Mississippi Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Magnolia State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Mississippi Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
ACT WorkKeys: Reading for Information 4, Applied Mathematics 4, and Writing or Business Writing 3 (MDE guidance)
Exam and minimum vary by state or district. Verify the current requirement.
Test Duration
ACT sets the time for each WorkKeys test; check when you schedule.
Total testing time
Test Sections
3
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
Test Fee
Fees vary by test site; ask the testing center when you schedule.
Standard assessment cost
School Districts
138
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Mandatory fingerprint-based background check through Mississippi State Police and FBI; Child Abuse Registry check required; retirement through the Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS), with employees hired on or after March 1, 2026 joining its Hybrid Retirement Plan (Tier 5)
Governing Body
Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) - No state license; the hiring district checks the requirements. The MDE assessment route uses ACT WorkKeys
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher from accredited institution
- 48 semester hours of college coursework from accredited institution
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Mississippi
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has established clear and consistent standards for all paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in a Title I school. Mississippi operates under a system of state standards with local implementation. The MDE defines the specific pathways and assessment options you need to meet the ESSA Title I standard, and its assessment route uses ACT WorkKeys. The state's roughly 140 regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22) are then responsible for verifying and documenting that their hires meet these state standards.
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 Mississippi Handles Paraprofessional Qualification
MDE guidance sets the standard, and districts do the verifying. Two points stand out:
- WorkKeys: MDE guidance names ACT WorkKeys as its assessment (Reading for Information 4, Applied Mathematics 4, and Writing or Business Writing 3). WorkKeys test names have changed since MDE published this, so ask the hiring district which tests and levels it accepts today.
- Local District Empowerment: While the standards are set by the state, districts manage hiring, testing, and verification processes. Districts may set qualifications above the federal or state regulation.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Mississippi
The MDE has established clear, federally compliant standards for individuals seeking to work as instructional teacher assistants in schools receiving Title I funding. To be eligible, you must hold a high school diploma or GED and meet one of the following three requirements.
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Higher Education Degree
Hold an associate's degree or a higher degree (bachelor's, master's) from an accredited college or university.
- Ask the hiring district what proof of your degree it needs.
Option 2: College Coursework
Complete at least 48 semester hours of coursework at an accredited institution of higher education.
- Ask the hiring district what proof of college study it needs and which courses it counts.
Option 3: Formal Academic Assessment
Achieve a passing score on a formal assessment. MDE guidance names ACT WorkKeys as its assessment:
- ACT WorkKeys: Reading for Information 4, Applied Mathematics 4, and Writing or Business Writing 3 (MDE paraprofessional guidance). WorkKeys test names have changed since MDE published this, so ask the hiring district which WorkKeys tests and levels it accepts today.
- Already-earned ETS ParaPro score: MDE guidance names WorkKeys as its assessment. If you already hold a ParaPro score, ask the hiring district whether it accepts it. The ParaPro is no longer offered.
Additional Mandatory Mississippi Requirements
- ✓ Criminal History Records Check: All prospective school employees must undergo a fingerprint-based background check. Fingerprints are submitted to the Mississippi State Police and the FBI for a state and national criminal history check. This process is initiated by the hiring district after a conditional offer of employment.
- ✓ Child Abuse Registry Check: A check of the state's child abuse and neglect registry is also required.
- ✓ Education: Federal rules require a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
Who Needs to Meet the Requirements in Mississippi?
In a schoolwide Title I school the requirements cover every paraprofessional with instructional duties, whatever pays for the position. Districts may set higher qualifications.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Teacher Assistants: The general title for aides providing academic support in core subjects
- • Title I Teacher Assistants: Aides hired with Title I funds to provide targeted academic interventions
- • Special Education Teacher Assistants: Aides working under a certified special education teacher to support IEP goals
- • EL Teacher Assistants: Assistants who provide language and academic support to English learners
- • Pre-Kindergarten Assistants: Aides working in Mississippi's public Pre-K programs
May Not Need Requirements
- • Non-Instructional Aides: Staff whose duties are exclusively supervisory with no teaching or academic reinforcement
- • Lunchroom / Recess / Bus Monitors: Supervisory roles with no instructional component
- • Translators and Parent-Involvement Aides: Paraprofessionals working primarily as translators or solely on parental involvement activities
- • Personal Care Assistants (PCAs): Aides whose duties are strictly non-instructional and related to a student's physical, health, or daily living needs. If their role includes any instructional support, they must meet the qualification.
