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Minimum employment requirements

Beginning July 23rd, 2023, all employed paraeducators must meet the following minimum employment requirements:

  • 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:

  1. Have received a passing score on one of the assessments approved by the board*
  2. Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university
  3. Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university
  4. Have completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council**

approved STATE PARAEDUCATOR assessments 

The following board approved assessments (paraeducator tests) per PESB Paraeducator Stanards Board

Paraeducator Requirements

ParaPathways Assessment replaces ParaPro on September 1st

The ParaPathways Assessment and Bridge option is now available.

Beginning September 1st, 2026, Washington will replace the Educational Testing Service (ETS) ParaPro test with the ParaPathways Assessment for paraeducator candidates. The ParaPathways and Bridge options are already available for eligible candidates.

ParaPathways has two subtests, each with its own passing score:

  • Reading and Writing: 324
  • Mathematics: 325

Each subtest score will be retained independently. If you do not pass one or both of the subtests, you may be eligible for the Bridge learning option.

The basics

Final date: You may take the ParaPro test (1755) until August 31, 2026. ParaPathways is the NEW ETS assessment route for Washington, replacing ParaPro on September 1, 2026.

Existing ParaPro Scores: A qualifying ParaPro score earned by August 31, 2026 will continue to count. Candidates should retain their score report.

Bridge qualifying score: A minimum score of 321 on either subtest qualifies for the Bridge option.

ETS support: Email parasupport@ets.org for resource conversion, Bridge questions, and other program support.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The FAQ addresses questions ranging from who must take the ParaPathways assessment, voucher conversion, the Bridge option, and more.

Read the full FAQ here.

Paraeducator testing services

ESD 105 Testing Center