California Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Golden State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
California Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
Varies by district (retired ParaPro: ETS lists district scores from 445 to 460)
Exam and minimum vary by state or district. Verify the current requirement.
Test Duration
145 min total (85 + 60)
ParaPathways: Reading & Writing 85 min, Mathematics 60 min, timed separately
Test Sections
2
Reading & Writing and Mathematics, scored separately
Test Fee
$59 / $75
ParaPathways: $59 at a test center, $75 at home
School Districts
991
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Fingerprint background check through the California Department of Justice before you start work (Education Code 45125), plus the FBI in some cases, such as under one year of California residence; tuberculosis (TB) risk assessment before you are hired, with a TB test if risk factors are found (Education Code 49406); Mandated Reporter Training; charter schools: a Commission on Teacher Credentialing Certificate of Clearance if you do not already hold a CTC document, and some districts also ask for one
Governing Body
California Department of Education (CDE) - Local Education Agencies (LEAs)
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (AA, AS) or higher from accredited institution
- 48 semester units of college coursework
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in California
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), California requires that all paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in Title I-funded programs meet rigorous standards of qualification.
ESSA Compliance and State Standards
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) establishes federal requirements that paraprofessionals working in Title I programs must meet one of three qualification pathways: hold a degree, complete college coursework, or pass a formal assessment.
California's Unique Approach
California lets Local Education Agencies (LEAs) handle qualification verification, so districts can create their own assessments based on local needs. Large districts such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco give their own exams. Some districts accept an existing test such as the ETS assessment (today that is ParaPathways, which replaced the retired ParaPro) instead.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in California
State education codes and federal ESSA guidelines establish clear standards for all instructional paraprofessionals working in Title I programs.
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Degree
Hold an associate's degree (AA, AS) or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Official sealed transcripts required
- Must be from accredited institution
- From an accredited college or university; ask the hiring district what it accepts
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least 48 semester units of college coursework.
- Official transcript required
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts
- Ask the hiring district which college units it counts
Option 3: Assessment
Pass a formal state or locally approved assessment demonstrating knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Local District Exam (e.g., LAUSD, San Diego Unified, and SFUSD each give their own exam; the district sets the passing score)
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment (some districts accept it; California has no statewide cut, so confirm the passing scores with the district; ETS recommends 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics). ETS lists district ParaPro scores from 445 to 460; an already-earned score on the retired ParaPro scale still counts only where the district accepts it.
- CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) - used by some districts
Important Note About Local Assessments
California does NOT have a single statewide paraprofessional assessment. Each district (or County Office of Education) runs its own exam or accepts the ETS assessment (now ParaPathways). Passing one district's exam won't automatically qualify you for another. Always check directly with the hiring district about their specific requirements.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in California?
In California these standards reach further than federal law. At a Title I school they apply to every paraprofessional who gives instructional support, no matter how the position is funded. At a non-Title I school, an instructional paraprofessional still needs a high school diploma and a passing score on a local assessment.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Aides/Assistants: The general title for paraprofessionals providing academic support
- • Special Education Assistants/Aides: Paraprofessionals who support the academic and behavioral goals of students with IEPs
- • Bilingual Assistants: Aides who use a second language to provide primary language support and assist with English language development
- • Title I Tutors: Staff hired to provide targeted academic interventions
- • Library Media Assistants: If their role includes helping students with research or teaching literacy skills
May Not Need Requirements
- • Noon Duty Aides / Campus Supervisors: Staff whose duties are purely supervisory
- • Community Liaisons: Staff who work with families but do not provide instruction
- • After-School Program Staff (non-instructional): Staff in programs that are purely recreational
- • Personal Care Assistants: Aides whose duties are strictly for attending to a student's physical or health needs (e.g., feeding, toileting)
Assessment Format Options
Local District Proficiency Exam
- Content, format, and passing score are set by the district
- Typically consists of multiple-choice questions in English-Language Arts and Mathematics
- Some district exams also test how you would support instruction (LAUSD, for example, gives a separate Instructional Assistance Test)
ETS ParaPathways Assessment
- 87 questions across two subtests, 145 minutes total (85 + 60), timed separately
- Some districts accept it instead of giving their own exam; ask the hiring district
In-Depth Breakdown of a Typical California Local Exam
Every district's test is a little different, but they generally cover the same core areas. Here's what you can expect, since the questions are designed around skills paraprofessionals need to support the California Common Core Standards:
English-Language Arts (Reading and Writing)
Reading Comprehension: Reading passages (both literary and informational) and answering questions about the main idea, supporting details, vocabulary in context, and author's purpose.