Mississippi Assessment Details
MDE guidance names ACT WorkKeys as its assessment. On the ETS side, the ParaPro is no longer offered and ParaPathways replaced it, but MDE guidance names WorkKeys, not an ETS exam, so new candidates should plan on WorkKeys unless the hiring district says otherwise. If you already hold a ParaPro score, ask the hiring district whether it accepts it. The ParaPathways breakdown further down is only for readers who are also applying in a state that uses it: two separately timed, separately scored subtests, Reading & Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes.
ACT WorkKeys: What MDE Guidance Lists
MDE guidance lists these ACT WorkKeys scores: Reading for Information 4, Applied Mathematics 4, and Writing or Business Writing 3. WorkKeys test names have changed since MDE published this, so ask the hiring district which WorkKeys tests and levels it accepts today. For the tests themselves, see ACT (act.org/workkeys).
ParaPathways Assessment Breakdown (Not a Mississippi Route; for Other States)
Reading (Reading & Writing subtest 5758, about 30 of 51 questions)
Skills Tested: Your ability to comprehend and analyze a variety of written materials, including identifying the main idea, locating key details, defining vocabulary in context, and making logical inferences.
Mississippi Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a Jackson Public Schools classroom might use these skills to help a small group of students read a historical text about the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. You would guide students to identify the key figures (supporting details) and understand the significance of the events that took place (main idea).
Writing (Reading & Writing subtest 5758, about 21 of 51 questions)
Skills Tested: Your knowledge of the conventions of standard written English, including grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling. It also tests your ability to apply this knowledge when helping students with writing.
Mississippi Classroom Example: An aide in a DeSoto County Schools high school could use this expertise to help a student proofread a research paper about a famous Mississippi author like William Faulkner or Eudora Welty. You would help correct sentence fragments, check for proper comma usage, and fix spelling errors so the student produces a clear and persuasive paper.
Mathematics (Mathematics subtest 5759, 36 questions)
Skills Tested: A broad 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. An on-screen calculator is provided.
Mississippi Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a Gulf Coast school district might help students with a hands-on science project that involves measuring and graphing the salinity of water samples from the Mississippi Sound. This would require working with decimals, creating a line graph, and interpreting the data with the students.
After the Test: The Mississippi Hiring Process
Passing the approved assessment is one way to show you meet the requirements and move forward in the hiring process.
If You Passed the Assessment
- Step 1: Get Your Qualifications in Order. Have your proof of qualification ready: either your official college transcripts or your official WorkKeys score report (or an already-earned ParaPro score report, if your district accepts it).
- Step 2: Start Your Job Search. In Mississippi, hiring is decentralized. You need to search for openings on the websites of individual school districts.
- Step 3: Complete the Application. Fill out the district's online application thoroughly. Upload your resume, letters of reference, and your proof of qualification (scanned score report or college transcripts).
- Step 4: Interview. Once HR verifies that you meet the requirements, your application goes to school principals with vacancies. The principal will contact you to schedule an interview.
- Step 5: Conditional Offer and Background Check. If the interview goes well, the principal recommends you for hire and HR extends a conditional offer. You will then schedule your fingerprinting appointment for the state and national background checks.
- Step 6: Finalization. Once your background checks clear and pre-employment paperwork is complete, your employment is finalized and you are scheduled for new hire orientation.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Check the Retake Rules. Ask your WIN Job Center or testing site how soon you can retake a WorkKeys section.
- Step 2: Review Your Score Report. Identify which sections gave you the most trouble. For WorkKeys, look at which tests scored below the level your district requires.
- Step 3: Build a Focused Study Plan. Use the time before your retake to target the specific areas where you struggled. Your local WIN Job Center may offer free preparation resources.
- Step 4: Re-register and Retake. Follow the provider's process for scheduling your retake once any waiting period has passed.
Preparing for Your Mississippi Paraprofessional Assessment
How much time you need to study depends on where you are starting. If you have been out of school for a while, give yourself extra time with math and writing. If you feel comfortable with those subjects already, a shorter review period might be enough. The important thing is to start early and stay consistent.
Recommended Study Timelines
Quick Refresher
Best if you recently completed college coursework or feel confident in reading, writing, and math. Focus on practice tests and brushing up on any weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The sweet spot for most people. This gives you time to work through a study guide, take practice tests, and revisit topics you are rusty on without feeling rushed.
