Kentucky Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Bluegrass State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Kentucky Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
At least 48 of 60 questions correct on the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment (KPA)
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
171
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
National and state criminal background check (Kentucky State Police and FBI) and a clear CA/N check (KRS 160.380); medical examination before employment, including a TB risk assessment (702 KAR 1:160); training provided by the district (KRS 161.044); CERS retirement enrollment
Governing Body
Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) - qualifications set by 704 KAR 3:550; districts may add their own
Alternative Qualifications
- Two years of study at an institution of higher education, as the college you attended defines it (48 or 60 credit hours, depending on the college)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Kentucky
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Kentucky 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.
How Kentucky Qualifies Instructional Assistants
Kentucky sets its qualifications for paraprofessionals in 704 KAR 3:550, and districts may add their own. In practice there are three parts.
Academic Competency: In a school that receives Title I funds, you show your skills with two years of college study, an associate's degree, or a passing score on the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment (KPA). This is the foundation of ESSA compliance.
Training: State law requires your district to train you together with the teacher you are assigned to (KRS 161.044), and districts may add their own requirements.
Safety and Fitness: New hires need a national and state criminal background check through the Kentucky State Police and the FBI, plus a clear CA/N check from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (KRS 160.380).
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Kentucky
Becoming an instructional assistant in a Kentucky Title I school means meeting one academic requirement; your district then handles background checks, the medical exam and training.
You must also hold a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma.
Meeting the ESSA Academic Requirement
Option 1: College Coursework
Complete two years of study at an institution of higher education, as the college you attended defines two years: 48 or 60 credit hours, depending on the college. This is the most straightforward path if you already have college experience.
- You must provide official transcripts to the hiring school district
- Study at any institution of higher education counts, including community colleges; confirm with the district
Option 2: Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment (KPA)
Kentucky's state test is the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment (KPA), 60 multiple-choice questions. Your local school district gives it, usually at the district office or a local adult education center, and any cost depends on the district. KDE has adopted new elementary and secondary versions with new passing scores; until they roll out, the current KPA stays in use. Ask the district which version and passing score apply, and whether it accepts any other KDE-approved assessment such as an ETS score.
- At least 48 of the 60 questions must be answered correctly to pass
- For times and testing locations, contact your local school district
Option 3: Associate's Degree
An associate's degree also meets the requirement (704 KAR 3:550).
- Ask the hiring district what proof of the degree it needs
Training and District Requirements
Districts provide training (KRS 161.044) and may add requirements of their own (704 KAR 3:550). Ask the district what training it requires.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Kentucky?
Every paraprofessional in a Kentucky public school needs a high school diploma or equivalent. In a school that receives Title I funds, paraprofessionals also need two years of college study, an associate's degree, or a passing KPA score. The rule covers anyone doing instructional support, whatever the district calls the job; translators and parent-involvement staff are exempt from the Title I part.
Must Meet All Requirements
- • Instructional Assistants: The official title for aides providing academic support in Kentucky classrooms
- • Special Education Assistants: Aides who support the academic and functional goals of a student's IEP. This is the largest category of paraprofessionals in Kentucky.
- • Title I Assistants: Aides hired to provide targeted interventions in Title I programs
- • ESL Assistants: Assistants who provide language and academic support to English learners
May Not Need Requirements
- • Bus Monitors and Lunchroom Supervisors: Staff with exclusively non-instructional, supervisory duties
- • FRYSC Staff: Family Resource and Youth Services Center employees whose roles focus on family support rather than direct instruction
- • Volunteers: Individuals who are not employed by the district
ParaPathways Assessment In-Depth Breakdown
ParaPathways is the ETS exam that replaced the ParaPro. Kentucky's state test is the KPA, so this breakdown is for candidates whose district accepts an ETS score as another KDE-approved assessment; ask the district first. It covers 87 questions across two separately scored subtests, and you have 145 minutes in total, 85 for Reading & Writing (5758, 51 questions) and 60 for Mathematics (5759, 36 questions).
Reading: Reading & Writing Subtest (5758), about 30 of 51 Questions
Skills Tested: Comprehending and analyzing texts, identifying main ideas and supporting details, defining vocabulary from context, and making logical inferences.
Kentucky Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a Lexington elementary school might use these skills to help students read a story about Kentucky's horse country, guiding them to identify the key characteristics of the Bluegrass region.
Writing: Reading & Writing Subtest (5758), about 21 of 51 Questions
Skills Tested: Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure.
Kentucky Classroom Example: An aide in a Louisville high school could use this expertise to help a student proofread an essay about the history of the Kentucky Derby, making sure the writing is clear, correct, and well-organized.
Mathematics Subtest (5759): 36 Questions
Skills Tested: Operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages; basic algebra; geometry; and data interpretation. 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.
Kentucky Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a Bowling Green middle school might help students with a math project that involves calculating the area of a model of Mammoth Cave National Park or interpreting a graph showing coal production in Kentucky over time.
Additional Mandatory Kentucky Requirements
After the Test: The Kentucky Hiring and Training Process
Passing the test is just the first step. Here is the full path from test results to your first day on the job.
Step-by-Step Guide to Employment
- Step 1: Meet the Academic Requirement. Pass the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment (KPA) through your district, or confirm that you have completed two years of college study as your college defines it (48 or 60 credit hours, depending on the college) or an associate's degree.
- Step 2: Apply for Jobs. Search for open instructional assistant positions on district websites.
- Step 3: Receive a Conditional Job Offer. After a successful interview, the district will extend a conditional offer of employment pending your background checks and training completion.
