Maine Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Pine Tree State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Maine Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
459 on the retired ParaPro scale (the qualifying score ETS lists for Maine; submit proof to the hiring SAU's superintendent)
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
IdentoGO fingerprinting ($55) and the Ed Tech certificate application ($25) are separate from the exam fee.
School Districts
256
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Apply for your Ed Tech certificate in MEIS first, then get fingerprinted. The Maine DOE runs the criminal history record check (CHRC) and must clear it before it issues the certificate; you are fingerprinted again every 5 years unless you have worked continuously for a Maine school district for the last 5 years; Ed Tech Certificate (5-year validity, renewable); Age 18+; MainePERS teacher plan for Ed Tech II and III (Ed Tech I is not eligible for that plan)
Governing Body
Maine Department of Education. It issues the educational technician certificate (Ed Tech I, II, III) for 5 years under State Board Chapter 115
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher from accredited institution
- Title I (ESEA) endorsement: 48 hours of college coursework (Ed Tech I itself needs only a high school diploma or GED)
- Ed Tech II: 60 credits of approved study (48 under the revised rule effective October 25, 2026)
- Ed Tech III: 90 credits of approved study
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Maine
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Maine 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.
Maine's Unique Approach: A Professional Ladder for Ed Techs
Maine requires a state educational technician certificate to work as an Ed Tech in a public school; it has three levels. The system is tiered into Ed Tech I, Ed Tech II, and Ed Tech III, each with higher academic requirements and broader responsibilities.
Apply for your Ed Tech certificate in MEIS first, then get fingerprinted. The Maine Department of Education runs the criminal history record check (CHRC) and must clear it before it issues the certificate. The CHRC is the safety check, and the Ed Tech certificate is the professional authorization.
Why Maine's Tiered System Matters
- 1. It professionalizes the workforce. A formal state certificate with multiple levels creates a real career ladder, not just a job.
- 2. It guarantees a baseline of quality. Every Ed Tech holds at least a high school diploma or GED, and the Title I endorsement adds 48 hours of college coursework or a passing score on the ETS paraprofessional assessment (ParaPathways today, or an already-earned ParaPro score).
- 3. It supports Maine's special education needs. Many Ed Techs in Maine work in special education. Higher-level certifications let experienced aides take on more responsibility in those roles.
- 4. It creates a pipeline to teaching. An Ed Tech III has 90 college credits, putting them just one year away from a bachelor's degree and a teaching license.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Maine
Maine's path to becoming an Ed Tech has two foundational steps. First, apply for your Educational Technician certificate in MEIS at the level you qualify for. Then get fingerprinted; the Maine DOE must clear your CHRC before it issues the certificate.
Criminal History Record Check (CHRC)
The Maine DOE runs a fingerprint-based CHRC on every applicant and must clear it before it issues your certificate. A new school employee must be fingerprinted within the first 20 days of work; the Maine DOE issues a temporary approval card while the check is pending.
- 1. Create a MEIS account and submit your application to the Maine DOE.
- 2. Register with IdentoGO (the DOE's fingerprinting partner, $55 fee) for a fingerprint appointment.
- 3. The Maine DOE reviews the results and must clear the CHRC before it issues your certificate.
You are fingerprinted again every 5 years unless you have worked continuously for a Maine school district for the last 5 years. Once you hold the certificate, the CHRC is part of it; you renew the certificate, not the CHRC.
The Three Tiers of the Ed Tech Certificate
Educational Technician I (Entry Level)
The Ed Tech I is the introductory certificate. It needs a high school diploma or GED, plus a CHRC the Maine DOE has cleared. For a Title I position you also need the Title I (ESEA) endorsement, which takes ONE of these:
- Degree. An associate's degree or higher (the federal route; confirm with the Maine DOE that it grants the endorsement on that basis).
- College Coursework. 48 hours of college coursework.
- ParaPathways Assessment. Pass the ETS ParaPathways Assessment. Maine has not published ParaPathways passing scores, so confirm the requirement with the Maine DOE or the hiring SAU; ETS recommends 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). An already-earned score of 459 on the retired ParaPro scale (the qualifying score ETS lists for Maine) still counts.
Educational Technician II (Intermediate Level)
The Ed Tech II is for paraprofessionals with more college education. It qualifies you for roles with greater responsibility and the ability to work with less direct supervision.
- Requirement: A cleared CHRC plus 60 credits of approved study under the rule in force. The revised Chapter 115, effective October 25, 2026, is set to lower this to 48; confirm the current figure with the Maine DOE.
Educational Technician III (Advanced Level)
The Ed Tech III is the highest paraprofessional certification in Maine. An Ed Tech III may introduce new learning preplanned with the teacher, supervise small groups in community-based programs, and give short-term instruction in small classes with indirect supervision.
