What are the requirements to be a paraprofessional?
Paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in Title I schools must meet one of three federal options: two years of study (60 semester hours) at an accredited college, an associate degree or higher, or a passing score on an approved state or local assessment such as the ETS ParaPro Assessment. Districts usually also require a high school diploma, a background check and sometimes a state permit.
What this means in practice
These federal rules come from Title I of the Every Student Succeeds Act and apply to instructional paraprofessionals in Title I schools and programs. Many districts apply the same standard to all paraprofessionals, including those in special education classrooms, so it is the practical baseline across the US.
The three federal options
- Two years of study, usually 60 semester hours, at an accredited institution of higher education.
- An associate degree or a higher degree.
- A passing score on an approved state or local academic assessment that measures knowledge of reading, writing and math and the ability to assist in instruction.
About the ParaPro Assessment
The ParaPro Assessment from ETS is the most widely used option. South Carolina, for example, lists a minimum score of 456 and notes a newer ParaPathways option launched in September 2025 with separate reading-writing and math components. Passing scores are set by each state, so check yours.
Other common requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
- State paraprofessional permit in some states.
- District training in student safety, confidentiality and behavior support.
- CPR or first aid for some special education posts.
Practical next steps
- Find your state education department's paraprofessional page.
- Check whether your college credits already meet the requirement.
- If not, register for the ParaPro or your state's assessment.
- Prepare a résumé highlighting experience with children with disabilities.
What to keep in mind
Federal rules set the minimum for Title I programs; states and districts may add requirements. An online special education course can strengthen your application but does not replace these qualifications.
Common follow-up questions
Is the ParaPro test hard?
It covers reading, writing and math at a basic level plus applying them in a classroom; most candidates prepare with practice tests.
Do I need a degree to be a paraprofessional?
Not necessarily; passing an approved assessment is an alternative to a degree or 60 college credits in Title I programs.
Sources
- South Carolina Department of Education: Title I paraprofessional requirements
- ETS: ParaPro Assessment test development
- US BLS: Teacher assistants
Sources inform the explanation; examples are educational illustrations, not individual clinical advice. How these answers are prepared.