Nevada Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Silver State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Nevada Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
455 on the retired ParaPro (NAC 391.760), or an alternative assessment approved by the State Board
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
18
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Before you start work, you give the school district a full set of fingerprints for a state and FBI check, run through the Nevada Department of Public Safety's Central Repository, and you repeat it at least every 5 years; the state's fee schedule effective January 1, 2025 lists $39 in total ($27 state + $12 FBI); employees in positions of half-time or more join the Public Employees' Retirement System of Nevada (PERS); health insurance and any stipends are set by each district
Governing Body
Nevada Department of Education (NDE) - No state-level license for paraprofessionals; the school district or charter school confirms the qualifications in NAC 391.760, and the Department keeps a statewide record of qualified paraprofessionals; school districts follow county lines (Carson City counts as one); Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno/Sparks) are the two largest
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher from accredited institution
- 48 semester hours of college coursework from accredited institution
- An alternative assessment approved by the State Board (NAC 391.760)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Nevada
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Nevada 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.
Nevada's Approach: County School Districts
Nevada's school districts follow county lines (Carson City counts as one). Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno/Sparks) are the two largest. The other districts are smaller.
Nevada's rule (NAC 391.760) accepts the ETS paraprofessional assessment or another assessment the State Board approves. ETS lists Nevada's ParaPathways qualifying scores as 329 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics. Ask the hiring district which assessment it accepts and at what score.
Language Skills in Nevada Classrooms
Qualified paraprofessionals can support English Language Learners in Nevada classrooms. If you speak Spanish or another second language, mention it in your application.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Nevada
State education codes and federal ESSA guidelines establish clear standards for all instructional paraprofessionals working in Title I programs.
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Degree
Hold an associate's degree (AA, AS) or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Official sealed transcripts required
- Must be from accredited institution
- Must be from an accredited college or university
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least 48 semester hours of credit at an accredited college or university.
- Official transcript required
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts
Option 3: Assessment
Nevada's rule (NAC 391.760) accepts the ETS paraprofessional assessment or another assessment approved by the State Board. You only need to meet one of the following:
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment: 329 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759), the qualifying scores ETS lists for Nevada. A score of at least 455 on the retired ParaPro (NAC 391.760) still counts if already earned
- Another approved assessment: An alternative assessment approved by the State Board; ask the hiring district which ones it accepts and at what score
Additional Nevada Requirements
Before you start work, you give the school district a full set of fingerprints for a state and FBI check, and you repeat it at least every 5 years.
Required for paraprofessionals in Title I-funded programs (NAC 391.760).
Who Needs to Be Qualified in Nevada?
The requirements apply to paraprofessionals who work in a program supported with Title I money.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Assistants: General academic support in core subjects
- • Title I Paraprofessionals: Targeted academic interventions funded by Title I
- • Special Education Paraprofessionals: Supporting IEP goals under a licensed teacher
- • ELL Paraprofessionals: Language and academic support for English learners
- • Early Childhood/Pre-K Assistants: Aides in Nevada's public Pre-K programs
May Not Need Requirements
- • Lunch Monitors: Staff in purely supervisory roles during meal times
- • Recess and Bus Monitors: Staff responsible for student safety, not instruction
- • Personal Care Assistants: Aides whose duties are strictly non-instructional (physical/health needs). If any instructional support is part of the role, they must qualify.
In-Depth ParaPathways Breakdown: A Nevada Context
If you choose the ETS testing route, here's what to expect. ParaPathways (5757) is 87 questions in 145 minutes, split into two separately timed, separately scored subtests: Reading & Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. The examples below are drawn from real Nevada classroom situations.
Reading (Reading & Writing subtest 5758, about 30 of 51 questions)
What's Tested: Reading comprehension, main ideas, supporting details, vocabulary in context, and inferences from both literary and informational texts.
Nevada Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a Clark County classroom might help students read a historical text about the construction of the Hoover Dam. You'd guide them to identify the key figures involved (supporting details) and understand why the project mattered to the American Southwest (main idea).
