ParaPathways Assessment (Washington only)

The State of Washington has adopted the new ParaPathways assessment and will no longer accept the ParaPro assessment for tests taken after September 1, 2026.

The ParaPathways Assessment is only for those seeking a paraprofessional job without an associate’s degree or higher (PESB Minimum Employment Requirements). The test is administered in two sections: Reading and Writing (51 questions, 85 minutes to complete) and Mathematics (36 questions, 60 minutes to complete).

  • The Reading and Writing section is approximately 51 questions and you are given a total of 85 minutes to complete this section.
    • This section is divided between Reading (approx. 30 questions) and Writing (approx. 21 questions).
  • The Mathematics section is approximately 36 questions and you are given a total of 60 minutes to complete this section.
    • This section is divided between Numbers and Operations (approx. 18 questions) and Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis (approx. 18 questions).
Schedule your in person test here!

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 for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Initial Tests: $90 for an initial 2-section test. Individual Section tests (just Reading and Writing, or just Mathematics) will be $45 per test.
    • Payment must be made by card at the time the test is scheduled.
  • Retests: $90 for a full 2-section re-test and $45 for 1 section. There is no discount for individual section re-tests.

  • The test is given on a computer and consists of 2 sections: Reading and Writing, and Mathematics.
  • The ParaPathways exam is a mix of multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. 
    • The Reading and Writing section is approximately 51 questions and you are given a total of 85 minutes to complete this section.
      • This section is divided between Reading (approx. 30 questions) and Writing (approx. 21 questions).
    • The Mathematics section is approximately 36 questions and you are given a total of 60 minutes to complete this section.
      • This section is divided between Numbers and Operations (approx.18 questions) and Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis (approx. 18 questions).
  • You will be in a small room by yourself. Your belongings may be stored in the room with you. You are welcome to bring non-electronic noise-canceling devices should you be worried about general office noise disrupting your test. Foam earplugs are provided. Earbuds and electronic devices are not permitted.
  • Participants may NOT bring a calculator or notes.  During the Mathematics section, participants will have access to a built-in digital four-function calculator. (View more information on the calculator and its usage).
  • Download the ETS ParaPathways Study Companion for a full walkthrough guide on test format, content areas, and prep strategies (ETS does ask for contact information in order to receive the companion. Rhode Island’s Dept. of Ed has uploaded a viewable copy but we don’t know how frequently it will be updated. This companion is not state-specific).
  • You will be given 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete a full 2-section assessment, or you may refer to the timing breakdowns per section listed above. 
    • *Additional time may be granted for a disability, health-related needs, and for English Language Learners. Please refer to the ETS page on Accommodations.

  • Any current or prospective Paraprofessionals who do not currently have one of the following:
    • 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an accredited college or university. 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

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.

  • General Study Resources 
  • Practice Test – After Registering for the ParaPathways Assessment, you will receive access to a free practice test.
  • ETS ParaPathways Official Resources
    • Includes a variety of for-cost test prep, a link to the study companion, and a complementary PDF study plan.

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

  • Passing scores for Washington State:  Math is 325 and Reading/Writing is 324

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 through their online portal.

*Results may no longer be digitally available after 9.5 years, so 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 one or both sections of the ParaPathways Assessment, you may schedule to retake any section(s) you did not pass. You do not have to retake any sections that you did pass. For example, if you receive a passing score in the Mathematics section, but do not pass Reading and Writing, you will only need to retake Reading and Writing.
  • Bridge Program: Washington State has adopted the Bridge Program for the ParaPathways Assessment. This means that if you did not pass one or both sections, but came close to passing, you will receive materials directly from ETS that you can complete (asynchronously) rather than having to retake that section(s) of the test. The scores necessary to receive Bridge access are below. There is no charge for this program, and you will receive Bridge materials automatically from ETS if you score under the passing score but at/above the Bridge qualifying score.

Reading and Writing 

Passing Score:  324 

Bridge Qualifying Score:  321

Mathematics

Passing Score:  325

Bridge Qualifying Score:  321

Please speak with an ESD 112 representative for scheduling retakes by calling 360-952-3699 or emailing parapro@esd112.org

ETS offers testing accommodations in the form of increasing your test time, depending on your needs. People can seek accommodations related to a disability, health 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 and must be approved prior to scheduling your test with ESD 112.  After your extra time is approved, you can send your approval letter to us at parapro@esd112.org. We will contact you to schedule your appointment.

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.