- Requirement: A cleared CHRC plus at least 90 semester hours of approved postsecondary coursework (the equivalent of three full years of college), or completion of a Maine DOE-approved Ed Tech III training program (for example, a Maine Community College System learning facilitator program).
Important: Certificate Validity and Renewal
Your Ed Tech certificate is valid for five years. To renew, complete three semester credits or 45 contact hours of professional development during the certificate's five years, and apply with the $25 renewal fee. If you work for a school district, the renewal goes through the district. Keep track of your renewal date.
Who Needs an Ed Tech Certificate in Maine?
Maine requires a state educational technician certificate to work as an Ed Tech in a public school; it has three levels.
Whether a position needs an Ed Tech certificate depends on its duties; ask the hiring SAU. Everyone 18 or older who works for a Maine SAU must be fingerprinted.
ParaPathways Assessment Breakdown: A Maine Context
ParaPathways is the testing route to the Title I endorsement. It confirms you have the fundamental academic skills to assist in classroom instruction. The test has 87 questions across two separately scored subtests, Reading & Writing (5758, 51 questions) and Mathematics (5759, 36 questions), and you get 145 minutes in total, 85 for Reading & Writing and 60 for Mathematics.
Reading (Reading & Writing subtest 5758: about 30 of 51 questions)
Skills Tested: Comprehending and analyzing written materials. You will identify main ideas, locate supporting details, define vocabulary in context, and make logical inferences from reading passages.
Maine Classroom Example: An Ed Tech in Aroostook County ("The County") might help a small group of students read about the history of potato farming in Maine. You would guide them to identify the main steps in the farming process (supporting details) and infer why the industry matters so much to the region's economy.
Writing (Reading & Writing subtest 5758: about 21 of 51 questions)
Skills Tested: Knowledge of standard written English conventions, including grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling. The questions also test your ability to apply these skills when helping students with writing.
Maine Classroom Example: An Ed Tech in a coastal district like Portland or RSU 21 (Kennebunk) could help a student proofread a creative story about a lobsterman. You would correct sentence fragments, check dialogue punctuation, and fix spelling errors to help the student craft a more vivid narrative.
Mathematics (Mathematics subtest 5759: 36 questions)
Skills Tested: Operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; basic algebra; geometry and measurement; and interpreting data from charts and graphs. The subtest splits about evenly between numbers and operations (about 18 questions) and geometry, measurement and data (about 18), includes some numeric-entry questions where you type the answer, and provides an on-screen four-function calculator.
Maine Classroom Example: An Ed Tech near the mountains (like in MSAD 72 near Fryeburg) might help students calculate elevation gain on a local hiking trail using a topographical map, or interpret a graph showing annual snowfall data for the region.
The Maine Certification and Hiring Process: Step by Step
The process in Maine runs through the Maine DOE and the hiring SAU. These are the main steps.
Getting Certified and Hired
- Step 1: Meet an Academic Requirement. For Ed Tech I, you need a high school diploma or GED. For the Title I endorsement, pass the ETS paraprofessional assessment or have your official transcripts for 48 college credits ready. For Ed Tech II, you need 60 credits (set to drop to 48 on October 25, 2026; confirm with the Maine DOE). For Ed Tech III, you need 90 credits.
- Step 2: Search for Jobs. Look for Ed Tech openings on SAU websites and the Maine DOE school job board (run with Live + Work in Maine).
- Step 3: Apply for Your Ed Tech Certificate. Go to the Maine DOE's certification website, create a MEIS account, and fill out the official application for the Ed Tech certificate at the level you qualify for.
- Step 4: Submit Documentation. Upload your high school diploma or GED, official college transcripts (if applicable), and your official ParaPathways score report (or an earlier ParaPro score report). Pay the application fee ($25).
- Step 5: Get Fingerprinted. After your application is in, register with IdentoGO (the DOE's fingerprinting partner, $55 fee) for a fingerprint appointment. The Maine DOE runs the CHRC and must clear it before it issues the certificate.
- Step 6: DOE Review and Certificate Issuance. The Maine DOE certification office reviews your file, verifies your CHRC is clear and all academic requirements are met. Once approved, you can view and print your certificate from your MEIS profile.
- Step 7: Finalize Employment. The school district finalizes your employment under its own process. A new school employee must be fingerprinted within the first 20 days of work, and the Maine DOE issues a temporary approval card while the check is pending.
Preparing for the ParaPathways Assessment in Maine
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. Maine has not published ParaPathways passing scores, so confirm the requirement with the Maine DOE or the hiring SAU; ETS recommends 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759).
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 ParaPathways resources: ETS publishes an official ParaPathways Study Companion with sample questions, and when you register you get a free interactive practice test for each subtest you sign up for. This is a good starting point for understanding the test format.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It's free and self-paced.
