New Hampshire Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Granite State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
New Hampshire Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
460 on the retired ParaPro scale (the statewide qualifying score ETS lists for New Hampshire)
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
180
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
A criminal history records check clearance is required for first-time educator credential applicants (Ed 504.12) and is processed by NHDOE with the application; $100 clearance fee (Ed 505.09), plus a separate NH State Police fee shown on the DSSP 382 release form (your SAU will tell you the current amount); full-time school employees are generally members of the New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS); many districts have a collective bargaining agreement that covers paraeducators, so ask the district
Governing Body
New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE), Bureau of Credentialing, issues Paraeducator I and Paraeducator II certificates (Ed 504). Paraeducator I requires a high school diploma or HiSET; Paraeducator II adds an associate degree or 48 college credit hours, a passing assessment, or a portfolio review. 107 School Administrative Units (SAUs) with local hiring authority
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher from accredited institution
- Paraeducator II: 48 college credit hours (or an associate degree, a passing assessment, or a portfolio review)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in New Hampshire
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire's Approach: Paraeducator I and II Credentials
New Hampshire's Board of Education offers two paraeducator credentials, Paraeducator I and Paraeducator II. State rules say a paraeducator "may be licensed by the board." Whether a district requires the credential is a hiring decision, so check with the hiring district.
New Hampshire's public schools are organized into School Administrative Units (SAUs), and the employing SAU or school district does the hiring.
Paraeducator I needs a high school diploma or HiSET. Paraeducator II adds an associate degree or 48 college credit hours, a passing assessment, or a portfolio review. First-time applicants for any New Hampshire educator credential also need a criminal history records check clearance.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in New Hampshire
To hold a Paraeducator credential in New Hampshire, you apply to the NHDOE. The level you qualify for depends on your academic background.
Paraeducator I: The Entry Point
Paraeducator I is the entry-level certificate. Its only academic requirement is a high school diploma or HiSET; it needs no college credit and no test. You also complete the NHDOE certification application and, if this is your first New Hampshire educator credential, the criminal history record check.
Paraeducator II: The Advanced Level
Paraeducator II needs everything Paraeducator I does, plus one of the three routes below.
Option 1: College Coursework
Hold an associate's degree or at least 48 college credit hours.
- You must provide official transcripts with your application to the NHDOE
Option 2: Formal Academic Assessment
Pass a nationally recognized assessment, such as the ETS ParaPro (no longer offered) or its replacement, ParaPathways. New Hampshire has not published ParaPathways passing scores, so confirm the requirement with the NHDOE Bureau of Credentialing before you register; ETS recommends 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics.
- Already-earned ETS ParaPro score: 460 or higher on the retired ParaPro scale (the statewide qualifying score ETS lists for New Hampshire) still counts
- ParaPathways: two separately scored subtests, Reading & Writing (51 questions) and Mathematics (36 questions)
- Taken at a test center or at home through ETS remote proctoring; ETS decides where ParaPathways is offered, so check its test-center locator
Option 3: Portfolio Review
Qualify through a portfolio review instead of college credit or a test.
- Ask the NHDOE Bureau of Credentialing what the portfolio must include and how to submit it
Who Might Hold a Paraeducator Credential in New Hampshire?
State rules define a paraeducator as a person who works under the supervision of a teacher or other appropriate licensed education professional to provide specialized or concentrated non-initial instructional support to students, and who "may be licensed by the board." Paraprofessional personnel who provide services to children with disabilities must work under the supervision of a certified special education teacher (Ed 1100). Whether a district requires the credential is a hiring decision, so ask the hiring district.
ParaPathways Assessment In-Depth Breakdown: A New Hampshire Context
ParaPathways (5757) is designed to confirm that you have the fundamental academic skills needed to assist in classroom instruction. It has two separately timed, separately scored subtests: Reading & Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. The statewide qualifying score ETS lists for New Hampshire, 460, is on the retired ParaPro scale and counts only if you already earned it. Confirm the ParaPathways passing scores with the NHDOE; ETS recommends 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics. Here is what each part covers and how these skills apply in New Hampshire classrooms.
