New Jersey Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Garden State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
New Jersey Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
456 on the retired ParaPro scale (the qualifying score ETS lists for New Jersey; 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
562
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Mandatory fingerprint-based criminal history records check through the state's fingerprint vendor (Idemia/IdentoGO); fingerprints are processed by the NJ State Police and the FBI; fingerprinting costs $68.98, plus a $10.00 NJDOE administrative fee and a small card convenience fee (NJDOE fees effective July 1, 2023; confirm current amounts with the Office of Student Protection); applicants already fingerprinted and approved after February 2003 may use the archive process ($29.37 plus a $1.00 convenience fee); the Office of Student Protection reviews the results and issues an approval, and you print your "Applicant Approval Employment History" and give a copy to your employer; New Jersey law (the New Jersey First Act) requires school employees who started on or after September 1, 2011 to live in New Jersey unless exempted, and new hires have one year after starting to move
Governing Body
New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) - No state-level license; each district confirms that its paraprofessionals meet the federal Title I paraprofessional requirements; about 590 operating school districts (NJDOE); Office of Student Protection processes the criminal history background checks; New Jersey law (the New Jersey First Act) requires public school employees to live in New Jersey unless exempted
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher from accredited institution
- Two years of study at an institution of higher education (ask the hiring district how many credits it counts as two years)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in New Jersey
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), New Jersey 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 Jersey's "Home Rule" Approach
New Jersey's educational system is one of the most highly regarded in the nation, consistently ranking at or near the top in national comparisons. The state's "home rule" tradition grants significant autonomy to local municipalities and their school districts. This directly shapes how paraprofessional qualification works: the NJDOE defines the acceptable pathways to meeting the federal Title I paraprofessional requirements, but each of the state's about 590 operating school districts (NJDOE) manages the specific details of hiring.
A district may ask for more than the qualifying score ETS lists for New Jersey, so ask the district you are applying to what it requires.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in New Jersey
The NJDOE has established clear, federally compliant standards for individuals seeking to work as instructional paraprofessionals in schools receiving Title I funding. You must hold a high school diploma or GED and meet one of the following three requirements.
Three Pathways to Qualification
Option 1: Degree
Hold an associate's degree or higher (bachelor's, master's) from an accredited college or university.
- Ask the hiring district what proof of your degree it needs and which colleges it accepts; many ask for an official transcript
Option 2: College Credits
Complete two years of study at an institution of higher education. Ask the district you are applying to how many credits it counts as two years.
- Ask the hiring district what proof of your credits it needs; many ask for an official transcript
Option 3: Assessment
The rule names a passing score on the ETS paraprofessional assessment, which is now ParaPathways. New Jersey has not published ParaPathways cut scores, so confirm the ParaPathways requirement with the state or your district; ETS recommends 332 on Reading & Writing and 334 on Mathematics. An already-earned score on the retired ParaPro still counts where the district accepts it.
- On the retired ParaPro scale, 456 is the qualifying score ETS lists for New Jersey; a district may ask for more
- Always verify the specific score with the district you are applying to before registering for the test
Additional Mandatory New Jersey Requirements
- Criminal History Record Check: After receiving a conditional offer, you will schedule a fingerprinting appointment with the state's fingerprint vendor (Idemia, whose form is called "IdentoGO"). Your fingerprints are processed by both the New Jersey State Police and the FBI. The results go to the NJDOE's Office of Student Protection, which reviews them and issues an approval; you print your "Applicant Approval Employment History" and give a copy to your employer. Fingerprinting costs $68.98, plus a $10.00 NJDOE administrative fee and a small card convenience fee (NJDOE fees effective July 1, 2023; confirm current amounts with the Office of Student Protection). Applicants already fingerprinted and approved after February 2003 may use the archive process ($29.37 plus a $1.00 convenience fee).
- Residency Requirement: Under the New Jersey First Act, school employees who started on or after September 1, 2011 must live in New Jersey, unless exempted; new hires have one year after starting to move.
Who Needs to Meet the Title I Requirements in New Jersey?
The federal Title I paraprofessional requirements apply to all paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in a Title I school. Because many schools in New Jersey operate as Title I school-wide programs, these requirements apply to the vast majority of instructional paraprofessional positions across the state.