In-Depth Review
If it has been a while since you have done formal math or writing, take the extra time. There is no penalty for being well-prepared, and the confidence boost helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ACT WorkKeys test sites: Find a WorkKeys test site through ACT (act.org/workkeys), and call ahead to ask what preparation resources it offers.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and data interpretation. It is free and self-paced.
- ACT WorkKeys sample questions: Check the ACT website (act.org/workkeys) for sample questions for the WorkKeys tests your district requires.
- Online practice questions: Free paraprofessional practice questions in reading, writing, and math can help with a general review, but they do not follow the WorkKeys format, so use them alongside the ACT samples above.
Paid Study Options
You do not need to spend money to pass, but some people prefer the structure of a paid resource. Here are the most common options:
- WorkKeys study guide books ($20-40): Available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Look for ones published within the last couple of years so the content stays current.
- 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 are not your thing.
Mississippi-Specific Tip
MDE guidance names ACT WorkKeys as its assessment, so confirm with your hiring district which WorkKeys tests and levels it accepts today (MDE lists Reading for Information 4, Applied Mathematics 4, and Writing or Business Writing 3), then prepare for those tests. The WorkKeys tests real-world skills rather than academic knowledge, so focus on practical problem-solving.
Test Day: What to Expect in Mississippi
Knowing what to expect on test day takes away a lot of the stress. Here is a rundown so you can walk in feeling ready.
What to Bring
ACT and the WorkKeys test center set which identification they accept. Ask when you schedule, and bring exactly that.
Bring any confirmation email or appointment details from your WIN Job Center or testing site.
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 test center check-in instructions. ACT and the WorkKeys test center set how early to arrive and what identification to present. Ask when you schedule, and follow what they tell you.
- 2 Store personal items. You will 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
Do not spend too long on any single question. If you are stuck, mark it and move on. You can come back to it if there is 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 are unsure about the right one.
Do not leave blanks
There is no penalty for guessing on the WorkKeys, and on ParaPathways 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 Mississippi Testing Locations
Find a WorkKeys test site through ACT (act.org/workkeys). Call ahead to confirm the date, time, and what the site asks you to bring.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Mississippi
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Typical Benefits Package
The Pathway to a Teaching Career in Mississippi
Ask the district and the MDE Office of Educator Licensure about grow-your-own and alternate route programs for aspiring teachers.
Mississippi 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
- • Find a WorkKeys test site through ACT (act.org/workkeys); call ahead to confirm the date, time, and what the site asks you to bring
How to Register for an Assessment in Mississippi
WorkKeys testing is arranged through ACT and the test site you choose. Here is how to work through it step by step.
ETS Assessments (Not a Mississippi Route)
ETS no longer offers the ParaPro, and ParaPathways replaced it. MDE guidance names WorkKeys, not an ETS exam, so check with your hiring district before registering with ETS. If you already hold a ParaPro score, ask the hiring district whether it accepts it.
Find a WorkKeys Test Site
Find a WorkKeys test site through ACT (act.org/workkeys). Contact the site for testing schedules and registration information.
Ask Your District
Contact the HR department of the district where you want to work to ask which WorkKeys tests and levels it accepts, and where its applicants test.
No State-Level License Required
Mississippi does not issue a state-level license or certificate for paraprofessionals. Your qualification is verified and documented by your employing school district. You do not need to apply for any credential from the state itself.
Frequently Asked Questions - Mississippi Paraprofessionals
Is there a state-level license for paraprofessionals in Mississippi?
No. Mississippi does not issue a state-level license or certificate. Your qualification is verified and documented by your employing school district. You do not need to apply for any state credential.
What is a WIN Job Center?
WIN Job Centers are one-stop career centers run by the state of Mississippi. Call your local center to ask whether it offers WorkKeys testing or preparation materials.
How do I find job openings in Mississippi?
The best way is to go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page of the individual school district websites. You will need to check the districts you are interested in individually.
I passed the ParaPro test in another state. Will Mississippi accept my score?
MDE guidance names WorkKeys as its assessment. If you already hold a ParaPro score, ask the hiring district whether it accepts it; you would need to provide your official ETS score report. The ParaPro is no longer offered, so this applies only to a score you already have.
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?
Mississippi candidates qualify through WorkKeys, not an ETS exam, so contact your WorkKeys test site about scheduling a retake. Use the time to study the tests that scored below the level your district requires.
Ready to Start Your Mississippi Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.