Minnesota Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the North Star State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Minnesota Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
455 on the retired ParaPro scale (the qualifying score ETS lists for Minnesota; districts may ask for more)
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
329
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Criminal history background check required under Minnesota Statute 123B.03, run through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) with your signed consent; out-of-state residents are also checked in their home state (or by the FBI); the district decides how the results affect hiring; minimum age is set by the hiring district; PERA retirement enrollment
Governing Body
Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) - No statewide license is required; the hiring district checks that you meet the federal paraprofessional requirements. PELSB offers an optional Voluntary Paraprofessional Credential for paraprofessionals who have passed an MDE-approved assessment and complete additional requirements
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher from accredited institution
- 60 semester credits (two years of study) from accredited institution
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Minnesota
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Minnesota 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.
Minnesota's Approach: Local Control with Professional Standards
Minnesota does not issue a mandatory statewide license for general paraprofessionals. Instead, MDE sets the qualification options, which depend on the job and how it is funded, and each district checks that its paraprofessionals meet them. The state lists ParaPathways qualifying scores of 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 332 on Mathematics (5759), and a district may require more. The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) offers an optional Voluntary Paraprofessional Credential, which is not required to work as a paraprofessional and is built on a set of paraprofessional competencies.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Minnesota
To work as an instructional paraprofessional in a Minnesota Title I school, you need a high school diploma or GED plus one of the following qualifications. The key thing to know is that the current ETS test is the ParaPathways Assessment, and Minnesota's qualifying scores are 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 332 on Mathematics (5759). A score of 455 on the retired ParaPro scale (the score ETS lists for Minnesota) still counts if already earned, and districts may ask for more. Option 4 applies to special education only: paraprofessionals who support students in special education can also qualify by meeting the competencies in MDE's approved competency grid. Special-education paraprofessionals must meet one of these options in any school, not only Title I schools.
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Higher Education Degree
Hold an associate's degree or higher (bachelor's, master's) from an accredited college or university.
- Your district decides what proof of your degree it accepts; ask its HR office. The institution must be accredited.
Option 2: College Coursework (60 Semester Credits)
Complete at least two years of study at an accredited institution, defined as a minimum of 60 semester credits (or the equivalent in quarter credits).
- Your district decides what proof it accepts and which credits count; ask its HR office. The institution must be accredited.
Option 3: ETS ParaPathways Assessment (332 Reading and Writing, 332 Mathematics)
This is the most important thing to understand about Minnesota: the qualifying scores on the ETS ParaPathways Assessment are 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 332 on Mathematics (5759), but each district can ask for more. A score of 455 on the retired ParaPro scale (the score ETS lists for Minnesota) still counts if already earned. On that retired scale, many large districts converged on 460, as listed below, so verify the exact score with the district you're applying to.
- Anoka-Hennepin School District: 460 (retired ParaPro scale)
- Minneapolis Public Schools: 460 (retired ParaPro scale)
- Saint Paul Public Schools: 460 (retired ParaPro scale)
- Always confirm the specific score with your target district before scheduling your test
Additional Mandatory Minnesota Requirements
- Criminal History Background Check: Required under Minnesota Statute 123B.03. The check is run through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) with your signed consent; applicants from other states are also checked in their home state (or by the FBI). The district decides how the results affect hiring.
- Age: Minimum age is set by the hiring district.
- Education: Must hold a high school diploma or GED.
Who Needs to Meet the Requirements in Minnesota?