Reading (Reading & Writing subtest 5758, about 30 of 51 questions)
Skills Tested: This section measures your ability to comprehend and analyze a variety of written materials. It assesses skills in identifying the main idea, locating key details, defining vocabulary in context, and making logical inferences.
New Hampshire Classroom Application: A Paraeducator in a school in the White Mountains region might use these skills to help a small group of students read and understand a poem by Robert Frost. You would guide students to identify the theme of the poem (main idea) and the specific imagery used to describe the New England landscape (supporting details).
Writing (Reading & Writing subtest 5758, about 21 of 51 questions)
Skills Tested: This section evaluates your knowledge of the conventions of standard written English, including grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling. It also assesses your ability to apply this knowledge when helping students with the writing process.
New Hampshire Classroom Application: A Paraeducator in a Concord high school could use this expertise to help a student proofread an essay about New Hampshire's "First in the Nation" presidential primary. You would help correct sentence fragments, ensure proper use of commas, and check for spelling errors so the student can craft a more persuasive argument.
Mathematics (Mathematics subtest 5759, 36 questions)
Skills Tested: This section covers a broad range of mathematical concepts, including operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; 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.
New Hampshire Classroom Application: A Paraeducator in a school in the Seacoast region might help students with a math project that involves calculating the area of a local beach for a cleanup project or interpreting a graph showing the tides.
After the Test: Scores and Next Steps in New Hampshire
Once you receive your score, your next steps depend on whether you passed or need to retake the test.
If You Passed
- Step 1: Save your official score report. You will need this document when you submit your application to the NHDOE Bureau of Credentialing.
- Step 2: Complete the NHDOE online application. Go to the NHDOE certification website, create an account, and fill out the Paraeducator II certificate application.
- Step 3: Submit documentation and fees. Upload your score report, high school diploma or HiSET, and pay the credential fee ($10 for Paraeducator I or II) and, if this is your first New Hampshire educator credential, the $100 criminal history records check clearance fee. Start the background check process if you have not done so already.
- Step 4: Receive your certificate and finalize employment. Once the NHDOE approves your application and your background check clears, your Paraeducator credential will be issued. Your employment with the school district is then finalized.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Review your score report carefully. ParaPathways scores Reading and Writing and Mathematics separately, so your report shows exactly which subtest fell short.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: Build a focused study plan. Zero in on the subtest you did not pass. Take advantage of free resources and practice tests to build your confidence.
- Step 4: Register for a retake. Schedule a new test date through ETS. You can register for just the subtest you need ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center), but ask the NHDOE whether a subtest you already passed still counts.
Preparing for ParaPathways in New Hampshire
How much preparation you need depends on your starting point. If you finished college coursework recently, you may only need a quick review. If it has been a while since you worked with math or formal writing, give yourself more time. There is no penalty for being well-prepared.
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 are rusty on without feeling rushed.
In-Depth Review
If you have been out of school for a while or math and writing feel unfamiliar, take the extra time. The confidence boost on test day is worth it.
Free Study Resources
- ETS ParaPathways official resources: When you register, ETS gives you a free interactive practice test for the subtest you registered for. ETS also publishes the ParaPathways Study Companion. This is your most reliable source since ETS is the test maker.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It is free and self-paced.
- Your local library: Check your local library's website. Some libraries offer test-prep databases free with a library card; 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 do not 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 the book covers ParaPathways; older books were written for 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 are not your thing.
New Hampshire-Specific Tip
New Hampshire's statewide qualifying score of 460 is on the retired ParaPro scale, and the state has not published ParaPathways passing scores. Confirm the current requirement with the NHDOE Bureau of Credentialing, then prepare for the ParaPathways format. The credential's requirements are the same everywhere in New Hampshire. Ask your hiring district or local SAU if they offer any study support or reimbursement for the test fee. Some districts help cover costs for candidates they are looking to hire.
Test Day: What to Expect in New Hampshire
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
ETS lists the identification it accepts in your confirmation email and test-day instructions. Check yours against that list before test day.
Bring your ETS registration confirmation email or admission ticket with your test appointment details.
