Connecticut Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Constitution State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Connecticut Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
457 on the retired ParaPro scale
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
169
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Fingerprint-based state and FBI criminal history checks; DCF child abuse and neglect registry check; High school diploma or GED; Connecticut law bars any school employee from restraining or secluding a student without training from the board of education (CGS 10-236b)
Governing Body
Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE)
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (AA, AS) or higher from accredited institution
- Two years of study at an institution of higher education (the CSDE sets no credit count; ask your district how many credits it counts as two years)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Connecticut
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Connecticut 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.
Connecticut's High Standards and Professionalization
The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) takes a clear, state-level approach to paraprofessional qualification. It sets the Title I qualification rules, but leaves most other hiring and training decisions to local districts, which may add their own requirements. The role of the paraprofessional, often called a "paraeducator" here, is treated as a professional position.
The CSDE and Regional Education Service Centers (RESCs) actively promote professional development. The ETS paraprofessional assessment (now ParaPathways, which replaced the retired ParaPro) is the only state-approved test, making it the universal standard for candidates who don't meet the college credit requirements.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Connecticut
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
- Must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency
Option 2: College Credits
Complete two years of study at an institution of higher education. The CSDE does not set a credit count, so ask the district you are applying to how many credits it accepts as two years.
- Official transcript required
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts toward the two years of study
Option 3: Assessment
Pass a formal state or locally approved assessment demonstrating knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment with 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759), the only state-approved assessment in Connecticut. A 457 on the retired ParaPro scale still counts if already earned.
- No local assessment alternatives exist for meeting this ESSA requirement
- 87 questions across two subtests, 145 minutes total (85 + 60), timed separately
Additional Connecticut Requirements
Beyond meeting one of the three academic pathways, Connecticut requires several additional steps. You must pass a fingerprint-based state and national (FBI) criminal history check, plus a Department of Children and Families (DCF) background check against the child abuse and neglect registry. You must also hold a high school diploma or GED. Any age requirement is set by the hiring district.
Connecticut law (CGS 10-236b) says no school employee may physically restrain or seclude a student without training from the board of education; districts choose the training program. Every Connecticut paraeducator must also take part in professional development each year: boards of education must offer at least 18 hours of it annually, at no cost to the paraeducator (CGS 10-148d).
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Connecticut?
These qualification standards apply to all paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in a Title I school-wide program or a Title I targeted assistance program.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Paraprofessionals/Paraeducators: General aides who work directly with students on academic tasks
- • Title I Tutors/Interventionists: Staff hired with Title I funds to provide targeted academic support
- • Special Education Paraprofessionals: Aides who support academic, behavioral, and functional IEP goals (about two-thirds of Connecticut paraprofessionals worked in special education in 2012-13, according to the General Assembly's 2014 study)
- • Bilingual and TESOL Paraprofessionals: Assistants who provide language and academic support to English learners
- • Library/Media Aides: If their role includes instructional duties
May Not Need Requirements
- • Non-Instructional Aides: Staff whose duties are exclusively supervisory (e.g., playground, cafeteria, or bus monitors)
- • Personal Care Assistants: Aides whose duties are strictly non-instructional (but many have blended roles and must qualify)
- • Parent Liaisons or Community Outreach Staff: Roles focused on family engagement without instructional duties
Connecticut ParaPathways Score Details (332 and 334)
The passing scores of 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759) make sure there is a consistent and high standard of academic proficiency for paraeducators across the state. The test has 87 questions across two separately scored subtests (145 minutes in total), each on a 310-350 scale: Reading and Writing (5758) has 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759) has 36 questions in 60 minutes. A 457 on the retired ParaPro scale still counts if already earned.
Reading: part of the Reading and Writing subtest (5758, about 30 of its 51 questions)
Skills Tested: Understanding and analyzing written material. You'll identify main ideas, locate key details, define vocabulary from context, and draw logical conclusions from various texts.
