North Dakota Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Peace Garden State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
North Dakota Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
ParaPathways: 332 (Reading and Writing) and 334 (Mathematics)
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
169
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Background check requirements are set by the hiring district; confirm them when you apply.
Governing Body
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) issues paraprofessional certificates of completion: Title I, Special Education, Special Education Technician and Speech-Language Pathology. The Title I certificate requires a high school diploma plus 48 semester hours, an associate degree, or a North Dakota-approved assessment.
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher from accredited institution
- 48 semester hours of college coursework from accredited institution
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment (ask NDDPI or your district whether a retired ParaPro score you already earned still counts)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in North Dakota
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), North Dakota 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.
Who Issues Paraprofessional Certificates in North Dakota
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) issues paraprofessional certificates of completion. There are four: Title I, Special Education, Special Education Technician, and Speech-Language Pathology.
The Title I certificate requires a high school diploma plus one of three things: two years of study (48 semester hours) at an accredited institution of higher education, an associate degree, or a passing score on a North Dakota-approved assessment.
The Special Education certificate requires 20 contact hours of in-service training completed within one calendar year of starting the job.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in North Dakota
NDDPI issues the Title I paraprofessional certificate of completion. Here is what it requires.
Title I Paraprofessional Certificate
You need a high school diploma and ONE of these three academic pathways:
Option 1: Higher Education Degree
Hold an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree accepted
- Must be from an accredited institution
- Have official transcripts ready as proof
Option 2: College Coursework
Complete two years of study (48 semester hours) at an accredited institution of higher education.
- 48 semester hours minimum from an accredited institution
- An official transcript is the only acceptable proof
- Credits do not need to be in any specific subject area
Option 3: Formal Academic Assessment
Pass a North Dakota-approved assessment.
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment: 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759)
- Ask NDDPI or your district whether a retired ParaPro score you already earned still counts
- 87 questions across two subtests: Reading & Writing (51) and Mathematics (36)
Which Paraprofessional Certificate Do You Need in North Dakota?
Which certificate you need depends on the job: the Title I certificate for work in a Title I program, the Special Education certificate if you support students with disabilities. Ask the district which one your position needs.
North Dakota ParaPathways Assessment Details (332 and 334)
If you do not have 48 semester hours or an associate degree, the assessment is how you qualify for the Title I certificate. The ParaPathways passing scores are 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). Ask NDDPI or your district whether a retired ParaPro score you already earned still counts. The test is designed to confirm that you have the foundational academic skills to assist with classroom instruction. It has two separately timed subtests: Reading and Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes.
ParaPathways Assessment Breakdown: A North Dakota Context
Reading (Reading & Writing subtest 5758, about 30 of 51 questions)
Skills Tested: This section measures your ability to understand and analyze a variety of written materials. It covers identifying the main idea, locating key details, defining vocabulary in context, and making logical inferences.
North Dakota Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a school in the Red River Valley might use these skills to help a small group of students read and understand a text about the history of agriculture in the region. You would guide students to identify the different crops grown (supporting details) and understand the importance of farming to the state's economy (main idea).
Writing (Reading & Writing subtest 5758, about 21 of 51 questions)
Skills Tested: This section evaluates your knowledge of standard written English, including grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling. It also assesses your ability to apply this knowledge when helping students with writing.
North Dakota Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a Bismarck high school could use this expertise to help a student proofread an essay about the history of the state capitol. You would help correct sentence fragments, ensure proper use of commas, and check for spelling errors so the student can build a more persuasive argument.
Mathematics (subtest 5759, 36 questions)
Skills Tested: This section covers 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, and an on-screen calculator is provided.
North Dakota Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a school in the western part of the state might help students with a math project that involves calculating the area of a ranch or interpreting a graph showing oil production in the Bakken formation.
Preparing for Your North Dakota ParaPathways Assessment
How much time you need to prepare depends on where you're starting. Some people feel ready after a couple weeks of focused review. Others need more time, especially if it has been a while since they have done formal math or writing. The good news is that ParaPathways tests foundational skills, not advanced ones.
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. This gives you enough time to work through a study guide, take practice tests, and revisit topics you feel 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 ParaPathways study materials: ETS gives you a free interactive practice test when you register. ETS also publishes the official ParaPathways Study Companion, which includes sample questions and an overview of what each subtest covers.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It is free and self-paced.
- North Dakota State Library: Your library card may give you access to LearningExpress Library, which has paraprofessional test-prep practice tests and skill-building courses; make sure they cover ParaPathways. Check the North Dakota State Library website for details.
- Online practice tests: Several test-prep sites offer free practice questions; make sure they cover the two ParaPathways subtests.
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 popular 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 thing.
North Dakota-Specific Tip
Since North Dakota uses the standard ETS ParaPathways Assessment with firm passing scores of 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759), you know exactly what to prepare for. Contact your Regional Education Association (REA) as they sometimes offer workshops or study groups for prospective paraprofessionals. The NDDPI paraprofessional certificates page lists what each certificate requires.
