools are among the larger employers.
Apply and Interview
Complete the district's online application. Upload your proof of "highly qualified" status (transcripts or score report), your resume, and letters of reference. After a successful interview, the district will extend a conditional offer of employment.
Complete the Background Check
The hiring district will tell you which background checks apply to your position and how to complete them. Applicants for a state license are fingerprinted by the West Virginia State Police, with a federal check through the FBI.
Finalize Employment and Begin Climbing
Once your background check clears, your employment is finalized. The county places you in the Aide class title whose requirements you meet and on the state minimum salary scale. Additional college credit can move you to a higher class title.
Pathway to a Teaching Career
If you already have a bachelor's degree, alternative certification programs are available, and your classroom experience as a Teacher Aide makes you a strong candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions: West Virginia Teacher Aides
Is there a state-level license for Teacher Aides in West Virginia?
West Virginia's Board of Education issues a Paraprofessional Certificate and related authorizations (Policy 5202) for some aide positions; the county tells you whether your position needs one. Aides are also sorted into class titles Aide I through Aide VI, each tied to a pay grade on the state minimum salary scale.
How do I find job openings in West Virginia?
Go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page of the individual county school district websites. West Virginia has 55 county districts, and each one handles its own hiring.
I passed the ParaPro in another state. Will West Virginia accept my score?
Not automatically. ETS lists the qualifying scores for West Virginia as 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). Ask the county whether it accepts an earlier ParaPro score before you apply.
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. Check with your county for any additional local policies.
Ready to Start Your West Virginia Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.