- Step 4: Complete Background Checks and Medical Exam. The hiring district provides the forms and instructions for the background checks, the CA/N check, and the required medical exam.
- Step 5: Complete District Training. The district trains you with the teacher you are assigned to.
- Step 6: Finalize Hiring. Once your background checks are cleared, your employment is finalized and the district keeps your qualifications on file.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Check the Retake Rule. If you do not pass the KPA, you may retake it two more times (three attempts in all); a district may allow more for a documented reason. If you test with ETS instead, 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.
- Step 2: Review Your Score Report. If you test with ETS, 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 3: Build a Focused Study Plan. Use the time before your next attempt to concentrate on the areas where you lost the most points.
- Step 4: Re-register. Follow the district's or ETS's process for scheduling another attempt.
Preparing for Your Kentucky Paraprofessional Assessment
The amount of prep time you need depends on where you're starting. If you've been out of school for a while, give yourself extra time with math and writing. If you recently finished college coursework, a quick review and some practice tests may be all it takes.
Recommended Study Timelines
Quick Refresher
Best if you recently finished college or feel confident in reading, writing, and math. Focus on taking practice tests and reviewing weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The sweet spot for most people. You have 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 math and writing feel unfamiliar or it's been years since you were in a classroom, take the extra time. Being well-prepared makes a real difference in your confidence on test day.
Free Study Resources
- Your district: Contact the HR department of the district where you plan to work. The district gives the KPA, so it can tell you what to expect.
- Khan Academy: A great place to brush up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It's free and self-paced.
- Kentucky public library databases: Your Kentucky library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which has paraprofessional test-prep materials and skill-building courses. Make sure what you use covers ParaPathways. Check your county library's website for access details.
- 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. When you register, ETS also gives you a free interactive practice test for each subtest you sign up for.
Paid Study Options
Spending money on study materials is not required, 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 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 preference.
Kentucky-Specific Tip
The KPA is given by your local school district, so your first call should be to the HR department of the district where you want to work. Ask them which version and passing score apply, whether they accept any other KDE-approved assessment such as an ETS score, and if they have any study materials you can use.
Test Day: What to Expect in Kentucky
Knowing what to expect ahead of time removes a lot of the stress. The KPA is given by your local school district, which will tell you when and where. The rest of this section describes ETS testing, for districts that accept an ETS score.
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 the district's HR department or ETS.
Testing rooms can run cold. A light jacket lets you adjust without losing focus.
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. Come back to it if there's time left.
Read carefully
Many wrong answers come from misreading the question. Watch for words like "not," "except," and "best" that 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 Kentucky Testing Locations
The KPA is given by your local school district, so contact the district for times and testing locations. If a district accepts an ETS score, ETS offers at-home testing; ask the district first. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Kentucky
Pay varies by district; check each district's published classified salary schedule. The figures below are statewide figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles in Kentucky
Special Education Assistants: By far the most in-demand role across the entire state. The need for aides to work with students who have a wide range of disabilities is constant and growing.
FRYSC Staff: While not always instructional, Family Resource and Youth Services Center roles are a unique part of the Kentucky school system. Experience as an instructional assistant is often a plus when applying for these positions.
Kentucky Test Centers
Where you can test depends on the testing program your state uses. Check with the state agency named above or the hiring district for approved test sites.
Practical notes
- • Contact your target district's HR department first to confirm their testing schedule and location
- • If a district accepts an ETS score, ETS offers at-home testing; ask the district first
How to Register for an Assessment in Kentucky
Registration for the paraprofessional assessment in Kentucky is handled at the local or regional level, not through a single statewide system. Here's how to get started.
Contact Your Local School District
Start by reaching out to the HR department of the district where you want to work. They'll tell you when and where the KPA is given, which version and passing score apply, and whether they accept another KDE-approved assessment such as an ETS score.
Check with Regional Educational Cooperatives
Kentucky is served by a network of educational cooperatives that support districts with training and other services. These include the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC), Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC), and Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC), among others. Visit the website of the cooperative in your region to see what it offers.
Consider At-Home Testing
If a district accepts an ETS score, ETS offers at-home testing; ask the district first. You can register for it directly on the ETS website. This is convenient if you live in a rural area or can't easily travel to a testing site. Confirm current test sites and dates with ETS before you plan around any of them.
Pathway to Teaching in Kentucky
If you have a bachelor's degree, you may qualify for a university-based alternative certification program (often called Option 6, 16 KAR 9:080), which lets you teach while you complete certification coursework.
Ask your district whether it supports instructional assistants who want to finish a bachelor's degree and become teachers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Kentucky Paraprofessionals
What does Kentucky require?
A high school diploma or equivalent for every paraprofessional, and in Title I schools also two years of college study, an associate's degree, or a passing KPA score.
What is an Educational Cooperative?
It's a regional agency that supports school districts with professional development and special education services. Cooperatives like KEDC, OVEC, and CKEC are an important part of the educational infrastructure in Kentucky, especially for smaller districts that don't have the resources to run these programs on their own.
Can I pass the KPA or finish the college requirement before I have a job?
You can pass the KPA or finish the college requirement before you have a job; the district gives the KPA and provides training once you are hired.
How long does it take to get hired as an instructional assistant?
The timeline varies by district and includes background check clearance. Ask your district for the current steps.
Can I work while completing the requirements?
Some districts allow provisional or probationary employment while you complete requirements, but this varies by district policy.
What happens if I do not pass the KPA?
You may retake the KPA two more times (three attempts in all); a district may allow more for a documented reason. If you test with ETS instead, 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.
Ready to Start Your Kentucky Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.