Utah Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Beehive State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Utah Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
460 on the retired ParaPro scale
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
41
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Your district (LEA) submits your information to the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification for a fingerprint-based state and FBI check, with ongoing monitoring. By law the district may not charge a non-licensed employee the fee.
Governing Body
Utah State Board of Education (USBE) sets standards with local implementation. No state license—qualification is "ESSA qualified" status verified by LEAs. Dual-layered system: (1) ESSA qualification for Title I instructional roles, (2) Special education training under Rule R277-324 for those working with students with disabilities: the district trains the paraprofessional and keeps a record of that training. ParaPro 460 is statewide standard. About 41 regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22), plus charter schools.
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's Degree or higher
- 48 semester hours of college credit
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Utah
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Utah 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.
Utah's Dual-Layered Qualification System
Utah uses a two-part approach to qualifying paraprofessionals. The first layer is the standard ESSA requirement that applies to all Title I instructional aides. You need an associate's degree (or higher), 48 semester hours of college credit, or passing ParaPathways Assessment scores of 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). A score of 460 on the retired ParaPro scale still counts if already earned. The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) sets the standards, but local school districts handle verification.
The second layer is district training for special education work. Utah does not issue a paraprofessional license or endorsement. If you work with students with disabilities, your district must train you and keep a record of that training (Board Rule R277-324).
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Utah
State education codes and federal ESSA guidelines establish clear standards for all instructional paraprofessionals working in Title I programs.
Layer 1: ESSA "Qualified" Status
This is the baseline requirement for any instructional paraprofessional in a Title I program. You need a high school diploma or GED, plus one of the following three 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
- Degree must come from an accredited college or university
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least 48 semester hours at an accredited college or university.
- Official transcript required
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts
- Utah defines "two years of study" as 48 semester hours from an accredited institution
Option 3: Assessment
Pass a formal state or locally approved assessment demonstrating knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment with 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759), or an already-earned score of 460 on the retired ParaPro scale
- Available at a test center or at home through ETS remote proctoring. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator rather than assuming a site listed here carried over.
- Your district's HR department verifies and documents that you've met this requirement
Layer 2: Special Education Training (No Endorsement)
Utah does not issue a paraprofessional license or endorsement. If you work with students with disabilities, your district must train you and keep a record of that training (Board Rule R277-324). Ask the hiring district what training it provides.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Utah?
The dual-layered system applies to the large majority of instructional paraprofessional positions in Utah public schools. ESSA qualification applies to instructional roles in Title I programs. District training under Rule R277-324 applies if you work with students with disabilities.
Must Be ESSA Qualified
- • All instructional paraprofessionals working in Title I programs
- • Paraeducators/Instructional Assistants: The general title for classroom support staff across Utah districts
- • Title I Tutors: Staff providing targeted academic interventions in reading or math
Also Need District Training
- • Special Education Paraprofessionals: Anyone supporting students with an IEP, regardless of Title I status
- • Behavioral Support Aides: Staff assigned to help students with behavioral challenges in special education settings
- • Early Childhood Special Education Aides: Staff in Pre-K programs for children with developmental needs
ParaPathways Assessment Details for Utah
ParaPathways is the primary testing tool used by Utah school districts to qualify candidates through the assessment pathway. It has 87 questions in two separately timed, separately scored subtests (145 minutes in total): Reading & Writing (5758), 51 questions in 85 minutes, and Mathematics (5759), 36 questions in 60 minutes.
Reading (Reading & Writing Subtest 5758, About 30 of 51 Questions)
- Comprehending and analyzing texts, identifying main ideas, and defining vocabulary from context
- Finding supporting details and making logical inferences from what you read
- Utah example: You might help students in Salt Lake City read about the Mormon pioneers' journey to Utah and guide them through the main idea and supporting details
Writing (Reading & Writing Subtest 5758, About 21 of 51 Questions)
- Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure
- Identifying errors and choosing the best way to rephrase or correct sentences
- Utah example: Helping a Provo student proofread an essay about Utah's national parks, focusing on clear organization and correct grammar
Mathematics (Subtest 5759, 36 Questions)
- Operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages
- Basic algebra, geometry, and data interpretation (charts and graphs); about 18 questions on numbers and operations and about 18 on geometry, measurement and data, with an on-screen calculator provided
- Utah example: A Park City paraeducator might help students calculate the vertical drop of a ski run or interpret a graph of annual snowfall data
After the Test: Scores and Next Steps in Utah
Once you've passed the ParaPathways Assessment (or qualified through an earlier ParaPro score, credits, or a degree), there are still several steps before you start working.
If You Passed
- Step 1: Submit your proof. Provide your official ParaPathways or earlier ParaPro score report (or transcripts) to the hiring district's Human Resources department. They will verify your ESSA qualification.
- Step 2: Complete the background check. The district will give you forms and instructions for the fingerprint-based BCI (state) and FBI (federal) criminal history check, which your district (LEA) submits to the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification, with ongoing monitoring. By law the district may not charge a non-licensed employee the fee.
- Step 3: Complete district training (if applicable). If you work with students with disabilities, your district must train you and keep a record of that training (Board Rule R277-324).
- Step 4: Finalize employment. Once your background check clears, your employment is officially confirmed.
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 take it two more times. Your district may have additional policies.
- Step 2: Review your score report. 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: Study with targeted resources. Use the time before your retake productively. Khan Academy for math, grammar practice sites for writing, and reading passages for comprehension.
- Step 4: Re-register and retake. When you are eligible, schedule your next attempt through ETS.