Must Meet the Title I Requirements
- • Instructional Paraprofessionals/Aides: General title for aides providing academic support in core subjects
- • Title I Paraprofessionals: Aides hired with Title I funds for targeted academic interventions
- • Special Education Paraprofessionals: The largest and most in-demand category, supporting students with IEPs under a certified teacher's direction
- • Bilingual and ESL Paraprofessionals: Assistants providing language and academic support to English learners in New Jersey's diverse communities
- • Preschool Aides: Aides in New Jersey's extensive public preschool programs, which are often supported by Title I funds
May Not Need to Meet the Title I Requirements
- • Lunchroom or Recess Aides: Staff whose duties are exclusively supervisory
- • Bus Aides: Staff providing transportation supervision only
- • Hall Monitors: Non-instructional supervisory roles
- • Personal Care Assistants (PCAs): Aides whose duties are strictly non-instructional. However, if a PCA's role includes any instructional support, they must meet the requirements.
ParaPathways Assessment Breakdown: A New Jersey Context
The ParaPathways Assessment, which replaced the ParaPro after August 31, 2026, confirms that you have the fundamental academic skills needed to assist in classroom instruction. It has two separately timed and scored subtests: Reading & Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. Here is what each part covers and how those skills apply in a New Jersey classroom.
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.
New Jersey Classroom Application: A paraprofessional in a school district near the Delaware River might use these skills to help a small group of students read a historical text about Washington crossing the Delaware. You would guide students to identify the key figures (supporting details) and understand the significance of the event in the context of the Revolutionary War (main idea).
Writing (Reading & Writing subtest 5758, about 21 of 51 questions)
Skills Tested: Your command of the mechanics and conventions of standard written English. You will not write an essay, but instead identify and correct errors in grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling.
New Jersey Classroom Application: An aide in a suburban Morris County high school could be working with a student on a research paper about the history of the Morristown National Historical Park. You would help the student proofread their draft, correcting run-on sentences, ensuring proper comma use, and checking for spelling errors.
Mathematics (subtest 5759, 36 questions)
Skills Tested: A broad range of mathematical concepts including operations with whole numbers, 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, and an on-screen calculator is provided.
New Jersey Classroom Application: A paraprofessional in a Jersey Shore school district might help students with a hands-on math project that involves calculating the area of a section of the beach for a science experiment or interpreting a graph showing local tourism data throughout the year.
After the Test: The New Jersey Hiring Process
Passing the ETS paraprofessional assessment is one way to show you meet the federal Title I paraprofessional requirements and move forward in the hiring process. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting hired.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Hired
- Step 1: Get Your Qualifications in Order. Before you apply, make sure you have your proof of qualification ready. That means having official college transcripts in hand or having passed ParaPathways with the scores your target district requires (an already-earned ParaPro score the district accepts also works).
- Step 2: Search for Openings. In New Jersey, hiring is decentralized. Go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page of individual school district websites. A great statewide resource is NJSchoolJobs.com.
- Step 3: Submit Your Application. Complete the district's online application and upload all supporting documents, including your resume, references, and proof of qualification (your official ParaPathways score report, an already-earned ParaPro score report, or college transcripts).
- Step 4: Interview. Once HR verifies that you meet the federal Title I paraprofessional requirements, your application is typically made available to principals with vacancies, who will contact you to schedule an interview.
- Step 5: Receive a Conditional Offer. If the interview goes well, the principal recommends you for hire and HR extends a conditional offer of employment.
- Step 6: Complete the Background Check. You will schedule your fingerprinting appointment with the state's vendor (Idemia/IdentoGO) for the state and national criminal history checks through the NJDOE's Office of Student Protection.
- Step 7: Finalization. Once the district has your approval from the NJDOE Office of Student Protection and your pre-employment paperwork is complete, your employment is finalized and you will be scheduled for new hire orientation.
Preparing for Your New Jersey ParaPathways Assessment
How long you need to study depends on where you are starting from. Some people feel ready after a couple weeks of review. Others need more time, especially if it has been a while since they did 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 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. There is no penalty for being well-prepared, and the confidence boost helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ETS official ParaPathways materials: ETS gives you a free interactive practice test when you register, and publishes the official ParaPathways Study Companion with sample questions. These are your most reliable starting point.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Free and self-paced.
- New Jersey county college testing centers: Many county colleges offer study resources and practice materials. Contact your nearest county college's testing center for what is available.
