Paraeducator Testing & Training

Paraeducator Testing & Training2023-06-27T08:29:52-07:00

Are you interested in becoming a paraeducator or in need of clock hours for your certification?

About

Become a Paraeducator

Paraeducators are school employees who work in K–12 schools under the supervision of a certified or licensed staff member. They assist teachers in the classroom with student instruction and curriculum planning. To become a paraeducator, you must meet the minimum employment requirements as outlined by the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB).

If you don’t meet any of the college requirements, a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) paraeducator assessment will make you eligible.

Testing

ETS ParaPro Assessment

The ParaPro Assessment is only for those seeking a Paraprofessional job without an Associate’s degree or higher (PESB Minimum Employment Requirements). This test evaluates an individual’s English reading, writing, and math abilities at a K-8 level.The test is 90 questions, (30 from each section) and you’re given 2.5 hours to complete it.

With updated guidelines from the state, ESD 112 has updated the requirements for Para testing:

  • Test takers will enter through the front main entrance and check-in with reception.
  • Test takers will not be required to wear a mask

Need extra test time? English Language Learners and those experiencing disabilities or health-related needs can apply for extra time accommodations. Please see the “Extra Time Accommodation” section of the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information”

To request additional test dates beyond current availability, please complete our waitlist form here. Acuity does not have an automated waitlist.

Please note: Other testing centers are available in Washington. They may be offering availability that is different from ours. Testing centers are independent of each other and will set their own availability and pricing. View all testing centers >

Frequently Asked Questions

With the implementation of our new online scheduling platform, ESD 112 now assesses a flat $75 dollar fee for the ParaPro Assessment.

All payment must be made by card at the time the test is scheduled.

The test is given on a computer and consists of 90, multiplechoice questions- 30 each on:  

  • Language Arts  
  • Reading  
  • Mathematics 

You will be in a small room by yourself. Your belongings may be stored in the room with you. You are welcome to bring noise canceling devices should you be worried about general office noise disrupting your test.

Participants may NOT bring a calculator or notes.  Scratch paper and pencils will be provided. 

View the ETS Tutorial for more information.

You will be given 2.5 hours* to complete the test. 

 *Additional time may be granted for a disabilityhealth-related needs, and for English Language Learners. Please refer to the ParaPro Assessment Bulletin (PDF, ETS Website) on applying for additional accommodations.

Any current or prospective Para Professionals who do not currently have one of the following: 

  • Two years of study at an institution of higher education. The institution you choose must meet five criteria of the Higher Education Act, Section 101(a). All classes must be at level 100 or higher. 

OR

  • An Associate degree or higher. All associate degrees are acceptable. 

OR

  • Washington paraeducator portfolio or apprenticeship program — completed previously. Those meeting the apprenticeship requirements must present a journeycard or certificate. The portfolio and apprenticeships are no longer offered for enrollment, however OSPI will continue to honor this pathway. 

More information regarding the WA  Paraeducator Requirements can be found at PESB . 

ParaPro Assessments at ESD 112 are scheduled by appointment Monday – Friday at 9:00am or 1:00pm.

When testing at ESD112, the test is held at our Vancouver office at 2500 NE 65th Ave, Vancouver WA 98661. The testing room is a small space, with computer desk and chair, and space to accommodate backpacks/purses.

Test takers will enter through the front main entrance and check-in with reception.

There are additional testing centers across Washington and the country.
Remote testing [testing in your home with a personal computer] is also available.

Below are several resources you may use when preparing for the ParaPro Assessment. 

Complimentary Resources 

Click Here for the ParaPro Assessment Tutorial (ETS Website) 

Click Here for the ParaPro Study Companion (PDF, ETS Website) 

Click Here for the ParaPro Interactive PowerPoint Modules (Dropbox) 

 

For-Cost Resources 

90-Day Subscription to the ParaPro Assessment Practice Test (ETS, $19.95)

You will receive your scores immediately upon finishing and exiting the test. 

  • Passing score for Washington State and Oregon is 455.

Upon passing the test the proctor at ESD 112 will email your copy of your “unofficial” results to the email address used at the time of scheduling.

You will receive your official results directly from ETS via mail in 3-4 weeks.  

Currently, ParaPro Assessment results never expire. However, results may no longer be available digitally after 9.5 years. Please be sure to retain a hard copy of your passing results on-hand, in case you need to refer to them later on. 