In a Connecticut Classroom: A paraeducator in a New Haven school might use these skills to help a small group of students analyze a poem by a New England author, guiding them to understand its theme and literary devices.
Writing: part of the Reading and Writing subtest (5758, about 21 of its 51 questions)
Skills Tested: Knowledge of standard written English conventions, including grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling. You'll also show your ability to assist students in the writing process.
In a Connecticut Classroom: An aide in a Stamford high school could use this expertise to help a student organize and proofread a research paper on American history, focusing on thesis development and proper citation.
Mathematics subtest (5759, 36 questions, calculator provided)
Skills Tested: Operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; basic algebra; geometry and measurement; and interpreting data from charts and graphs. The 36 questions split roughly evenly: about 18 on numbers and operations and 18 on geometry, measurement and data analysis. An on-screen calculator is provided.
In a Connecticut Classroom: A paraprofessional in a Danbury elementary school might help students with a hands-on math lesson involving measuring ingredients for a recipe or using manipulatives to understand fractions.
After the Test: Scores and Next Steps in Connecticut
If you test at home, you'll see your unofficial scores on screen when you finish. Each subtest is scored separately, so you get one score for Reading and Writing and one for Mathematics.
If You Passed (332 Reading and Writing, 334 Mathematics)
- Step 1: Save Your Unofficial Scores. If you tested at home, print the screen or take a clear picture of it.
- Step 2: Receive Your Official Score Report. ETS issues your official score report electronically, roughly one to three weeks after the test. This is the document you provide to school districts.
- Step 3: Expect Background Checks. Connecticut law requires a DCF child abuse and neglect registry check before you are hired and state and FBI fingerprint checks within 30 days of starting (CGS 10-221d). The district tells you how to complete them.
- Step 4: Highlight Your Qualification. Feature your achievement on your resume: "Met CSDE requirements for Paraeducators by achieving a passing score on the ETS ParaPathways Assessment."
- Step 5: Apply and Interview. Submit applications through district portals and be ready to discuss your understanding of the role, your ability to work with diverse learners, and any behavior management experience.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Analyze Your Score Report. It shows a separate score for each subtest, with your raw points in each content category. Use it as your study guide.
- Step 2: Know the Retake Rules. ETS lets you retake the test once as soon as you like. After that, you wait 21 days after your most recent attempt, and then you can take it two more times.
- Step 3: Create a Targeted Study Plan. Focus on the subtest you did not pass. You can register for one subtest alone ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center), but ask your district whether a subtest you already passed still counts.
- Step 4: Register and Retake. Schedule your retake at a test center or through the at-home option when you feel ready.
Preparing for Your Connecticut ParaPathways Assessment
How much study time you need depends on where you're starting from. Some people feel ready after a couple weeks of focused 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
- ETS official practice test: When you register, ETS gives you a free interactive practice test for the subject you register for. This is the single best way to get a feel for the format and difficulty level.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Free and self-paced.
- researchIT CT: The Connecticut State Library's free researchIT CT service includes EBSCO's LearningExpress Workforce Solutions for skill-building. Check whether any practice test there covers ParaPathways.
- Online practice tests: Several test-prep sites offer free paraprofessional practice questions covering reading, writing, and math. Make sure they cover ParaPathways.
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 ($20-40): Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Make sure they cover ParaPathways, not only the retired ParaPro.
- Online prep courses ($50-150): 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.
Connecticut-Specific Tip
Contact your local RESC for study resources. Connecticut's six Regional Education Service Centers (ACES, CES, CREC, EASTCONN, EdAdvance and LEARN) are public education agencies that provide professional development to the districts in their regions. They may offer study guides, workshops, or practice sessions that are specifically designed for the Connecticut ParaPathways test.
Test Day: What to Expect in Connecticut
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 confirmation email or registration receipt from the RESC or testing center.
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
ETS counts only the questions you answer correctly, so never leave a blank. If time is running out, fill in your best guess for every remaining question.
