Indiana Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Hoosier State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Indiana Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
332 (Reading and Writing, 5758) and 334 (Mathematics, 5759) on ParaPathways, the cut scores the Indiana State Board approved; ask the school corporation how it applies them and what it needs for an earlier score on the retired ParaPro
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
291
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Expanded Criminal History (ECH) check (either a vendor search of county and court records, or a State Police fingerprint check, plus a sex-offender registry check); Child Protection Index (CPI) check; Child abuse and neglect training at least every two years and annual bloodborne-pathogen training (state-required for school employees); INPRS (PERF) retirement for covered positions that normally require more than 600 hours a year
Governing Body
Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) - Local school corporation verification and hiring
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (AA, AS) or higher from accredited institution
- Two years of college, or 48 credit hours of college-level classes under Indiana's Ed-Flex option
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Indiana
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) requires that all paraprofessionals, commonly known as instructional assistants, who provide instructional support in a Title I program must meet high standards of qualification. Indiana operates under a system of local control, where the state's 290+ individual school corporations (the Indiana term for school districts) are responsible for establishing, verifying, and documenting the qualifications of their paraprofessional staff.
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.
Indiana's Philosophy: State Guidance, Local Implementation
Indiana's approach to paraprofessional qualification balances guidance from the IDOE with the autonomy of local school corporations. The IDOE outlines what is required to be a qualified instructional assistant, to maintain a consistent benchmark of quality across the state. But the implementation, including choosing which option to accept, verifying transcripts or score reports, and managing hiring, is handled at the local level. The State Board approved the ParaPathways cut scores.
This model is well-suited to Indiana's diverse public education scene, which includes large urban school corporations like Indianapolis Public Schools and Fort Wayne Community Schools, rapidly growing suburban corporations in the Indianapolis "donut counties" (Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, and others), and numerous small rural school corporations that are the heart of their communities.
By empowering local districts, this system lets them manage their own hiring pipeline, set standards they consider appropriate for their student population, and maintain full ESSA compliance to protect federal funding for Indiana's students. The ETS ParaPathways Assessment, which replaced the ParaPro after August 31, 2026, is the assessment the State Board approved for the testing pathway.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Education has established clear, federally compliant standards for individuals seeking to work as instructional assistants in schools receiving Title I funding. To be eligible, a candidate must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (in Indiana, this is often the High School Equivalency or HSE) AND meet one of the following three requirements.
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Degree
Hold an associate's degree or a higher degree (bachelor's, master's) from an accredited college or university.
- Ask the school corporation what proof of your degree it needs (usually a transcript)
- Associate's, bachelor's, or master's degrees all qualify
Option 2: College Credits
Complete two years of study at an institution of higher education. Ask the school corporation you are applying to how many credits it counts as two years. Under Indiana's Ed-Flex option, 48 credit hours of college-level classes also qualifies.
- Ask the school corporation what proof it accepts and which courses it counts
Option 3: Assessment
Demonstrate, through a formal state or locally approved assessment, your knowledge of and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPathways is the assessment the Indiana State Board approved for this option (it replaced the ParaPro, retired after August 31, 2026). IDOE lists it as passed within the first year of employment; ask the school corporation how it applies this.
- Achieve 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759), the cut scores the State Board approved, and verify with your target district (IDOE also lists a ParaPro passed before August 31, 2026, so ask the corporation how it treats an already-earned ParaPro score)
- 87 questions across two subtests, 145 minutes total (85 + 60), timed separately
Additional Mandatory Indiana Requirements
- Expanded Criminal History (ECH) Check: Required by state law for school applicants likely to have direct, ongoing contact with children. The school chooses the type: either a background check by a screening company (including the records of every county where you have lived) or a national fingerprint check through the Indiana State Police, plus a sex-offender registry check.
- Child Protection Index (CPI) Check: A check of the Indiana Department of Child Services' registry for any substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect is required.
- Required Training: Indiana requires school employees who have direct, ongoing contact with children to complete child abuse and neglect training at least every two years, and all school employees to complete bloodborne-pathogen training when hired and every year after. Your school corporation may require more.
- Education: Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent (HSE). Ask the school corporation about any minimum age.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Indiana?
These standards apply to every instructional assistant in a Title I schoolwide-program school, and to instructional assistants paid with Title I funds in a targeted-assistance school. Special education assistants also fall under Indiana's special education rules.
