ParaPro Test Requirements
Everything you need to know about eligibility, passing scores, and certification requirements
Find Your State RequirementsFederal Requirements (ESSA)
Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, paraprofessionals in Title I schools must meet one of these requirements:
1 Two Years of College
Complete two years of study at a college or university; your state or district sets how many credits that is
2 Associate's Degree
Or higher degree from accredited institution
3 Pass the ParaPro Test
State-approved assessment demonstrating knowledge in reading, writing, and math
Test Eligibility Requirements
Education Requirements
Set by your state and district; the federal options are listed above
Accepted Identification
ETS lists what it accepts in your confirmation
ETS Account
Required for online registration and score access
Passing Scores by State
Higher State Requirements
Some states set higher passing thresholds β verify with your state DOE
Moderate State Requirements
Many states fall in this range β confirm with your state DOE
Standard State Requirements
Requires thorough preparation regardless of threshold
Registration
- β Valid email for ETS account
- β Payment method ETS accepts - ParaPathways costs $59 at a test center or $75 at home (both subtests); ParaPro cost $55 or $85 while it was offered
- β Preferred test center location
- β Identification as ETS requires it (see your confirmation)
Retake Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Do I need a college degree to take the ParaPro test?
No. Under the federal law above, passing a state or local assessment is one way to qualify without a college degree. Your state or district sets any other requirements, such as a diploma, so ask them.
2 How much does the ParaPro test cost?
ParaPathways, its ETS replacement, costs $59 / $75 (test center / at home). For reference, the ParaPro Assessment cost $55 at a community-based test center or $85 at home, and was last administered August 31, 2026.
3 How long are ParaPro test scores valid?
ETS keeps ParaPro and ParaPathways scores on record for 10 years, so it can send an official score report to an employer during that time. How long a passing score is accepted is set by your state or district, and some ask for a recent score.
4 Can I work as a paraprofessional while preparing for the test?
This depends on your state and district policies. Some districts allow conditional employment while you prepare for the test; ask your district's human resources department whether yours does and what deadline applies.
5 What ID do I need to bring to the test center?
ETS sets the identification rules and states them in your confirmation email and the test-day instructions for the delivery option you chose. Check your identification against that list before test day rather than relying on a summary.
Ready to Meet the Requirements?
Start preparing with our free practice tests.
Check Your Readiness - Free Practice Test