The ParaPro Assessment — and the ParaPathways transition
The ParaPro Assessment has been the dominant paraprofessional qualification exam for two decades. ETS is transitioning states to a new assessment called ParaPathways. Most dual-acceptance states accept both tests through August 31, 2026.
If your state accepts both, the ParaPro is being phased out — candidates preparing for a test after August 2026 should study for ParaPathways. If your test date is sooner, either exam is accepted.
What the exam covers
Reading
30 questions. Vocabulary in context, main idea, supporting evidence, author’s purpose, and instructional application of reading strategies.
Mathematics
30 questions. Number operations, fractions, decimals, percents, basic algebra, geometry, data analysis, and how to help students through each.
Writing
30 questions. Grammar, mechanics, sentence structure, paragraph organization, and the writing process taught in elementary and middle grades.
State-by-state passing scores (ParaPro)
States set their own qualifying scores. ETS does not determine passing. Scores listed below are official state cut scores; states not listed either use district-set requirements or do not require ParaPro for paraprofessional work.
| State | Accepts | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | ParaPro | 459 |
| Arizona | ParaPro | 459 |
| Arkansas | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 456 |
| Colorado | ParaPro | 460 |
| Connecticut | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 457 |
| Delaware | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 459 |
| Hawaii | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 459 |
| Idaho | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 460 |
| Illinois | ParaPro | 460 |
| Indiana | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 460 |
| Kansas | ParaPro | 455 |
| Louisiana | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 450 |
| Maine | ParaPro | 459 |
| Maryland | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 455 |
| Massachusetts | ParaPro | 464 |
| Michigan | ParaPro | 460 |
| Minnesota | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 460 |
| Missouri | ParaPro | 459 |
| Nebraska | ParaPro | 456 |
| Nevada | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 457 |
| New Hampshire | ParaPro | 460 |
| New Jersey | ParaPro | 456 |
| New Mexico | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 459 |
| North Dakota | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 455 |
| Ohio | ParaPro | 456 |
| Oregon | ParaPro | 455 |
| South Carolina | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 456 |
| South Dakota | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 455 |
| Tennessee | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 460 |
| Utah | ParaPro | 460 |
| Vermont | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 455 |
| Virginia | ParaPro | 455 |
| Washington | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 461 |
| Wyoming | ParaPro or ParaPathways | 455 |
Interactive ParaPathways prep — built for the new exam
A focused prep course designed around the 2026 ParaPathways blueprint. Full-length practice tests, section diagnostics, vocabulary review, and AI-graded practice responses.