What test does a paraprofessional take?

The ParaPro Assessment is a standardized exam by ETS (Educational Testing Service) that measures the basic skills (reading, writing, math) and knowledge of paraprofessionals (teacher's aides/assistants), evaluating their ability to apply these skills in classroom instruction, often required for certification in public schools, and is computer-based with multiple-choice questions, taking about 2.5 hours to complete.

What does a paraprofessional test consist of?

The test consists of 90 selected-response 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 hard is the paraprofessional test?

The ParaPro test isn't inherently "hard," but its difficulty depends on your familiarity with high school-level reading, writing, and math; it's designed to test practical classroom skills and basic subject knowledge, but many people find brushing up on math (like algebra, geometry, fractions, and data) and test-taking strategies essential for success, as it can feel challenging after years out of school. Using study guides and practice tests is highly recommended to get comfortable with question types, including drag-and-drop or click-on-graphic formats. 

What is required to be a paraprofessional in GA?

To become a paraprofessional in Georgia, you need a high school diploma/GED plus either 60 college credit hours, an Associate's degree (or higher), or passing scores on the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment, and you must get hired by a Georgia school district, which handles your application with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), including background checks and ethics requirements, for your state license. 

What is the basic skills test for paraprofessionals?

The ParaPro Assessment (1755) is a general aptitude test required in many states for paraprofessional certification. It measures skills and knowledge in reading, mathematics, and writing. Often school districts use ParaPro scores to assess your foundation of knowledge and skills.

ParaPro Exam Study Guide + Practice Questions

How to pass the paraprofessional test?

The best way to study for the Praxis ParaPro is to start with a pretest. This will give you an idea of where you need to spend the most time, and then you can make a plan. Break up your studying into chunks and spend about an hour a day reviewing.

What is a passing score for a paraprofessional test?

Passing Score

To pass the Praxis ParaPro Assessment (1755) exam, you must receive a score between 450 and 466. The passing score depends on your state's requirements. Check the ETS Praxis website to check what the passing score is in your state.

Can I take a ParaPro test at home?

Yes, you can take the ParaPro Assessment at home through online proctoring via the ProProctor platform (Prometric). This option allows you to test from a secure location on your own computer but requires specific equipment, a quiet room with a clear desk, and adherence to strict security procedures monitored by a live proctor, including an initial identity check and environment scan. 

How much do parapros get paid in GA?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $42,219 and as low as $14,777, the majority of Paraprofessional salaries currently range between $25,300 (25th percentile) to $32,900 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $37,997 annually in Georgia.

Do paras get paid more than teachers?

No, paraprofessionals (paras) generally earn significantly less than certified teachers, often working hourly with lower pay and fewer benefits, as teachers typically require bachelor's degrees and state certification, while paras often have less formal education, though responsibilities and pay vary widely by location and specific role, with unions advocating for better para wages.
 

What happens if I don't pass the paraprofessional test?

Make sure you also allow time to retake the test if you don't pass on your first attempt. You can retake the exam as many times as you need, but keep in mind that you must wait 28 days between attempts. Plan to take the exam as early as possible, while still giving yourself enough time to prepare.

What math is on the paraprofessional test?

Test-takers will be asked to show their ability to perform basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), identify equivalent ways of writing a number (1/2 = 2/4), use the correct "order of operations" (parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction), and solve word ...

What is the passing score?

A passing grade is the score you need to show that you've learned enough to move on to the next level. In most high schools, this usually means you've earned at least a D, which is about 60% or higher. So if you get 60 out of 100 points on your assignments, quizzes, and tests, you're most likely passing the class.

Can I take the ParaPro test without a degree?

The process of becoming a paraprofessional in the state of California is shaped by both state and federal guidelines. You do not need a college degree, but your educational background will influence what the process looks like.

How long is a paraprofessional test?

The Praxis ParaPro Assessment (1755) exam is a timed exam that lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Can you use a calculator on a paraprofessional test?

Graphing, scientific, and 4-function calculators are permitted or provided for some Praxis tests. Unless it is specifically stated that a calculator is permitted for a particular test, you cannot use one.

Do you need a degree to be a paraprofessional in Georgia?

Eligibility for a Paraprofessional License is based on one of the following: An Associate's Degree or higher in any subject completed at an accredited institution. Paraprofessional Assessment. To obtain information regarding the GACE Assessment, please visit gace.ets.org.

Do paraprofessionals get paid during summer?

Some districts spread paychecks out to cover the year, but not all. It depends on district. Some districts, paras are hourly and you get some holiday pay.

What is the difference between a TA and a paraprofessional?

Paraprofessional and Teacher Assistant are often used interchangeably for roles supporting teachers, but sometimes a distinction is made: Teacher Assistants might support the whole class with general duties, while Paraprofessionals, especially in special education (SPED), often provide intensive, one-on-one support for students with specific needs (IEPs), though state/district rules vary greatly, with paraprofessionals generally requiring more education (like 2 years of college) to work with federally funded programs. 

How do I study for the paraprofessional test?

ParaPro test prep involves using free and paid resources like official ETS guides, Teachers Test Prep, and 240 Tutoring for studying key areas: reading comprehension (main ideas, details), writing (grammar, spelling, punctuation), and math (basic algebra, geometry, data analysis, word problems). Effective preparation includes taking free practice tests to find weak spots, using study guides for content review, and focusing on high-school level concepts in math and grammar to build confidence for the paraprofessional certification exam.
 

Can a proctored exam see your screen?

Yes, proctored exams use software that can see and monitor your screen, allowing proctors (live or AI) to track your digital activity like opened tabs, applications, copy-paste actions, and even take screenshots to ensure you're not cheating and accessing unauthorized resources. This screen sharing is a core part of online proctoring, often requiring explicit permission and sometimes even letting the proctor control your mouse and keyboard to maintain exam integrity, notes this LiveJournal article and this support article from ProctorU.
 

How much does it cost to take the ParaPro exam?

Community-Based Test Center Appointments

To schedule testing at a participating school district, regional office of education, or other local testing provider please contact the test center directly. To find a test center near you, select your state from the Community-based Test Center list below. The test fee is $55.

What happens if you fail the paraprofessional test?

If a candidate does not pass the paraprofessional test, this person must wait at least 28 days to retake the exam.

Can I take the ParaPro test online?

Computer-based and online-proctored testing are available throughout the year. (View upcoming ParaPro test dates here.) Registration for all forms of testing must be completed online at the official ParaPro website. Make sure you plan your study time before you register for the ParaPro.

How do I prepare for the assessment?

Preparation for an assessment

1. Practice. You may have heard people say there is no way to prepare for an assessment, but that is not true. ...
2. Be well rested. A good rest may just be the most important preparation for an assessment. ...
3. Trust yourself. Prepare well for the assessment but also trust your own abilities.