Writing and Grammar: Identifying and correcting errors in sentence structure, grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling. This section often uses a multiple-choice format where you must choose the best way to phrase a sentence or correct an error.
Essay Section (in some districts): You may be given a prompt and asked to write a short, well-organized essay. This assesses your ability to formulate a clear thesis, support it with examples, and write in clear, grammatically correct English.
Mathematics
Computation: Solving problems involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Applied Math/Word Problems: Reading and solving multi-step word problems that require logical reasoning.
Basic Algebra and Geometry: Interpreting charts and graphs, solving for variables in simple equations, and understanding basic geometric concepts like area and perimeter.
Ability to Assist Instruction
Some tests include scenario-based questions about the paraprofessional role. You might be asked how you'd follow a teacher's instructions or help a student who is falling behind.
After the Test: Scores and Next Steps in California
Once you pass the assessment, you can move forward with the rest of the hiring process.
If You Passed the Assessment
- Step 1: Receive Official Notification. The district HR department will notify you (usually via email) that you have passed and are now eligible to be considered for positions.
- Step 2: Begin the Clearance Process. Don't delay on this one. The district will give you a "Live Scan" form to take to a fingerprinting location. If you are hired by a charter school, or the district asks for it, you may also need a Certificate of Clearance from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
- Step 3: Interview for Specific Positions. Your application will be forwarded to school principals who have openings. They will contact you to schedule site-level interviews.
- Step 4: Complete Onboarding. Once you are offered and accept a position, you will complete the remaining new-hire paperwork, including the tuberculosis risk assessment, payroll forms, and mandatory training modules.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Ask About the Waiting Period. Each district sets its own retake rule. LAUSD, for example, lets you retest after 30 days. Ask HR for the policy of the district you applied to.
- Step 2: Request Feedback or a Study Guide. Ask the HR department if they can provide any feedback on which sections you scored lowest on, and make sure you have their official study guide.
- Step 3: Create a Focused Study Plan. Use the waiting period to zero in on the areas where you struggled.
- Step 4: Re-apply or Re-register. Follow the district's process for retaking the test once the waiting period is over.
Preparing for Your California Paraprofessional Assessment
How long you need to study depends on where you're starting from. Some people feel ready after a couple weeks of review. Others need more time, especially if it's been a while since they've done formal math or writing.
Recommended Study Timelines
Quick Refresher
Best if you recently finished college coursework or feel confident in reading, writing, and math. Focus on practice tests and reviewing any weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The sweet spot for most people. Gives you enough time to work through a study guide, take practice tests, and revisit topics you're rusty on without feeling rushed.
In-Depth Review
If you've been out of school for a while or math and writing feel unfamiliar, take the extra time. There's no penalty for being well-prepared, and the confidence boost helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- Your district's study guide: Some California districts provide their own study materials. LAUSD, for example, publishes study guides for its two tests: the District Proficiency Test (reading, written English, math) and the Instructional Assistance Test (instruction, classroom and behavior management, and related topics). Contact the HR department of the district you're applying to and ask what's available.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It's free and self-paced.
- Public library databases: Many public libraries offer online test-prep databases (such as LearningExpress Library); check your county library's website and confirm they cover ParaPathways.
- Online practice tests: Sites like parapropracticetest.com and uniontestprep.com offer free practice questions that cover reading, writing, and math; if your district uses ParaPathways, check that they cover it.
Paid Study Options
You don't need to spend money to pass, but some people prefer the structure of a paid resource. Here are the most common options:
- Paraprofessional test-prep books: Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. If your district uses ParaPathways, make sure they cover it, not only the retired ParaPro.
- Online prep courses: These usually include video lessons, quizzes, and multiple full-length practice tests. Helpful if you learn better with guided instruction.
- Video tutorial packages: Some test prep companies sell video bundles focused on specific subjects. These work well if reading-heavy study materials aren't your thing.
California-Specific Tip
Since California uses local exams rather than the ETS assessment (now ParaPathways) in most districts, your best move is to get the specific study guide from your target district's HR department. LAUSD, for instance, publishes a study guide for each of its two tests. Generic paraprofessional test prep is still useful for building skills, but the district guide will tell you exactly what format and content to expect.
Test Day: What to Expect in California
Knowing what to expect on test day takes away a lot of the stress. Here's a rundown so you can walk in feeling ready.
What to Bring
ETS lists the identification it accepts in your confirmation email and test-day instructions. Check yours against that list before test day.
Bring the invitation email or confirmation letter from the district's HR department.
Testing rooms can be cold. A light jacket or sweater lets you adjust without distraction.