Testing rooms can be cold, especially during New Hampshire winters. A light jacket or sweater 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 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
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 New Hampshire Testing Locations
In New Hampshire, the ParaPro was administered by some school districts and local community colleges. ETS decides where ParaPathways is offered, so check its test-center locator, or test at home through ETS remote proctoring. If you test at a school district or community college site, the atmosphere may be more relaxed than a formal testing center. For at-home testing, make sure your computer, webcam, and internet connection meet ETS requirements before test day. Regardless of location, the rules around prohibited items and ID checks still apply.
How to Register for an Assessment in New Hampshire
Here are the steps for getting a Paraeducator credential in New Hampshire.
Meet an Academic Requirement for a Specific Paraeducator Level
For Paraeducator I: Have your high school diploma or HiSET. For Paraeducator II: Also have one of these ready: official transcripts showing an associate degree or 48 college credits, a passing score on the ETS paraprofessional assessment (ParaPathways; confirm the passing scores with the NHDOE) or an already-earned 460 on the retired ParaPro scale, or a portfolio for review.
Consider a Conditional Job Offer
The credential rules do not require a job offer. A school district (SAU) can extend a conditional offer that is subject to a criminal history records check (RSA 189:13-a). Ask the Department of Education how to complete the fingerprint check if you are not yet employed by a school district.
Initiate the Criminal History Record Check
The hiring district gives you the State Police release form and fingerprinting instructions. The report goes to the district, and the Department of Education must also receive it before it issues your credential clearance.
Complete the Online Application for the Paraeducator Certificate
Go to the NHDOE's certification website. Create an account and fill out the official application for the Paraeducator Certificate, selecting the level for which you qualify.
Submit All Documentation
You will need to upload a copy of your high school diploma or HiSET, your official college transcripts (if applicable), your official ETS score report (if applicable), and pay the credential fee ($10) and, if this is your first New Hampshire educator credential, the $100 criminal history records check clearance fee.
NHDOE Review and Certificate Issuance
The NHDOE Bureau of Credentialing will review your complete application file. They will verify that your background check is cleared and that you have met all academic requirements. Once approved, your credential will be issued.
Finalize Employment
With your Paraeducator certificate in hand, your employment with the school district is finalized. You are now a state-certified educational professional.
Pathway to a Teaching Career in New Hampshire
If you reached Paraeducator II with an associate degree or 48 college credits, you have already started the coursework for a teaching degree.
New Hampshire has several alternative pathways to teacher certification for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in New Hampshire
Paraprofessional salaries vary by district, experience level, and role specialization.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Pay by District
Pay is set by each district, often in a collective bargaining agreement. Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Some district contracts pay more for a Paraeducator II credential or for more education; check the salary schedule in the district's contract.
Typical Benefits Package
Roles to Know in New Hampshire
Special Education Paraeducators: These aides support students with IEPs under the supervision of a certified special education teacher.
New Hampshire 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
- • ETS decides where ParaPathways is offered, so use its test-center locator rather than assuming a district that once hosted the ParaPro still does
- • Confirm the ParaPathways passing scores with the NHDOE Bureau of Credentialing before you register
Frequently Asked Questions - New Hampshire Paraprofessionals
What is the difference between a Paraeducator I and a Paraeducator II?
A Paraeducator I needs only a high school diploma or HiSET. A Paraeducator II needs that plus one of: an associate degree or at least 48 college credits; a passing score on a nationally recognized assessment such as ParaPathways (an already-earned 460 on the retired ParaPro scale still counts); or a portfolio review.
What is the NHDOE?
The New Hampshire Department of Education is the state agency that oversees all public K-12 education. The Bureau of Credentialing within the NHDOE is responsible for issuing all educator certificates, including the Paraeducator Certificate. They review your application, verify your background check, and issue your certificate.
How do I renew my Paraeducator Certificate?
The credential renews on a 3-year cycle. To renew, complete at least 50 continuing education units (in areas set by your district's professional development master plan if you work for a school district) and pay the $10 renewal fee.
Do I need a job offer to get my Paraeducator certificate?
The credential rules do not require a job offer. Ask the Department of Education how to complete the fingerprint check if you are not yet employed by a school 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. In New Hampshire, also ask the NHDOE Bureau of Credentialing whether a subtest you already passed still counts.
Ready to Start Your New Hampshire Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.