 If you do not pass the ParaPro Assessment you may re-take the assessment as many times as needed. However please be aware of the following: 

  • You will need to pay the $75 assessment fee each time you take the assessment. 
  • ETS requires a 28-day waiting period between attempts. This is to ensure you are answering a different set of questions than your first test.

You can reschedule anytime, just be sure to count 28 days after your previous test. Select the “RETEST” option so we can be sure your 28-day minimum is met.

ETS offers testing accommodations in the form of increasing your test time from 2.5 hours depending on your needs. People can seek accommodations related to a disabilityhealth needs, or as English Language Learners. ETS allows all of those seeking extra time accommodations to submit requests via email to disability.reg@ets.org or by mail to ETS Disability Services P.O. Box 6054 Princeton, NJ 08541-6054 USA.

Extra time accommodations need to be approved by ETS before they are sent to ESD 112. The approval process can take up to two weeks, so make sure you apply at least two weeks before your scheduled test date. After your extra time is approved, you can send your approval letter to us at parapro@esd112.org.

Please refer the links above and the ParaPro Assessment Bulletin (PDF, ETS Website) on applying for additional accommodations.

ESD 112 is not able to grant accommodations, all inquiries must be made to ETS directly.

Remote testing is now available for testers who cannot test in person. This option is offered by ETS and is separate from the ESD 112.
*Note: ESD 112 is not affiliated with the remote testing option. Please contact ETS directly with questions.

For additional information regarding taking the ParaPro Assessment at ESD112 (2500 NE 65th Ave, Vancouver WA 98661) please contact:

ParaPro Assessment

Contact

Phone: 360-952-3699

Email: parapro@esd112.org

Learn more about the Assessment:

You may also visit the ETS website for additional information and other testing locations.

Fundamental Course of Study

Fundamental Course of Study

The Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) is one of the core components of the paraeducator certificate program in Washington. The FCS is a 28 clock hour training consisting of 12 units approved by your employing school district and aligned to the PESB course outline.

It is the responsibility of the school district to ensure that the training is provided to their paraeducators. Paraeducators should not independently seek out training to meet training requirements. If paraeducators are unaware of training, please contact the human resource office of your school district.

ESD 112 provides FCS trainings in person and online throughout the year to help districts meet this requirement. All courses are:

  • Aligned to Board Standards – Courses will align to PESB course outline & learning objectives
  • Tracked in pdEnroller – Makes registration and keeping track of clock hours simple and seamless

Districts are required to enroll their paraeducators in these courses. View Course Catalog >

Please refer to the two PESB documents below if you have any questions on implementation in your district, or on the program in general:

Certification

Paraeducator Certificate Program

The paraeducator certificate program offers standards-based training for all instructional paraeducators in Washington State. It has two required training components and three optional certificates. We offer courses for the following two required training components, as well as courses that can be applied to the optional Advanced Paraeducator Certificate. Visit the OSPI Website for more information >

Fundamental Course of Study (FCS)

The program begins with the FCS. The FCS is 28 hours of training that covers the paraeducator standards of practice. School districts are responsible for providing this training when funded.*

General Paraeducator Certificate

The general certificate includes 70 clock hours of training in addition to the FCS to help improve instructional practices. A paraeducator has three years to complete this certificate after completing the FCS. Once earned this is a lifetime certificate. School districts are responsible for providing this training when funded.* Courses from the ESD-U Paraeducator and Explorers Program (PEP) may be applied to this certificate.

Advanced Paraeducator Certificate

Clock hours for this certificate can be earned starting on the date the paraeducator applies for a General Paraeducator Certificate, not prior. This certificate requires 75 clock hours related to the duties of an Advanced Paraeducator. This certificate will have a 5-year validity and may be renewed. Courses from the ESD-U Paraeducator and Explorers Program (PEP) may be applied to this certificate.

*Please talk with your district before registering for either of these trainings.

ESD-U Paraeducators & Explorers Program

Paraeducators, are you interested in becoming a teacher but aren’t sure if it’s right for you?

The ESD-U Paraeducator and Explorer Program (PEP) is designed to give current paraeducators and individuals exploring the teaching profession a glimpse into the ESD-U teacher certificate program while earning clock hours toward the General or Advanced Paraeducator Certificate requirements.

Contacts

Who to Contact

Para Pro Assessment questions:

ParaPro Assessment

Contact

Phone: 360-952-3699

Email: parapro@esd112.org

Fundamental Course of Study questions:

Amy Glenn

Secretary II

Contact

Phone: 360-949-1552

Email: amy.glenn@esd112.org

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