Texas Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Lone Star State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Texas Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
455-467 on the retired ParaPro (district-set; no statewide passing score)
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
1024
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Mandatory fingerprint-based background checks: (1) Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) state criminal history check, (2) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) national criminal history check. Required for both employment and state Educational Aide Certificate. Sex Offender Registry check also required.
Governing Body
Texas Education Agency (TEA) sets standards with local implementation via about 1,024 regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22), including Independent School Districts (ISDs). No statewide passing score; each district sets its own (ETS lists district ParaPro scores from 455 to 467). Dual-layered system: ESSA "highly qualified" status for hiring + State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) Educational Aide Certificate (Levels I, II, III) for advancement. Deep local control philosophy. Massive state with mega-districts (Houston ISD) and tiny rural ISDs. 20 regional Education Service Centers (ESCs).
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree (AA, AS) or higher from regionally accredited institution
- 48 semester hours of college coursework from accredited institution
- Passing ParaPathways scores or a locally developed assessment (an already-earned ParaPro score still counts)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Texas
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Texas 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.
Texas's Two-Layered System: Local Hiring + State Certification
Texas runs one of the most decentralized education systems in the country. About 1,024 regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22), including Independent School Districts (ISDs), are the primary authorities for hiring and verifying paraprofessional qualifications. Each ISD sets its own passing scores, chooses which assessments to accept, and manages its own hiring process. A district in the Rio Grande Valley can tailor its requirements differently than one in the fast-growing Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs.
On top of that local layer sits the state's tiered Educational Aide Certificate, issued by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). You can apply for it only after a Texas district hires you and tells you to apply; the district recommends you and decides your level. The certificate is valid for two years and is reapplied for, not renewed.
This philosophy of local control is a long tradition in Texas education. It gives community-elected school boards to make decisions that fit their specific students. Houston ISD, for example, serves a student population larger than many entire states. Meanwhile, hundreds of tiny, single-school rural districts serve their communities with very different needs. The system is designed to let each of them be responsive to their own context.
Despite the local control over day-to-day implementation, the three foundational pathways to meeting the federal ESSA Title I paraprofessional standard (degree, credits, or test) are uniform across the state. Every paraprofessional in Texas, regardless of their district, has met a federally compliant benchmark for academic readiness.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Texas
Texas uses a dual-layered qualification system. Understanding both layers is the single most important part of becoming a paraprofessional in the Lone Star State.
Layer 1 is the foundational ESSA Title I paraprofessional requirement, governed by federal law and implemented by your local ISD. You must meet this to work in any Title I instructional role. Layer 2 is the state-level Educational Aide Certificate, which your ISD sponsors you for after hiring.
Layer 1: ESSA "Highly Qualified" Pathways
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 college coursework, or fewer if the college you attended defines two years of study with fewer hours.
- Official transcript required
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts
- Coursework must come from an accredited college or university
Option 3: Assessment
Pass a formal state or locally approved assessment demonstrating knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment, with the passing scores set by your local ISD (confirm them with the district; ETS recommends 332 on Reading & Writing and 334 on Mathematics). An already-earned score on the retired ParaPro scale (ETS lists district ParaPro scores from 455 to 467) still counts where the ISD accepts it
- Locally developed and administered assessment (many large districts, like Houston ISD, have their own tests)
- Ask your hiring district where its local assessment is given. ETS decides where ParaPathways is offered, so check its test-center locator rather than assuming a site listed here carried over.
Layer 2: The Texas Educational Aide Certificate
This is the state-level credential issued by SBEC. You can apply for the Educational Aide certificate only after a Texas district hires you and tells you to apply; the district recommends you and decides your level. The certificate is valid for two years and is reapplied for, not renewed.
Educational Aide I Certificate
The entry-level certificate. It documents your experience and background clearance.
- • Hold a high school diploma or GED
- • Have experience working with students or parents (as approved by the hiring ISD)
- • Be sponsored by a Texas school district
- • Complete a fingerprint-based background check
Educational Aide II Certificate
The standard professional level. It shows a commitment to both experience and targeted education.
- • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- • Have experience working with students or parents, as approved by the employing superintendent
- • Meet ONE of these: two creditable years as an Educational Aide I; at least 15 semester credit hours of college credit with some emphasis on child growth and development or related subjects; or proficiency in a specialized skill area as determined by the district
Educational Aide III Certificate
The advanced level. Your district decides which certificate level you hold.
- • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- • Have experience working with students or parents, as approved by the employing superintendent
- • Meet ONE of these: three creditable years as an Educational Aide I or II, or 30 semester credit hours of college credit with some emphasis on child growth and development or related subjects
How the Two Layers Work Together
In practice, a candidate is hired by an ISD based on their ESSA qualification (Layer 1). The ISD then sponsors their application for the Educational Aide I certificate (Layer 2). From there, the paraprofessional can move to Levels II and III by meeting the experience or college-credit rules above. There is no single statewide passing score; each ISD sets its own. Always check directly with the hiring district.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Texas?
