Requirements for Paraprofessionals
According to Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), all instructional paraprofessionals in Title I schools or targeted assistance programs must complete at least one of the following three requirements:
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At least two years of study (60 semester hours) at an accredited institution of higher education; or
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An associate's degree (or higher); or
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An approved state or local academic assessment that measures the paraprofessional's knowledge of and ability to assist in instruction at the appropriate level. Paraprofessionals may meet the assessment requirement by passing the ParaPro Assessment (ETS.org). The minimum passing score on this test is 456.
Timeline for New and Veteran Paraprofessionals
All new and veteran instructional paraprofessionals in Title I schools or targeted assistance programs must have completed at least one of the above requirements. New paraprofessionals must have met the criteria prior to their date of hire.
The U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance for Paraprofessionals provides more information for paraprofessionals and administrators. USDE Paraprofessional Guidance (ed.gov - updated March 2004) (PDF, 74kb)
*NEW* ParaPathways
New Paraeducator Assessment: ParaPathways Launching September 1, 2025
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has redesigned its paraeducator assessment and introduced ParaPathways (5757) for individuals seeking to support classroom teachers.
This assessment ensures paraeducators have the essential skills to help students build foundational reading, writing, and math skills.
Key Details:
Launch Date: September 1, 2025 (South Carolina candidates)
Approved by: State Board of Education on August 5, 2025
Structure:
Reading and Writing (5758): Passing score 332 (scale 310–350), raw score 28/45
Mathematics (5759): Passing score 334 (scale 310–350), raw score 20/30
Transition from ParaPro:
Current ParaPro assessment remains available through August 31, 2026, then discontinued.
Districts may convert previously purchased ParaPro session keys for ParaPathways.