- Maine State Library: Your Maine library card gives you access to online databases including LearningExpress Library, which offers test prep, skill-building tutorials, and career resources (check that what you use covers ParaPathways).
- Online practice tests: Sites like parapropracticetest.com and uniontestprep.com/parapro-assessment offer free practice questions covering reading, writing, and math.
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.
Maine-Specific Tip
Maine has not published ParaPathways passing scores; ETS recommends 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics. Before you start studying, contact the HR department of the district you want to work in and ask what scores they require. That way you know exactly what target you're aiming for. An already-earned score of 459 on the retired ParaPro scale still counts.
Test Day: What to Expect in Maine
Knowing what to expect on test day takes away a lot of the stress. Whether you're testing in person at a district site or at home through ETS remote proctoring, 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 the district or ETS with your test details.
Testing rooms can be cold, especially in Maine winters. A light jacket 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 Maine Testing Locations
In Maine, the retired ParaPro was typically administered by local school districts (SAUs) and adult education programs. For ParaPathways, you can test at home through ETS remote proctoring or at a test center. The at-home option is especially convenient if you live in a rural area far from a testing site. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, and some districts and agencies are participating test centers that you register with directly, so check its test-center locator rather than assuming a site named here carried over.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Maine
Pay, union representation and step increases are set by each SAU's negotiated agreement; ask the SAU for its Ed Tech salary schedule.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Salary by District
Southern Maine (York and Cumberland Counties), Central Maine (Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston/Auburn), Northern and Downeast Maine: Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Typical Benefits Package
Common Roles
Special Education Ed Techs: Many Ed Techs in Maine work in special education.
Pathway to a Teaching Career
The Ed Tech system is explicitly designed as a pipeline for future teachers. An Ed Tech III has already completed 90 college credits, which is three full years of a bachelor's degree program. That puts you just one year away from being eligible for a teaching license.
The University of Southern Maine offers an online special education bachelor's degree built for working Ed Techs.
Maine 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
- • Look for Ed Tech openings on SAU websites and the Maine DOE school job board (run with Live + Work in Maine)
- • Maine has not published ParaPathways scores (ETS recommends 332 and 334); always check with the specific district (SAU)
How to Register for an Assessment in Maine
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.
Start with your MEIS account on the Maine DOE's certification website. The DOE's fingerprinting webpage then walks you through the CHRC. Then search for Ed Tech openings on the Maine DOE's school job board (Live + Work in Maine) and on individual SAU websites.
Step 2: Confirm the Requirement and Register
HR will tell you which assessment and passing score it requires. You then register for the test yourself.
For the ParaPathways Assessment, register through the ETS website for at-home testing, or find a test center on the ETS locator; if it is a participating district or agency, you register with it directly. Ask the HR department of the SAU where you want to work which passing score it requires.
Step 3: Prepare and Take the Test
Review study materials provided by the district and complete the assessment on the scheduled date.
Once you have your CHRC and meet the academic requirements, apply for your Ed Tech certificate through the Maine DOE's certification website. The application fee is $25. Once approved, you can view and print your certificate from your MEIS profile.
Pathway to Teaching
The Ed Tech system is designed as a clear pipeline to a teaching career. An Ed Tech III has 90 college credits, putting them just one year from a bachelor's degree and teaching certification.
The University of Southern Maine offers an online special education bachelor's degree built for working Ed Techs. Your hands-on classroom experience will make you a strong candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions - Maine Paraprofessionals
What is the difference between an Ed Tech and a Paraprofessional?
In Maine, "Educational Technician" is the official, legal title for the role that requires state certification. "Paraprofessional" is a more general, national term. If you are providing instructional support in a Maine public school, you are an Ed Tech and you need the state certificate.
What is the difference between the CHRC and the Ed Tech Certificate?
They are two parts of one process. You apply for the Ed Tech certificate in MEIS first, then get fingerprinted; the Maine DOE runs the CHRC and must clear it before it issues the certificate. You are fingerprinted again every 5 years unless you have worked continuously for a Maine school district for the last 5 years. Once you hold the certificate, the CHRC is part of it; you renew the certificate, not the CHRC.
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.
How do I renew my Ed Tech Certificate?
The certificate is valid for five years. To renew, complete three semester credits or 45 contact hours of professional development during the certificate's five years, and apply with the $25 renewal fee. If you work for a school district, the renewal goes through the district. Keep track of your expiration date so you don't have a gap in your certification.
Do I need a job offer to get my Ed Tech certificate?
No. Maine's rule lists good moral character, being at least 18, an application and a criminal history records check; it does not require a job offer. You can apply for your Ed Tech certificate on your own once you meet the requirements.
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. In Maine, book the retake through ETS or, for a participating district or agency listed on the ETS test-center locator, directly with that center, and ask your SAU which passing score it requires.
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