Writing (Reading & Writing subtest 5758, about 21 of 51 questions)
What's Tested: Standard written English, including grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling. No essay required.
Nevada Classroom Example: An aide in a Washoe County high school could help a student proofread a research paper about the ecosystem of Lake Tahoe. You'd correct sentence fragments, fix comma use, and check for spelling errors so the final paper reads clearly.
Mathematics (Mathematics subtest 5759, 36 questions)
What's Tested: Operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages. Basic algebra, geometry and measurement, and interpreting data 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.
Nevada Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a rural Elko County elementary school might help students with a science project measuring and graphing daily temperature changes in the high desert. You'd work with decimals, help create a line graph, and interpret the data together.
After the Test: Scores and Next Steps in Nevada
Once you pass one of the approved assessments (or demonstrate your qualification through a degree or credits), you're ready to move forward in the hiring process.
If You Passed
- Step 1: Get your documents ready. Have your official score report (ParaPathways, earlier ParaPro, or another assessment your district accepts) or college transcripts on hand before you start applying.
- Step 2: Search for openings. Check the career pages for Clark County School District (CCSD) and Washoe County School District (WCSD), the two largest districts, and for smaller districts, which post on their own websites.
- Step 3: Apply and interview. Submit a thorough application with your resume, references, and proof of qualification. Principals will contact you for site-level interviews.
- Step 4: Complete the background check. Before you start work, you give the district a full set of fingerprints for a state and FBI check, and you repeat it at least every 5 years.
- Step 5: Finalize and start. Once your background clears and your paperwork is done, you'll attend orientation and begin work.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Check the retake rules. 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 can retake it two more times. Contact your district for any additional policies.
- Step 2: Review your score breakdown. ParaPathways scores Reading and Writing and Mathematics separately, so focus on the subtest that fell short. You can register for just that subtest ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center), but ask your district whether a subtest you already passed still counts.
- Step 3: Study strategically. Use the time before your retake to target your weak areas with free resources like Khan Academy or your local library.
- Step 4: Ask about other assessments. If ParaPathways isn't working for you, ask your district whether it accepts another State Board-approved assessment.
Preparing for Your Nevada Paraprofessional Assessment
The amount of prep time you need depends on where you're starting from. Here's a general guide.
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 weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The sweet spot for most people. Enough time to work through a study guide, take practice tests, and really dig into any areas that need attention.
In-Depth Review
If math or writing feels unfamiliar or it's been years since formal academics, give yourself the extra time. Being well-prepared builds confidence on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ETS ParaPathways materials: When you register, ETS gives you a free interactive practice test for the subtest you registered for. ETS also publishes the ParaPathways Study Companion. Start here to understand what the test looks like.
- Khan Academy: Excellent for brushing up on math from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Free and self-paced.
- Las Vegas-Clark County Library District: Your Nevada library card gives you access to online databases like LearningExpress Library with paraprofessional practice tests and skill-building courses; make sure a practice test covers ParaPathways before you rely on it.
- Online practice questions: Free paraprofessional practice questions in reading, writing, and math are easy to find online; make sure they cover ParaPathways rather than the retired ParaPro.
Paid Study Options
You don't have to spend money to pass, but some people prefer the structure. Here are common options:
- Paraprofessional test-prep books ($20-40): Available on Amazon. Make sure the book covers ParaPathways; older editions were written for the retired ParaPro.
- Online prep courses ($50-150): Video lessons, quizzes, and full-length practice tests. Good for guided instruction.
- Video tutorial packages: Some test prep companies sell video bundles focused on specific subjects. Helpful if book study isn't your style.
Nevada-Specific Tip
Before signing up for any test, ask the HR department of the district you want to work for which assessment it accepts and at what score. If you are applying to Clark County (CCSD), also check its HR website for the assessment options it accepts.
Test Day: What to Expect in Nevada
Knowing what's coming on test day takes away a lot of the stress. Here's a rundown so you walk in prepared.