What NOT to Bring
Check-In Procedure
- 1 Follow the ETS check-in instructions. ETS states how early to arrive and what identification to present in your confirmation email and the test-day instructions for the delivery option you chose. Read them before you leave.
- 2 Store personal items. You'll be asked to put your phone, bag, and other belongings in a designated area.
- 3 Take your assigned seat. The proctor will direct you to your spot and go over the testing rules before the clock starts.
Tips for During the Test
Watch your time
Don't spend too long on any single question. If you're stuck, mark it and move on. You can come back to it if there's time left.
Read carefully
Many wrong answers come from misreading the question. Pay attention to words like "not," "except," and "best." They change the meaning entirely.
Eliminate wrong answers
On multiple-choice questions, crossing out answers you know are wrong improves your odds even when you're unsure about the right one.
Don't leave blanks
Ask the district whether wrong answers are penalized. If they are not, answer every question, and if time is running out, fill in your best guess for every remaining question.
About California Testing Locations
Local exams are typically given at the district office or a designated school site, not a formal testing center. The atmosphere tends to be more relaxed than what you'd experience at a formal testing center. That said, the rules around prohibited items and ID checks still apply.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in California
Paraprofessional salaries vary by district, experience level, and role specialization.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Pay Varies by District
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles
Special Education Assistants: Special education assistant openings are frequent; check EdJoin and county office of education postings.
Bilingual Assistants (Spanish): More than half of California's public school students are Hispanic, and many districts hire bilingual aides. Some pay a bilingual stipend; ask the district.
California Test Centers
If you take the ETS ParaPathways test, ETS lists community-based test centers by state and also offers at-home testing. Some school districts and agencies are test centers; contact the center directly to book.
Practical notes
- • Use EdJoin.org, where many California school employers post openings
- • County Offices of Education (COEs) are major employers for special education roles
- • Some districts charge a small fee for their own test (LAUSD charges external candidates $7 per test); ask the hiring district. For ParaPathways, ETS decides where its assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator rather than assuming a site listed here carried over.
How to Register for an Assessment in California
The registration process typically begins through a school district's Human Resources department or the state education agency.
Step 1: Find Job Openings and Apply
Visit school district websites and apply for paraprofessional positions through their online portals.
Visit district websites (e.g., Los Angeles Unified, San Diego Unified, San Francisco Unified) and apply through their portals, typically via EdJoin.org.
Step 2: Receive Test Invitation
If you meet minimum qualifications, the HR department will send you testing information and schedule.
The district will send you instructions for scheduling the test. Large districts such as LAUSD test on a regular basis.
Step 3: Prepare and Take the Test
Review study materials provided by the district and complete the assessment on the scheduled date.
Districts often provide study guides (LAUSD, for example, has one for each of its two tests).
Pathway to Teaching
If you want to eventually become a teacher, California has programs to help. The California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program ("grow your own") provides financial help with tuition, fees and books to classified employees selected by districts that hold a program grant.
Working as a paraprofessional while attending a California State University (CSU) integrated teacher education program is a practical way to transition into a teaching career.
Frequently Asked Questions - California Paraprofessionals
What is EdJoin.org?
Many California school employers post openings on EdJoin.org; large districts such as LAUSD also run their own job sites. If you're serious about landing a paraprofessional job in California, start by creating a detailed profile on EdJoin.
What is a County Office of Education (COE)?
California has 58 County Offices of Education (one per county) that provide support services to local districts. COEs frequently run special education programs for students with the most significant needs, and they hire a lot of special education paraprofessionals.
How long does it take to get certified?
The timeline varies by state and district and includes background check clearance. Ask your district or state education agency for the current steps.
Can I work while completing my certification?
Some districts allow provisional or probationary employment while you complete requirements, but this varies by district policy.
What happens if I don't pass the assessment?
ETS lets you retake ParaPathways once as soon as you like; if you need more attempts after that, you wait 21 days after your most recent one. You can register for just one subtest ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center), but ask your district whether a subtest you already passed still counts. Use the time to study the subtest you missed. That is the ETS rule. For a district's own local exam, the waiting period is set by the district (LAUSD, for example, lets you retest after 30 days).
Can I work in multiple districts?
Yes, but you need to meet each district's specific requirements. If both districts accept ParaPathways, you can send the same ParaPathways scores (or an already-earned ParaPro score) to both, as long as they meet each district's passing scores. However, if they each have their own local exam, you must pass each district's exam separately.
Is it difficult to get a permanent position?
Many positions start as limited-term or probationary. Once you complete the probationary period (California law caps it at six months or 130 days of paid service, whichever is longer), you become a permanent employee with stronger job security and full rights under the union contract.
Ready to Start Your California Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.