The dual-layered requirements apply to the vast majority of instructional paraprofessional positions in Texas public schools. The official state title for the role is "Educational Aide," though "paraprofessional," "instructional aide," and "teacher assistant" are all used by different districts.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Aides/Educational Aides: The general title for aides providing academic support in classrooms
- • Special Education Aides: The largest and most in-demand category of paraprofessionals in Texas
- • Bilingual Aides: Assistants providing language and academic support to English learners, a critical role across the state
- • Pre-Kindergarten Aides: Aides working in Texas's extensive public Pre-K programs
- • All Title I instructional paraprofessionals: Any aide working in a Title I program
May Not Need Requirements
- • Non-Instructional Aides: Staff whose duties are purely supervisory (playground, cafeteria, bus monitors)
- • Clerical Aides: Staff performing administrative tasks rather than instructional support
- • Personal Care Assistants: Aides whose duties are strictly for attending to a student's physical or health needs
These roles still require a district-level background check even if ESSA qualification and the state certificate are not required.
ParaPathways Assessment: In-Depth Breakdown for Texas
The choice of assessment is up to the ISD. Many districts accept the ETS paraprofessional assessment, now ParaPathways, while some larger districts administer their own local tests. ParaPathways has two separately timed, separately scored subtests: Reading & Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes. Here is what it covers, with examples of how you would use these skills in Texas classrooms.
Reading (Reading & Writing Subtest 5758, About 30 of 51 Questions)
Skills Tested: Comprehending and analyzing texts, identifying main ideas and supporting details, defining vocabulary from context, and making logical inferences.
Texas Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a San Antonio school might use these skills to help a small group of students read a text about the history of the Alamo. You would guide students to understand its significance in the Texas Revolution (main idea) and the key figures involved (supporting details).
Writing (Reading & Writing Subtest 5758, About 21 of 51 Questions)
Skills Tested: Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure.
Texas Classroom Example: An aide in a Houston ISD high school could use this expertise to help a student proofread an essay about the significance of the Johnson Space Center, focusing on correct grammar and clear organization.
Mathematics (Subtest 5759, 36 Questions)
Skills Tested: Operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages; basic algebra; geometry; and data interpretation. About 18 questions cover numbers and operations and about 18 cover geometry, measurement and data. An on-screen calculator is provided.
Texas Classroom Example: A paraprofessional in a West Texas school in the Permian Basin might help students with a math project that involves interpreting a graph showing oil production over time or calculating the volume of a model oil derrick.
After the Test: Next Steps in Texas
Once you pass the assessment and get hired, there are additional steps to complete before you start working and to begin building your career.
If You Passed and Have a Job Offer
- Step 1: Complete the Background Check. Your hiring district will provide forms and instructions to schedule your fingerprinting appointment through TxDPS and the FBI.
- Step 2: Apply for Your Educational Aide I Certificate. With the sponsorship of your hiring district, create a TEA Login (TEAL) account and complete the online application through SBEC.
- Step 3: Finalize Employment. Once your background check clears and your pre-employment paperwork is done, your employment is official.
- Step 4: Plan Your Advancement. Start thinking about the Aide II and III certificates. Talk to your campus administrators about college coursework that qualifies, and ask about any district tuition assistance programs.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: Ask About the 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. If your ISD uses its own local exam, it sets its own waiting periods and retake fees.
- Step 2: Identify Weak Areas. Request any available feedback on your score breakdown. Reading & Writing and Mathematics are scored separately, so look at your score on each subtest and focus your study time on the one you did not pass. You can register for just that subtest, but ask your district whether the subtest you already passed still counts.
- Step 3: Use the Time Before Your Retake Wisely. Take practice tests, work through study guides, and consider reaching out to your local ESC for prep resources or workshops.
- Step 4: Re-register. Follow your district's process for scheduling another test once you are eligible.
Preparing for Your Texas Paraprofessional Assessment
How much prep time you need depends on your starting point. If you finished college courses recently, a quick review might be enough. If it has been a while since you did formal math or writing, give yourself more time. There is no downside to 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 alone makes it worth it on test day.
Free Study Resources
- Your ISD or ESC study materials: Many Texas districts and regional Education Service Centers offer test prep resources, study guides, or workshops for prospective paraprofessionals. Contact the HR department of your target district and ask what is available.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. Free and self-paced.
- Texas public library databases: Your Texas library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library, which has paraprofessional practice tests and skill-building courses; make sure the practice tests cover ParaPathways. Check your county or city library website.
- Online practice tests: Several test-prep sites offer free questions covering reading, writing, and math; make sure they cover ParaPathways and its two 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 common options:
- Paraprofessional test-prep books ($20-40): Available on Amazon or at bookstores. Make sure they cover ParaPathways (Reading & Writing 5758 and Mathematics 5759); guides written for the retired ParaPro follow an older format.