Must Meet IDOE Requirements
- • Instructional Assistants/Paraprofessionals: The general title for aides providing academic support in core subjects
- • Title I Instructional Assistants: Aides hired specifically with Title I funds to provide targeted academic interventions
- • Special Education Assistants: Aides who support the academic, behavioral, and functional goals in a student's IEP
- • ENL Assistants (English as a New Language): Assistants who provide language and academic support to English learners
May Not Need Requirements
- • Non-Instructional Aides: Staff whose duties are exclusively supervisory (e.g., playground, cafeteria, or bus monitors)
- • Personal Attendants: Aides whose duties are strictly non-instructional and related to a student's physical, health, or daily living needs (however, if their role includes any instructional support, they must qualify)
- • Clerical Aides: Staff in purely administrative or clerical support roles
ParaPathways Assessment In-Depth Breakdown
The ParaPathways Assessment is used in Indiana to verify that you have the academic skills needed to support the Indiana Academic Standards in the classroom. It has two separately timed and scored subtests: Reading & Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. Here is what each part covers and how it connects to real classroom work.
Indiana ParaPathways Scores: Reading and Writing / Mathematics (Verify with Your District)
Reading: Reading & Writing Subtest (5758), about 30 of 51 Questions
Skills Tested: This section measures your ability to comprehend and analyze written passages, identify main ideas and supporting details, define vocabulary from context, and make logical inferences.
Indiana Classroom Application: A paraprofessional in a South Bend school might use these skills to help a small group of students read a biography of a famous Hoosier, like James Whitcomb Riley, guiding them to understand the key events of his life.
Writing: Reading & Writing Subtest (5758), about 21 of 51 Questions
Skills Tested: This section evaluates your knowledge of standard English grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling, and your ability to apply this knowledge to assist in the writing process.
Indiana Classroom Application: An aide in a Carmel Clay Schools high school could use this expertise to help a student proofread a persuasive essay, focusing on strengthening their arguments and ensuring grammatical correctness.
Mathematics Subtest (5759): 36 Questions
Skills Tested: This section covers a range of mathematical concepts, including operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages; basic algebra; geometry and measurement; and data interpretation from charts and graphs. About 18 questions cover numbers and operations and about 18 cover geometry, measurement and data. Some ask you to type in a number instead of choosing one, and an on-screen four-function calculator is provided.
Indiana Classroom Application: A paraprofessional in an Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation elementary school might help students with a hands-on math project that involves calculating the cost of planting a school garden or graphing the results of a classroom science experiment.
Preparing for Your Indiana ParaPathways 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
- ETS practice test: When you register, ETS gives you a free interactive practice test for each subtest you sign up for. ETS also publishes the official ParaPathways Study Companion, with a content overview and sample questions. Since the Indiana State Board approved ParaPathways, these materials are directly relevant to what you'll see on test day.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It's free and self-paced.
- Indiana public library databases: INSPIRE, a service of the Indiana State Library, offers LearningExpress Library. Check the INSPIRE website or your local library for access, and make sure what you use covers ParaPathways.
- Online practice tests: Several test-prep sites offer free practice questions in reading, writing, and math. Make sure they cover ParaPathways and its two subtests, not only the retired ParaPro.
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. Make sure they cover ParaPathways, 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.
Indiana-Specific Tip
Before you start studying, contact the Human Resources department of the school corporation where you want to work and confirm how it applies the passing scores. The State Board approved 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). If you hold an earlier ParaPro score, ask what score the corporation needs. Knowing your target number up front will help you set realistic study goals.
Test Day: What to Expect in Indiana
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 letter from ETS or from the school corporation that scheduled your test.
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 Indiana Testing Locations
In Indiana, you can take ParaPathways in person at an ETS test center (use the ETS test-center locator to find one near you; your school corporation or regional Education Service Center can tell you where local candidates usually test). ETS also offers a live, remotely proctored at-home version, which is a great option if you live in a rural part of the state or prefer the convenience of testing from home. Either way, the same rules about prohibited items and ID checks apply.
How to Register for an Assessment in Indiana
The registration process in Indiana is typically handled at the local or regional level. You have two main options for taking the test.
At-Home Testing (Most Flexible Option)
ETS offers a live, remotely proctored version of the ParaPathways test. This is a great option for residents in rural parts of Indiana or for those who prefer the convenience of testing from home.
Register directly through the ETS website. Remember to confirm the passing score with your target school corporation beforehand.
In-Person Testing
Contact the Human Resources department of the district where you want to work (e.g., Indianapolis Public Schools, Hamilton Southeastern Schools) to ask where their applicants usually test and how registration works.
Education Service Centers (ESCs)
Indiana's nine regional ESCs are key providers of professional development and support services. Visit the website of the ESC that serves your region (e.g., Central Indiana ESC, Wabash Valley Education Center) to ask about local testing options, and confirm any site with the ETS test-center locator.