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 registration confirmation email or letter from ETS or the district HR office.
Testing rooms in Nevada are heavily air-conditioned. A light jacket keeps you comfortable during the exam.
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 put your phone, bag, and belongings in a designated area.
- 3 Take your assigned seat. The proctor reviews the rules before the clock starts.
Tips for During the Test
Watch your time
Don't spend too long on any one question. Mark it and come back if there's time.
Read carefully
Watch for words like "not," "except," and "best." They change the meaning of the question entirely.
Eliminate wrong answers
Crossing out answers you know are wrong improves your odds even when you're 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 question.
About Nevada Testing Locations
ETS decides where ParaPathways is offered, so check its test-center locator rather than assuming a district or college site still hosts it. The ETS at-home proctored option is available too, which is especially useful if you're in a rural part of the state.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Nevada
Paraprofessional salaries vary by district, experience level, and role specialization.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Pay by District
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Typical Benefits Package
Roles to Know
Special Education Paraprofessionals: These aides support students' IEP goals under a licensed teacher.
ELL Paraprofessionals: Bilingual aides (especially Spanish/English) can support English Language Learners.
Early Childhood/Pre-K Assistants: Aides in Nevada's public Pre-K programs.
Pathway to a Teaching Career in Nevada
The Nevada Department of Education lists routes for paraprofessionals who want to become teachers.
- Bachelor's Degree Programs: The Nevada Department of Education lists programs, such as the Undergraduate Apprenticeship Program in Teaching, that help paraprofessionals earn a bachelor's degree in education.
- Alternative Routes to Licensure (ARL): If you already have a bachelor's degree, Nevada also has alternative route to licensure programs.
Nevada 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
- • Clark County (CCSD) and Washoe County (WCSD) HR departments can tell you which assessments and scores they accept
How to Register for an Assessment in Nevada
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.
For the ETS paraprofessional assessment, register through the ETS website, for at-home testing or a test-center appointment. The HR department of your target district (especially Clark County or Washoe County) can tell you which scores it needs.
Step 2: Receive Test Invitation
If you meet minimum qualifications, the HR department will send you testing information and schedule.
Search for openings on the district career pages. CCSD and WCSD are the two largest districts. Smaller rural districts post on their own websites.
Step 3: Prepare and Take the Test
Review study materials provided by the district and complete the assessment on the scheduled date.
Upload your resume, references, and proof of qualification (official score report from ParaPathways, earlier ParaPro, or another assessment your district accepts, or your college transcripts). After HR verification, principals with openings will contact you.
No State License Required
Nevada does not license paraprofessionals. Your school district or charter school confirms that you meet the qualifications in NAC 391.760, and the Department of Education keeps a statewide record of qualified paraprofessionals. Once you meet the requirements and pass the background check, you're set.
Frequently Asked Questions - Nevada Paraprofessionals
Is there a state-level license for paraprofessionals in Nevada?
No. Nevada does not license paraprofessionals. Your school district or charter school confirms that you meet the qualifications in NAC 391.760, and the Department of Education keeps a statewide record of qualified paraprofessionals.
Can I use ACT, SAT, or WorkKeys scores to qualify?
Nevada's rule (NAC 391.760) names only the ETS paraprofessional assessment and any other assessment the State Board approves. It does not name the ACT, SAT, or WorkKeys, so ask the hiring district whether it accepts one and at what score.
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. Check with your district for any additional policies.
I passed the ParaPro in another state. Will Nevada accept my score?
Yes, if it is at least 455. Nevada's rule (NAC 391.760) sets 455 on the ETS ParaPro, and you provide your official ETS score report. The ParaPro is no longer offered, so new candidates take ParaPathways (329 on Reading and Writing, 334 on Mathematics, the qualifying scores ETS lists for Nevada).
How do I find job openings in Nevada?
Go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" pages on the websites of the individual school districts. Clark County School District (CCSD) and Washoe County School District (WCSD) are the two largest districts in the state. Smaller rural districts post on their own sites.
Ready to Start Your Nevada Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.