The federal paraprofessional requirements apply to paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in a Title I school. Paraprofessionals who support students in special education must meet one of the options in any school.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Paraprofessionals/Educational Assistants: Aides providing academic support in core subjects
- • Title I Paraprofessionals: Aides providing targeted academic interventions in reading or math
- • Special Education Paraprofessionals: Aides supporting students with IEPs under a licensed special education teacher
- • EL Paraprofessionals: Assistants supporting English learners; in the Twin Cities, fluency in Spanish, Hmong, or Somali is often needed
- • Pre-Kindergarten Assistants: Aides in Minnesota's public Pre-K and early childhood programs, if the program is funded by Title I or the aide supports students in special education
May Not Need Requirements
- • Lunchroom or Recess Supervisors: Purely supervisory roles
- • Bus and Hall Monitors: Non-instructional supervisory staff
- • Personal Care Attendants (PCAs): If duties are strictly non-instructional; however, blended roles that include instructional support require qualification
- • Community or Cultural Liaisons: Staff who work with families but do not provide instruction
Minnesota ParaPathways Assessment Details
The ParaPathways Assessment, which replaced the ParaPro after August 31, 2026, is now the primary tool used by Minnesota school districts to qualify candidates through the testing pathway. It has two separately timed and separately scored subtests: Reading & Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. Here's what each section covers and how it connects to real classroom work in Minnesota.
Reading (Reading & Writing subtest 5758: about 30 of 51 questions)
Skills Tested: Reading comprehension, identifying main ideas, locating supporting details, defining vocabulary in context, and making logical inferences.
Minnesota Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a Duluth elementary school might use these skills to help a small group of students read an informational text about the history of shipping on Lake Superior. They would guide students to identify the different types of ships used (supporting details) and understand the lake's importance to the regional economy (main idea).
Writing (Reading & Writing subtest 5758: about 21 of 51 questions)
Skills Tested: Command of grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling. No essay writing is required; instead, you identify and correct errors in provided text.
Minnesota Classroom Example: An aide in a Rochester high school could be working with a student on a research paper about the Mayo Clinic. The aide would help the student proofread their draft, correcting run-on sentences, checking comma usage, and fixing spelling errors to produce a clear and polished final product.
Mathematics (Mathematics subtest 5759: 36 questions)
Skills Tested: Operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages; basic algebra; geometry and measurement; and data interpretation 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.
Minnesota Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a suburban Twin Cities school (like Wayzata or Edina) might help students with a hands-on math project that involves calculating the volume of water in a model of one of the local lakes or interpreting a graph showing annual snowfall totals.
Preparing for Your Minnesota 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.
Free Study Resources
- ETS ParaPathways practice materials: 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 the best starting point.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Free and self-paced.
- Minnesota public library resources: Your library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which has paraprofessional test-prep practice tests and skill-building courses (make sure they cover 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:
- 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): Video lessons, quizzes, and full-length practice tests. Helpful if you learn better with guided instruction.
- Video tutorial packages: Focused video bundles on specific subjects. Good if reading-heavy materials aren't your thing.
Minnesota-Specific Tip
Before you start studying, confirm the exact passing score with the district you're applying to. The ParaPathways scores for Minnesota are 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 332 on Mathematics (5759). ETS lists 455 on the retired ParaPro scale for Minnesota (an already-earned score still counts), and some districts set a higher threshold on that scale (several large districts use 460). Also, decide whether you will test at home through ETS or at an ETS test center. For the retired ParaPro, some larger districts like Anoka-Hennepin and Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan tested applicants in-house, and regional service cooperatives and Minnesota State colleges also hosted testing. ETS decides where ParaPathways 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.
Test Day: What to Expect in Minnesota
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 your confirmation email or registration receipt from ETS or the testing district.
Testing rooms can be cold, especially in winter. A light jacket lets you adjust.
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 later.
Read carefully
Many wrong answers come from misreading. Pay attention to words like "not," "except," and "best."
Eliminate wrong answers
On multiple-choice questions, crossing out answers you know are wrong improves your odds even when unsure.
Don't leave blanks
ETS counts only the questions you answer correctly, so never leave a blank. Fill in your best guess for every remaining question.
About Minnesota Testing Locations
In Minnesota, ParaPro testing happened at several types of locations: larger school districts like Anoka-Hennepin and Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan administered the test in-house, regional service cooperatives (such as Metro ECSU and Sourcewell) served as testing hubs, and many community and technical colleges in the Minnesota State system have testing centers. For ParaPathways, check the ETS test-center locator for current sites. At-home testing through ETS is also available and often the most flexible option.