- Public library databases: Your New Jersey library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which has paraprofessional test-prep practice tests and skill-building courses; make sure they cover ParaPathways.
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 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 are not your preference.
New Jersey-Specific Tip
Because each district sets its own passing score, your first step should always be to contact the HR department of the district where you want to work. Ask them for their specific passing score and whether they have any study materials or recommended resources. New Jersey's county colleges are also a great resource; nearly all of New Jersey's county colleges have testing centers that can help you prepare.
Test Day: What to Expect in New Jersey
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 the confirmation email or registration receipt from the county college or ETS.
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 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 Jersey Testing Locations
New Jersey's county college system has been the primary provider of in-person ETS paraprofessional testing. Nearly all of New Jersey's county colleges have testing centers, including Bergen Community College, Brookdale Community College, and Rowan College at Burlington County. You can also take the test at home through the ETS at-home remote proctoring option. ETS also lists some school districts and other agencies as participating test centers that you register with directly. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator rather than assuming a site listed here carried over.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in New Jersey
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Pay by District
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts. Compare the schedules of the districts near you before you decide where to apply.
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles
Special Education Paraprofessionals: The most critical area of need across the entire state. There is constant and significant demand for aides to work with students with a wide range of disabilities.
ABA Aides/Technicians: Many districts are looking for paraprofessionals with training or certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to support students with autism. Ask the district whether it pays extra for these roles.
Bilingual/ESL Paraprofessionals: With diverse and growing immigrant communities, bilingual aides (especially Spanish/English) are in very high demand throughout the state.
Career Pathway to Teaching
Alternate Route to Certification: If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can enroll in an alternate route program. Your hands-on classroom experience as a paraprofessional makes you a strong candidate.
District Support: Some districts help aides pay for a teaching degree; ask the district.
New Jersey 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
- • Use NJSchoolJobs.com as a statewide resource for finding openings
- • New Jersey's county colleges have been the primary providers of in-person ETS paraprofessional testing; check the ETS test-center locator for current ParaPathways sites
How to Register for an Assessment in New Jersey
The registration process in New Jersey is typically handled at the local level, often through the county colleges or the school districts themselves.
At-Home Testing (Most Flexible)
ETS offers a live, remotely proctored version of the ParaPathways test that you can take from your own home. You register directly through the ETS website. This is often the most convenient option, with wide availability.
In-Person at a County College
New Jersey's county college system has been the primary provider of in-person ETS paraprofessional testing, and nearly all of New Jersey's county colleges have testing centers. Check the ETS test-center locator for the sites that offer ParaPathways now; if it lists a participating center near you, you register with that center directly.
In-Person at a Participating District or Agency
ETS says some school districts, regional offices of education and other agencies are participating test centers, and you register with them directly. Use the ETS test-center locator to see whether one near you offers ParaPathways before you contact it.
No State-Level License Required
New Jersey does not issue a state-level license or certificate for paraprofessionals. Your qualification is a status, meeting the federal Title I paraprofessional requirements, which your employing school district verifies and documents. This means there is no separate state application process beyond passing the test and being hired by a district.
Frequently Asked Questions - New Jersey Paraprofessionals
Is there a state-level license for paraprofessionals in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey does not issue a state-level license or certificate. Your qualification is a status, meeting the federal Title I paraprofessional requirements, which your employing school district verifies and documents. There is no separate credential to apply for at the state level.
What is the difference between a paraprofessional and a substitute teacher in New Jersey?
A paraprofessional works under the direct supervision of a certified teacher to provide instructional support. A substitute teacher takes over the full responsibility of the classroom when the regular teacher is absent. To be a substitute teacher, you must obtain a separate Substitute Credential from the NJDOE.
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.
How do I find job openings in New Jersey?
A great statewide resource is NJSchoolJobs.com. You should also go directly to the "Human Resources" or "Employment" pages of individual school district websites. Because New Jersey has about 590 operating school districts (NJDOE), the opportunities are spread across the state.
I passed the ParaPro or ParaPathways in another state. Will New Jersey accept my score?
Generally, yes. Both are national ETS tests, so a New Jersey school district can accept your official score report as long as it meets the district's own threshold and the district still accepts that exam. ETS keeps scores on record for 10 years. Remember that a district may ask for more than the qualifying score ETS lists for New Jersey, so verify with the district where you are applying.
Ready to Start Your New Jersey Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.