Highly Qualified Requirements - Paraeducator

Highly Qualified Requirement

Minimum employment requirements

Beginning July 23rd, 2023, all employed paraeducators must meet the following minimum employment requirements:

Be at least eighteen years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (for more detailed information on what is considered equivalent.

In addition, a paraeducator must meet one of the following:

Have received a passing score on one of the assessments approved by the board (ParaPro Assessment)
Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university
Have completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council

This flyer lists the Highly Qualified requirements, and provides information on the ParaPro Assessment.

About the ParaPro Assessment

What Is It?

The ParaPro Assessment measures the skills and knowledge in reading, writing and math possessed by prospective and practicing paraprofessionals. It also measures their ability to apply those skills and knowledge when assisting in classroom instruction. It was designed to satisfy the requirements of the federally legislated No Child Left Behind Act.

Who Takes It?

The test is for prospective and practicing paraprofessionals.

How Long Is It?

Test takers have 2½ hours to complete the test.

What Subjects Are on the Test?

Test subjects include reading, writing and math.

What Are the Questions Like?

The test has 90 multiple-choice questions, approximately two-thirds of which focus on basic skills and knowledge. The remaining one-third focus on applying skills in the classroom. All test questions are in English.

How Is the Test Given?

The test is delivered on computer and administered by appointment in participating school districts, regional offices of education and other agencies. (ETS ParaPro)

Tips for Taking the ParaPro Assessment

FAMILIARIZE yourself with the test before taking it. Read the information and look at the types of questions and the test format. READ the directions carefully.

CONSIDER all answer choices before marking one.

PACE your activities. Know the total number of test questions and time allowed for the entire test. Work rapidly without being careless. Don't spend too much time on difficult questions.

GUESS rather than not respond at all. There's no penalty or subtraction of points for answering a question incorrectly. You risk nothing by guessing, but if you don't respond, you lose the chance to raise your score by making an educated guess.

MARK your answers clearly, and give only one answer per question.

REVIEW your answers if you finish early. (ETS ParaPro)