Preparing for Your Utah ParaPathways Assessment
How much study time you need depends on where you're starting. If you recently finished college coursework, a couple of weeks may be enough. If it's been years since you last did formal math or grammar exercises, give yourself more room.
Recommended Study Timelines
Quick Refresher
Best if you recently completed college courses or already feel comfortable with reading, writing, and math. Take a practice test first to find any gaps.
Solid Preparation
This is the sweet spot for most people. It gives you time to work through a study guide, take multiple practice tests, and revisit any topics that feel rusty.
In-Depth Review
If you've been out of school for a while, or if math and writing feel unfamiliar, the extra time is worth it. There's no downside to being well-prepared.
Free Study Resources
- ETS ParaPathways official resources: ETS publishes an official Study Companion and sample questions on its website, and you get a free interactive practice test when you register for the test. Start here to get a feel for the question style and difficulty level.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It's free, self-paced, and works well for targeted review.
- Utah public libraries: Your library card gives you access to databases like LearningExpress Library, which includes paraprofessional practice tests; make sure they cover ParaPathways. Check the Salt Lake City Public Library or your county library's website for online resources.
- 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 don't need to spend money to pass, but some people prefer more structure. Here are the most common paid 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 typically include video lessons, quizzes, and full-length practice tests. They work well if you prefer guided instruction over reading on your own.
- Video tutorial packages: Some test prep companies offer subject-specific video bundles. These can be helpful if text-heavy study materials aren't your preferred learning style.
Utah-Specific Tip
Some Utah districts may offer study materials or practice sessions through their HR departments. Before you start studying on your own, contact the district you're applying to and ask if they provide any test prep resources.
Test Day: What to Expect in Utah
Knowing what to expect removes a lot of the test-day stress. Whether you're testing at a test center or from home with ETS remote proctoring, here's what to keep in mind.
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 confirmation email or the invitation from the district's HR department, depending on how you registered.
Testing rooms can run cold. A light jacket lets you stay comfortable without any 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'll need to put your phone, bag, and other belongings in a designated area before being seated.
- 3 Take your assigned seat. The proctor will direct you to your spot and review the testing rules before the clock starts.
Tips for During the Test
Watch your time
You have about 1 minute and 40 seconds per question. If you get stuck, mark it and move on. Come back to it if there's time left at the end.
Read carefully
Many wrong answers come from misreading the question. Pay close attention to words like "not," "except," and "best" since 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're unsure about the right one.
Don't 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 Utah Testing Locations
In Utah, you can take the ETS ParaPathways Assessment at a test center or from home using ETS at-home remote proctoring. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator for current sites. The rules around prohibited items and ID apply either way. If you take the at-home option, make sure you have a quiet, private room with a reliable internet connection.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Utah
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 Utah
Special Education Paraprofessionals: This is by far the most in-demand role statewide. Almost every district is actively hiring for these positions.
Dual Language Immersion Aides: Utah runs a large and successful dual language immersion program. If you're fluent in Spanish, French, Chinese, or Portuguese, you're in extremely high demand.
Early Childhood Paraprofessionals: Aides with experience in Pre-K and early childhood special education are also highly sought after across the state.
Utah 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
- • Check with the hiring district's HR department first about which assessment and scores it accepts
- • Search individual district career pages for open paraprofessional positions
How to Register for an Assessment in Utah
The registration process typically begins through a school district's Human Resources department or the state education agency.
Achieve ESSA "Qualified" Status
This is the first gate. Get your official transcripts ready (for 48+ college credits or a degree), or schedule, study for, and pass the ETS ParaPathways Assessment (332 on Reading and Writing, 334 on Mathematics). A score of 460 or higher on the retired ParaPro still counts if already earned.
Search for Jobs and Apply
Hiring in Utah is decentralized. Go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page on individual district websites. Upload your proof of ESSA qualification (transcripts or a ParaPathways or earlier ParaPro score report), your resume, and letters of reference.
Interview, Background Check, and Training
After a successful interview, the district will extend a conditional job offer. You'll then complete the fingerprint-based background check. If you will work with students with disabilities, your district must train you and keep a record of that training. Once the background check clears, your employment is finalized.
Pathway to Teaching in Utah
If you eventually want to become a licensed teacher, working as a paraprofessional in Utah is a practical starting point. The 48-hour ESSA requirement puts you halfway to an associate's degree, and Utah's colleges have strong articulation agreements for transferring credits to four-year programs.
Ask your district whether it offers a program that helps current paraprofessionals finish a bachelor's degree and earn a teaching license.
Frequently Asked Questions - Utah Paraprofessionals
What is the difference between ESSA qualification and special education training in Utah?
ESSA qualification is the foundational academic requirement (credits, a degree, or a passing test score) needed to work in any Title I instructional role. Utah does not issue a paraprofessional license or endorsement. If you work with students with disabilities, your district must train you and keep a record of that training (Board Rule R277-324).
What is the USBE?
The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is the state agency that oversees all public K-12 education. They are responsible for setting paraprofessional qualification standards.
How do I find job openings in Utah?
The best approach is to go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page on individual school district websites. Major districts like Canyons, Alpine, Davis, Jordan, Granite, and Salt Lake City all post openings on their own sites. There's no single statewide portal the way some other states handle it.
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. Your hiring district may have additional retake policies.
I passed the ParaPro in another state. Will Utah accept my score?
Usually. The ParaPro was a national test, so a Utah school district can accept your already-earned official score report if the score is 460 or higher on the retired ParaPro scale. Confirm with the hiring district. You'll still need to complete the background check and any training your district requires.
Ready to Start Your Utah Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.