- Online prep courses ($50-150): These usually include video lessons, quizzes, and 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.
Texas-Specific Tip
Since Texas ISDs can use local assessments instead of the ETS ParaPathways Assessment, your best first move is to contact the HR department of your target district and ask what test they require. If they use a locally developed exam, ask if a study guide is available. General ParaPathways prep is still useful for building the underlying skills, but knowing the exact test format will help you prepare more efficiently.
Test Day: What to Expect in Texas
Knowing what to expect on test day helps cut down on stress. Here is a rundown so you can walk in 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 letter from your ISD's HR department or the testing center.
Testing rooms can run cold. A light jacket lets you adjust without losing focus.
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 on ParaPathways, and most local district exams have no guessing penalty either, so never leave a blank. If time is running out, fill in your best guess for every remaining question.
About Texas Testing Locations
Testing in Texas is handled by ISDs and the 20 regional Education Service Centers (ESCs). If you are taking the ETS ParaPathways Assessment, you can take it at home or at a test center; check ETS's test-center locator for current sites. If you are taking a local district exam, it is typically given at the district office or a designated school site. Either way, the rules about prohibited items and ID checks still apply. Contact your ISD's HR department to confirm the location and any specific instructions.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Texas
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Typical Benefits Package
High-Demand Roles in Texas
Special Education Aides: This is, by far, the most critical area of need across the entire state. Nearly every district has openings for paraprofessionals supporting students with disabilities.
Bilingual Aides: With a large and growing Hispanic population, aides who are fluent in Spanish are in extremely high demand in virtually every part of the state.
Pre-Kindergarten Aides: Texas has a large state-funded Pre-K program, creating strong demand for qualified aides in early childhood settings.
Texas 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
- • Go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page of individual ISD websites to find job openings
- • The 20 regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) provide professional development; for ParaPathways test sites, check the ETS test-center locator
- • There is no single statewide job board that all Texas districts are required to use
How to Register for an Assessment in Texas
The process in Texas is sequential, involving local hiring followed by the state Educational Aide certificate, which you apply for after a district hires you. Here is how to move through it step by step.
Achieve ESSA "Qualified" Status
This is the first gate. Either have your official transcripts for 48+ college credits ready, or schedule, study for, and pass the ETS paraprofessional assessment or local assessment with the score required by your target district(s).
Search for Jobs on ISD Websites
In Texas, hiring is decentralized. The best way to find openings is to go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page of individual ISD websites. Look at the districts in your area and apply to the ones that interest you.
Apply and Interview
Complete the district's online application thoroughly. Upload your proof of ESSA qualification (transcripts or score report), your resume, and letters of reference. After a successful interview, a school district will extend a conditional offer of employment.
Background Check and Educational Aide Certificate
The hiring district will provide you with the forms and instructions to schedule your fingerprinting appointment. With the district's sponsorship, you will create a TEA Login (TEAL) account and complete the online application for the Educational Aide I Certificate through SBEC.
Pathway to a Teaching Career in Texas
The 48-hour ESSA requirement and the tiered Educational Aide Certificate are designed to position the paraprofessional role as a direct pipeline to becoming a licensed teacher. If you already have a bachelor's degree, Texas has a large system of Alternative Certification Programs (ACPs) that can get you certified in as little as one year.
Ask your district whether it offers a program that helps current paraprofessionals complete a bachelor's degree and earn a teaching certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions - Texas Paraprofessionals
What is the difference between being "Highly Qualified" and having an "Educational Aide Certificate"?
"Highly Qualified" is the foundational federal requirement (credits or a test) needed to get an entry-level job in a Title I program. The "Educational Aide Certificate" is a separate, state-issued professional credential that you obtain after being hired. It documents your experience and education and lets you move up the career ladder.
What is an ISD and an ESC?
An Independent School District (ISD) is the primary local governing body for public schools in Texas. NCES counts about 1,024 regular school districts in Texas (2021-22). An Education Service Center (ESC) is a regional agency that provides support to the ISDs in its area, including professional development and testing. There are 20 ESCs across the state.
How do I find job openings in Texas?
You need to go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page of individual ISD websites. There is no single statewide job board that all districts are required to use. Start with the districts in the area where you want to work and check their postings regularly.
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.
I passed the ParaPro test in another state. Will Texas accept my score?
Usually. The ParaPro was a national test, so a Texas ISD can accept your already-earned official score report if the score meets its local threshold on the retired ParaPro scale. Always confirm the required score with the hiring district before assuming you qualify.
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. If your ISD uses its own local exam instead, its retake rules apply; contact your ISD's HR department for the waiting period and any retake fees.
Ready to Start Your Texas Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.