After the Test: The Indiana Hiring Process
Passing the assessment is your key to moving forward in the hiring process. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting hired.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Hired
- Step 1: Get Your Qualifications in Order. Before you apply, either confirm you have the required degree or credits and can access your official transcripts, or schedule, study for, and pass the ETS paraprofessional assessment with the score required by your target district (or within your first year on the job, if the corporation allows it).
- Step 2: Search for Jobs on District Websites. In Indiana, hiring is decentralized. The best way to find openings is to go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page of individual school corporation websites. Many use application platforms like AppliTrack.
- Step 3: Submit Your Application. Complete the corporation's online application. You must upload all required documents, including your official ParaPathways (or earlier ParaPro) score report or your college transcripts, resume, and references.
- Step 4: Initiate the Expanded Criminal History (ECH) Check. Many corporations will have you begin this process as part of your application. They will provide a link to their approved vendor for you to complete the check. By law the applicant pays for these checks unless the corporation agrees to pay.
- Step 5: Interview at the School Level. Once the HR department verifies that you meet the minimum qualifications, your application will be made available to school principals. They will contact you for interviews for specific openings.
- Step 6: Receive a Job Offer. After a successful interview, the principal will recommend you for hire, and the HR department will extend a job offer. State law lets the criminal history check be completed up to 30 days after you start and the child protection index check up to 60 days after, but your corporation may finish both sooner.
- Step 7: Finalize Onboarding. Once your background checks are fully cleared, you will complete the remaining new-hire paperwork, including any training the corporation requires, and be scheduled for an orientation.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Review Your Score Report. Reading & Writing and Mathematics are scored separately, so see which subtest fell short. You can register for just that one ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center), but ask your district whether the subtest you already passed still counts.
- Step 2: Check the Retake Policy. ETS lets you retake ParaPathways once as soon as you like. After that, you wait 21 days after your most recent attempt, and then you get two more attempts. Ask the school corporation if they have any additional requirements for retesting.
- Step 3: Create a Focused Study Plan. Use the time before your next attempt to zero in on the areas where you struggled. Focus your practice on the subtest you need to pass.
- Step 4: Re-register and Retake. Sign up again through ETS when you are ready, keeping the 21-day wait in mind after your first retake.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Indiana
Pay for paraprofessionals in Indiana varies by school corporation. The figures below are statewide numbers.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Pay by School Corporation
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles in Indiana
Special Education Assistants: This is the most critical area of need across the entire state. There is a constant and significant demand for aides to work with students with a wide range of disabilities.
ENL Assistants (English as a New Language): With growing immigrant populations in both urban and rural areas, aides who can support English learners are highly valued.
Pre-K / Early Childhood Assistants: Schools that run pre-K classrooms, including those in Indiana's state-funded On My Way Pre-K program, hire aides for early childhood settings.
The Pathway to a Teaching Career in Indiana
Working as an instructional assistant is an excellent and highly encouraged pathway to becoming a licensed teacher in Indiana. Here are your options:
- Transition to Teaching Programs: If you already have a bachelor's degree in a non-education field, you can enroll in an intensive "Transition to Teaching" program offered by many Indiana universities. Your classroom experience as an aide will be a major advantage.
- District programs: Some school corporations help their paraprofessionals pay for a teaching degree. Ask your HR department whether yours does.
- Completing Your Degree: If you already have college credits, you can work toward finishing your bachelor's degree in education at one of Indiana's universities, such as Indiana University, Purdue University, or Ball State University.
Indiana 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
- • Contact school corporation HR departments directly for testing schedules and registration
- • Indiana's nine regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) can help with local testing questions
Frequently Asked Questions - Indiana Paraprofessionals
Is there a state-level license for paraprofessionals in Indiana?
No. Unlike some neighboring states, Indiana does not issue a state-level license or certificate for paraprofessionals. Your qualification (ParaPathways or earlier ParaPro score, or college transcripts) is verified and kept on file by your employing school corporation.
What is an Expanded Criminal History (ECH) check?
It is a background check Indiana law requires for school employees likely to have direct, ongoing contact with children. It is either a screening-company search of county and federal court records or a fingerprint check through the Indiana State Police, and both kinds include a sex-offender registry check. The child protection index check is a separate check.
How do I find job openings in Indiana?
The best way is to go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page of individual school corporation websites. There is no single statewide job board, so you will need to check the districts you are interested in individually. Many corporations use platforms like AppliTrack to manage applications.
I passed the ParaPro in another state before it was retired. Will Indiana accept my score?
IDOE lists passing the ParaPro before August 31, 2026 as one way to qualify, so an already-earned ParaPro score should count. Bring your official score report and ask the school corporation what score it needs. ETS keeps scores on record for 10 years.
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.
Ready to Start Your Indiana Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.