Test Day: What to Expect in North Dakota
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.
Your ETS registration confirmation email or printout with your registration number.
Testing rooms can be cold, especially during North Dakota winters. A light jacket 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 not sure about the right one.
Answer every question
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 North Dakota Testing Locations
In North Dakota, the ETS paraprofessional assessment has been administered by some school districts, Regional Education Associations (REAs), and through at-home remote proctoring via ETS. If you live in a rural area far from Fargo, Bismarck, or Grand Forks, the at-home option can save you a long drive. Check the ETS website for the latest testing dates and locations near you. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator rather than assuming a site listed here carried over.
The North Dakota Certification and Hiring Process: Step by Step
Here is the process from start to finish.
Meet an Academic Requirement
For the Title I certificate: pass the ETS ParaPathways Assessment (332 on Reading and Writing, 334 on Mathematics; ask NDDPI or your district whether a retired ParaPro score you already earned still counts), OR have your official transcripts ready showing 48 semester hours or an associate degree.
Apply for Jobs
Apply to North Dakota school districts. Ask each district which paraprofessional certificate the position needs.
Complete the Background Check
Background check requirements are set by the hiring district; confirm them when you apply.
Get Your Certificate of Completion
NDDPI issues the paraprofessional certificates of completion (Title I, Special Education, Special Education Technician, Speech-Language Pathology). Ask your district how to apply for the one your position needs, and keep your diploma, transcripts and score report ready.
Finalize Employment
With your certificate in hand, your employment with the school district is finalized.
After the Test: Scores and Next Steps in North Dakota
Once you take ParaPathways, official scores arrive roughly one to three weeks after the test; if you test at home, you see unofficial scores on screen right away. Here is what happens next depending on your result.
If You Passed (332 Reading and Writing, 334 Mathematics)
- Step 1: Get Your Official Score Report. ETS will provide you with an official score report. Keep it safe; it is your proof for the Title I certificate.
- Step 2: Ask About Your Certificate. Ask your district how to apply to NDDPI for the Title I certificate, and have your score report ready along with your other documents.
- Step 3: Complete Your Background Check. If the background check your district requires is not already underway, start it now so it does not delay your start.
- Step 4: Receive Your Certificate and Start Working. Once NDDPI issues your Title I certificate, you can finalize your employment with the district.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Review Your Score Report. Reading and Writing and Mathematics are scored separately, so check which subtest you still need to pass. The raw points in each content category tell you where to focus your study time.
- Step 2: Check the ETS Retake Policy. 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 take it two more times. ETS also lists North Dakota among the states adopting the ParaPathways Bridge, an option for candidates who score just below the passing score; ask NDDPI or your district whether it applies to you.
- Step 3: Create a Focused Study Plan. Zero in on the areas where you struggled. Take advantage of free resources and practice tests.
- Step 4: Register and Retake. Register through ETS for your next attempt. You can register for just the subtest you need ($37.50 at home, $29.50 at a test center); ask NDDPI or your district whether a subtest you already passed still counts.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in North Dakota
Salaries for paraprofessionals in North Dakota are set by local school districts and reflect the state's cost of living. Ask the district for its salary schedule.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles in North Dakota
Special Education Paraprofessionals: This is, by a wide margin, the most critical area of need across the entire state. Nearly every district has openings.
Rural School Paraprofessionals: Small, remote districts often have the most difficulty filling positions and are in constant need of dedicated staff.
Native American Education Paraprofessionals: Aides who can support the state's Native American students and curriculum are highly valued, particularly in districts on or near tribal nations' lands.
The Pathway to a Teaching Career in North Dakota
North Dakota's Grow Your Own programs, including the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, help school staff work toward a teaching license; see NDDPI's Grow Your Own page.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can often be hired as a teacher on a provisional license while you complete a teacher preparation program. Your experience as a paraprofessional makes you an ideal candidate for this route.
North Dakota 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
- • Some school districts administered the retired ParaPro directly for their prospective hires; for ParaPathways, some districts are participating ETS test centers that you register with directly, so check the ETS test-center locator
- • Regional Education Associations (REAs) have served as testing sites across the state; check the ETS test-center locator for current ParaPathways sites
Frequently Asked Questions - North Dakota Paraprofessionals
Which paraprofessional certificates does North Dakota issue?
NDDPI issues four paraprofessional certificates of completion: Title I, Special Education, Special Education Technician, and Speech-Language Pathology. The Title I certificate requires a high school diploma plus 48 semester hours at an accredited institution, an associate degree, or a passing score on a North Dakota-approved assessment.
Does the ESPB issue paraprofessional certificates?
No. The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) issues paraprofessional certificates of completion, not the Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).
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 North Dakota Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.