What Is It?
The ParaPro Assessment is a general aptitude test for prospective and practicing paraprofessionals that measures your:
- skills and knowledge in reading, writing, and math
- ability to apply them when assisting in classroom instruction
Do I need to take it?
Beginning with the school year 2019-20, all employed paraeducators must meet the following minimum employment requirements under state and federal law:
- Be at least eighteen years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent
In addition, a paraeducator must meet one of the following:
- Have received a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) paraeducator assessment (ParaPro)
- 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*
If you do not qualify under options 2-4, then you would need to take the ParaPro Assessment to be considered for a regular paraeducator position with the Mead School District.
I am ready, how do I schedule my test?
To register for the ParaPro Assessment either at a test center or at home, please visit the Prometric website at https://www.prometric.com/ParaPro
What subjects are covered in the test?
The ParaPro Assessment measures your knowledge in reading, writing, and math.
What are the questions like?
The assessment has 90 multiple-choice questions
- Approximately two-thirds focus on basic skills and knowledge.
- The remaining one-third focus on applying skills in the classroom.
How long is the ParaPro test?
The test takes 2.5 hours to complete.
What is considered a passing score?
In order to be considered for employment, individuals must meet or exceed Washington’s qualifying score of 461.
I have a disability, are there accommodations that can be made?
"Testing accommodations are available for test takers with disabilities who meet ETS requirements. To request a testing accommodation, you must register through ETS Disability Services and have your accommodations approved before testing.
How do I take the test?
There are 2 ways to take your ParaPro exam, either in a test center or remotely at home using Prometric’s ProProctor™ application.
To take the ParaPro test at home, you must have a computer with a camera, an internet connection and the ability to install a lightweight app (prior to the test event). You will be able to take the test online while a Prometric proctor is overseeing the examination process remotely.
Are there specific rules for taking the test from home?
At-home testing is:
- Taken on your own computer at home or another secure location
- Monitored by a human proctor online through ProProctor
- Available 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET (5 a.m. – 2 p.m. PT), Monday through Friday.
What is the cost of testing?
The test fee for the ParaPro Assessment is $85 and is charged to the test taker.