About Connecticut Testing Locations
The CSDE's list of ParaPro test sites named three RESCs (CREC in Hartford, EdAdvance in Litchfield, LEARN in Old Lyme), plus Sterling School District and Woodstock Academy. ETS decides where ParaPathways is offered, so check its test-center locator rather than assuming one of these carried over. You can also take the test from home through ETS's remote proctoring option. For at-home testing, you'll need a computer with a webcam, a stable internet connection, and a quiet, private room.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Connecticut
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts. A 2014 legislative study found that unions represent paraprofessionals in over 90 percent of Connecticut school districts.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
How Pay Is Set
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles
Special Education Paraprofessionals: The largest paraprofessional role in Connecticut: about two-thirds of paraprofessional positions in 2012-13, per the General Assembly's 2014 study.
Behavior Technicians and Bilingual Paraprofessionals: Some districts post behavior-technician or bilingual paraprofessional jobs; check job listings for pay and requirements.
The Pathway to a Teaching Career in Connecticut
Working as a paraprofessional is a strong pathway to becoming a certified teacher in Connecticut. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can enroll in an Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) program, and your classroom experience will make you a very competitive candidate.
If you have two years of college credit, you can continue your education at a Connecticut state university (like Southern Connecticut State or Central Connecticut State) to earn your degree and teaching certification.
Connecticut law also allows alternate route programs just for school support staff, including paraeducators with at least 40 school months of district employment and a supervisor's recommendation (CGS 10-145t). Ask your district whether it supports paraeducators who want to become teachers.
Connecticut 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
- • The CSDE's list of ParaPro test sites named three RESCs (CREC, EdAdvance, LEARN), plus Sterling School District and Woodstock Academy
- • Use ctreap.net (Connecticut REAP, run by the state's six RESCs) to find job openings at participating Connecticut districts
How to Register for an Assessment in Connecticut
The registration process in Connecticut is well-structured, with several reliable options available across the state.
At-Home Testing (Most Flexible)
ETS offers a live, remotely proctored version of the ParaPathways test you can take from home. Register directly through the ETS website. You'll need a computer with a webcam, a stable internet connection, and a quiet, private room.
In-Person at a Test Center
The CSDE's list of ParaPro test sites named three RESCs (CREC in Hartford, EdAdvance in Litchfield, LEARN in Old Lyme), plus Sterling School District and Woodstock Academy. ETS decides where ParaPathways is offered, so check its test-center locator for current sites in Connecticut.
Pathway to Teaching
If you want to eventually become a teacher, Connecticut has programs to help. The Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) is a path to certification if you already have a bachelor's degree.
Connecticut state universities like Southern Connecticut State University and Central Connecticut State University offer CSDE-approved teacher preparation programs. Ask your district whether it supports paraeducators who want to become teachers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Connecticut Paraprofessionals
What is a RESC?
A Regional Educational Service Center (RESC) is a public education agency that provides programs, services and professional development to the school districts in its region. Connecticut has six: ACES, CES, CREC, EASTCONN, EdAdvance, and LEARN.
Do I need restraint or crisis training?
Only if your job may involve restraining or secluding a student. Connecticut law (CGS 10-236b) says no school employee may do so without training provided by the board of education. The training can come after you are hired, but before you are ever involved in a restraint. Ask the district which program it uses.
Is there a state-level certification for paraprofessionals in Connecticut?
No. Unlike teachers, paraprofessionals are not certified by the Connecticut State Department of Education. Your "qualification" is the proof that you've met one of the three pathways (degree, credits, or a passing ParaPathways or earlier ParaPro score). Each district checks it when you are hired, and a district may add its own requirements.
How do I find job openings?
Connecticut REAP (ctreap.net), the job board run by the six RESCs, lists openings from participating districts. You can also check the "Human Resources" or "Employment" pages of individual district websites.
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. Connecticut is one of the states ETS lists for the ParaPathways Bridge ($29.50), an option for candidates who score within one standard error of the passing score. Confirm with the CSDE before relying on it.
Ready to Start Your Connecticut Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.