The idea is to help aspiring teachers to get the hang of how to operate a classroom. As a result, you get to avoid unexpected elements that might jeopardize your ability to work as a teacher. Now, if you’re ready to dive into that role, you will have to take the ParaPro test.

Unlike other tests, ParaPro is relatively straightforward. It does, however, have a minimum score requirement that you will have to achieve. Here’s a comprehensive look at the assessment structure, detail of the sections, score parameters, registration process, and tips to help you pass the test.

Purpose of the Assessment

The ParaPro test evaluates your skills and knowledge in subject areas like mathematics, reading, and writing. The underlying aim of the assessment is to make sure paraprofessionals have sufficient prerequisite knowledge to assist teachers in a classroom setting.

How ParaPro Became a Reality

The ParaPro is a direct response to the NCLB Act or (No Child Left Behind Act). It is a federal legislative law that makes it mandatory for all paraprofessionals to live up to one or three basic requirements. Whether you have an Associate Arts degree or finishing your postsecondary school program, the test evaluates your collective knowledge in mathematics, reading, and writing.

ETS (Educational Testing Service, however, is responsible for developing the requirements, regulations, content, and the format of the test. And if you haven’t heard of ETS, it is one of the largest non-profit academic evaluation organizations on a global scale. Apart from the subject matter in three key areas, the focus of the assessment is to check your skills as an assistant to handle a classroom.

For those of you who haven’t had the chance to avail a two-year degree, this test is compulsory. The design of the assessment, in fact, works in favor of aspiring paraprofessionals who someday want to become academic teachers.

Test Format

Similar to standardized tests, the ParaPro assessment comes with two formats. You can either take the paper version or computer-based format. Remember, each state has a separate passing score threshold, which coincides with the rules and regulations laid out by the ETS.

As the current state of the country requires social distancing measures, it would be better to take a computer version of the assessment. Besides, you can take the computerized version at any time of the year. You will, of course, will have to inform your school’s administration and fill out registration details of the test.

The written or paper and pencil version of the assessment takes place just four times each year at particular testing centers. In any case, you should register as early as possible when it comes to the paper-based version of the assessment so that you could get a comfortable testing location.

ParaPro: What Type of Position You Can Get?

A paraprofessional plays an instrumental role when it comes to providing quality education to young students in a classroom setting. The position is often thrown around as “teacher assistant,” “teacher’s aide,” or only “para.” Still, the individual who takes the responsibility of the assistant has to undertake a wide array of tasks.

A para or teacher’s assistant usually follows the teacher’s daily instructional plans and coordinates with individuals and as well as small groups. Several school systems, for instance, designate a specific percentage of a paraprofessional’s time on administrative activities and various other tasks that could help a school function properly.

Often, it is something as simple as supervising diverse students in a playfield area. It is one of the reasons a lot of school systems need a para who has at least a college degree of 2 years. That said, most of the para don’t undergo any specific study field in the college.

Typically, schools can assign a para to one or maybe more classrooms. However, if there are special students, then para would assist just one student in a designated classroom. Usually, the school would draft a written plan prior to a student’s academic plan.

Consequently, the para will remain with a particular student for a predefined time at the school. However, most of the states have different local guidelines when it comes to para use. So, it would better for you to find out which tasks you would have to perform beforehand.

Total Time Allowed in the Assessment

The assessment of the ParaPro takes about two and a half (2.5) hours. You will have to complete 90 questions within the allocated time. In fact, you’ll have to take care of questions as fast as possible. However, you should take the appropriate time to understand the nature of the questions and then answer correctly and without any errors.

Update of the Assessment

Yes, the ETS regularly updates the test. However, most of the updates are minor. Primarily, it has to do with changing the standards of the test administration and analysis of the test results. Also, ETS could revise or review the current test specifications. After that, you will have to wait until the new test specifications and format are in place.

An Overview of ParaPro Scores

It is vital to understand that ETS doesn’t assign the passing scores for the applicants. Instead, each state and district are responsible for establishing different qualification scores. For the most part, however, students get the unofficial results at the end of the assessment. The official report of the scores, however, is available after 2 or 3 weeks of the test.

Moreover, you can place an order for added score reports of your assessment. The report contains the results of the last ten (10) years. However, it comes with a price tag of $50. It is of utmost importance to understand how the score report works in ParaPro.

Ordinarily, the score report comes with your name, official score, academic information, background information, passing status, and details concerning the contents of the assessment. Additionally, it is relatively easy to identify your passing status after you take the test. You can even interpret the content sections in the score report.

The simple classification of the subject matter often encourages students to improve their overall scores. You will be able to see your scores in the form of “raw points” for the content section. Furthermore, you will also be able to see the total raw points for each section where you have earned 50 percent. Each right answer results in one point. After that, the conversion of points takes place in terms of scaled score, which ranges between 420 and 480.

Find Out Your Eligibility

If you want to take the ParaPro exam, take a sigh of relief in knowing the fact that there is no age limit. You need mandatory employment qualifications and registration to take the assessment. The registration fee, however, is non-negotiable. 

A good piece of advice would be to get in touch with your school to find out more information before you register for the assessment. Remember, even if you achieve an average score on the ParaPro test, it may not guarantee your employment. Well, you can retake the test after 21 days of every month. But you should prepare thoroughly just once and achieve more than just passing score.

What about Accommodation for Disabled Individuals?

Examinees who have a standard or rare disability or suffering from a health issue can avail of appropriate accommodation services from the ETS. However, if you are disabled or have a health condition, make sure to register via Disability Services before accommodation.

Furthermore, accommodation approval also depends on your schedule. So, make sure to submit your application early. In fact, it is even more crucial if you plan to take a written version of the assessment rather than the computerized version. 

Currently, it takes roughly six weeks to confirm your health-related condition or disability documentation. The authorities properly review and confirm your request and then approve the accommodation. If you, however, have added documentation, you should submit it within the next six weeks of the registration.

ParaPro Fee Structure

The $80 you pay before the exam as a registration fee is non-refundable. However, make sure you get your payment ticket in case your money doesn’t get through. You can pay in the form of money order, MasterCard, Visa, check, or cash.

Additional fees, on the other hand, depends on which state you live in the United States. For instance, some of the Texas, California, and Florida districts may ask you for an additional fee. Therefore, inquire through the testing area about the cost structure before the registration takes place.