How to Register for an Assessment in Minnesota
The registration process in Minnesota is managed at the local and regional level. Here's how to work through it step by step.
Choose Your Testing Option
For at-home testing, register directly through the ETS website. For in-person testing, find a test center on the ETS locator; if it is a participating district or agency, you register with it directly.
Study and Take the Test
Use the official ETS materials (registration includes a free interactive practice test), Khan Academy, and library resources to prepare. Make sure you know the specific passing scores for your target district before test day.
Search for Jobs and Apply
Check the "Careers" or Human Resources page of individual district websites. Upload your resume, references, and proof of qualification (ParaPathways or earlier ParaPro score report, or transcripts).
After the Test: The Minnesota Hiring Process
Passing the assessment is one way to show you meet the federal paraprofessional requirements and move forward in the hiring process.
- Step 1: Get Your Qualifications in Order. Have your official college transcripts or ParaPathways (or earlier ParaPro) score report ready before applying.
- Step 2: Search for Jobs. Go to the "Careers" or Human Resources page of each district you are interested in.
- Step 3: Apply Thoroughly. Upload all supporting documents including proof of qualification.
- Step 4: Interview. After HR verifies that you meet the requirements, principals with vacancies will contact you.
- Step 5: Conditional Job Offer. If the interview goes well, HR extends a conditional offer.
- Step 6: Background Check and Onboarding. Complete your criminal history background check through the BCA.
- Step 7: Finalization. Once background checks clear and paperwork is complete, you'll be scheduled for new hire orientation covering district policies, benefits, and payroll. Once hired, your district must give you initial training within your first 60 days, at least eight hours of paid training each year (six before the first school day or within 30 days of hire), and, if you work with students with disabilities, time to review each student's IEP within five days of working alone with that student.
Pathway to Teaching in Minnesota
Minnesota has a four-tiered system for teacher licensure. Tier 1 and Tier 2 generally require a bachelor's degree (with narrow exceptions such as career and technical education), and Tier 2 also requires enrollment in or completion of a teacher preparation program (or a master's in the field).
The state legislature has funded "Grow Your Own" grants that help districts support their paraprofessionals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, in becoming fully licensed teachers.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Minnesota
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles
Special Education Paraprofessionals: Aides working with students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (EBD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
EL Paraprofessionals: With large immigrant communities in the Twin Cities, paraprofessionals fluent in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali are in extremely high demand.
Early Childhood Paraprofessionals: Aides with experience in early childhood special education (ECSE) and public Pre-K programs are highly valued.
Minnesota 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
- • Check the "Careers" or Human Resources page of each district you are interested in for current openings
- • Regional service cooperatives (Metro ECSU, Sourcewell) provide professional development and have hosted paraprofessional testing
- • Many Minnesota State community and technical colleges have testing centers; check the ETS test-center locator for sites that offer ParaPathways
Frequently Asked Questions - Minnesota Paraprofessionals
Is there a state-level license for paraprofessionals in Minnesota?
No statewide license is required to be hired as a general paraprofessional. PELSB offers an optional Voluntary Paraprofessional Credential for paraprofessionals who have passed an MDE-approved assessment and complete additional requirements. Paraprofessionals with a high school diploma and at least one year of work in their district (or an associate degree) can apply jointly with the district for PELSB's Emergency Short-call Substitute License, which lets them substitute teach.
What is the difference between the MDE and PELSB?
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is the state agency that oversees K-12 education, sets standards, and administers funding. The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is the state board that licenses teachers and oversees teacher preparation programs. It also runs the voluntary paraprofessional credential.
How do I find job openings in Minnesota?
Go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page of individual school district websites to see current openings.
I passed the ParaPro test in another state. Will Minnesota accept my score?
Yes. Since the retired ParaPro was a national test, a Minnesota school district will accept your official score report, as long as your score meets that district's passing threshold (at least 455 on the retired ParaPro scale, and 460 in several large districts; verify with the district).
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.
Ready to Start Your Minnesota Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.