Washington Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Evergreen State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Washington Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
455 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
298
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Mandatory fingerprint-based background checks: (1) Washington State Patrol (WSP) state criminal history check, (2) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) national criminal history check. Processed by hiring district or Educational Service District (ESD).
Governing Body
Paraeducator Board (nine members, created 2017) sets standards, administered by Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB). Official term: "Paraeducator" (not paraprofessional). The district provides the 28-hour, four-day Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) in years the state funds it. Paraeducator Certificate Program: General Certificate (FCS + 70 hours), Subject Matter Certificates (Special Ed, ELL - 20 hours each), Advanced Certificate (75 hours). About 298 regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22), served by 9 Educational Service Districts (ESDs). ParaPro score lowered from 461 to 455. SEBB (School Employees Benefits Board) provides benefits to employees who work at least 630 hours per school year. Pipeline for Paraeducators scholarship program (WSAC).
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's degree or higher from an accredited institution
- 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits (100 level or higher)
- ParaPathways Assessment (324 on Reading and Writing, 325 on Mathematics), an already-earned ParaPro score of 455, Pearson Assessment (220), or Master Teacher (65%)
- Registered apprenticeship program
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Washington
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Washington 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.
Washington's Paraeducator Board and Standards
Paraeducator standards in Washington come from the Paraeducator Board, a nine-member board created in 2017 and administered by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB).
The system is a career ladder: from meeting the Minimum Employment Requirements to completing the mandatory Fundamental Course of Study, then earning a General Certificate, optional Subject Matter Certificates, and finally the Advanced Paraeducator Certificate.
"Grow Your Own" Pipeline
Washington explicitly views its paraeducator workforce as a primary pipeline for future teachers. The Pipeline for Paraeducators conditional scholarship program, administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), pays tuition for paraeducators to earn their degrees and teaching certificates. In exchange, you commit to teaching in a Washington school.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Washington
Washington's system has two phases. First, you need to meet the Minimum Employment Requirements to get hired. Then, once employed, your district provides the 28-hour Fundamental Course of Study (FCS). Here's the breakdown of the initial hiring requirements.
Phase 1: Minimum Employment Requirements
You must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, and meet ONE of the following four pathways:
Option 1: Higher Education Degree
Hold an Associate of Arts (AA) degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Official transcripts must be provided to the hiring district
Option 2: College Coursework
Earn 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an accredited institution.
- Credits must be at the 100 level or higher
- Official transcripts are required for verification
Option 3: Formal Academic Assessment
Pass one of Washington's three approved assessments:
- ETS ParaPathways Assessment: 324 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 325 on Mathematics (5759). On the retired ParaPro, the passing score was 455 (lowered from 461). Washington PESB extended its use of ParaPro through December 31, 2026; if you hold an earned ParaPro score, confirm with PESB or your district how it is treated after that date
- Pearson Paraprofessional Assessment: Passing score of 220
- The Master Teacher Inc. Program: An online training and assessment program, passing score of 65% on each of its two parts
Option 4: Registered Apprenticeship
Complete a registered apprenticeship program for paraeducators approved by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council. This hands-on pathway combines structured training with on-the-job learning.
Phase 2: The Fundamental Course of Study (FCS)
Your district must provide the 28-hour, four-day Fundamental Course of Study, two days soon after hire and the rest within months, on a schedule set in state rule, in years the state funds it.
Ask your district when it schedules the training and whether the time is paid.
Washington's Paraeducator Certificate Program
General Paraeducator Certificate: Complete the 28-hour FCS plus 70 additional clock hours of professional development (districts ensure completion within three years of the four-day course). The general certificate does not expire.
Subject Matter Certificates (Optional): 20 hours of specialized training in either Special Education or English Language Learner support. Subject Matter and Advanced certificates expire after five years.
Advanced Paraeducator Certificate: Requires the General Certificate plus 75 additional hours of advanced professional development. This is the highest level, qualifying you for lead positions, mentoring roles, and even emergency substitute teaching in some districts.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Washington?
The Minimum Employment Requirements and FCS apply to all paraeducators in Washington. The requirements cover most instructional support positions across the state.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Paraeducators: General title for aides providing academic support
- • Special Education Paraeducators: Supporting students with IEPs
- • ELL Paraeducators: Supporting multilingual learners
- • Title I Paraeducators: Staff providing targeted academic interventions
May Not Need Requirements
- • Non-Instructional Staff: Lunchroom, recess, and bus supervisors
- • Personal Care Attendants: Strictly non-instructional health/physical needs roles
Washington Assessment Details
Washington accepts three different assessments. The ETS ParaPathways Assessment replaced the retired ParaPro. Here's what you need to know about the ParaPathways format. It has two separately timed, separately scored subtests: 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)
Skills Tested: Comprehending and analyzing texts, identifying main ideas and supporting details, defining vocabulary from context, and making logical inferences.
Washington Classroom Example: A paraeducator in a school near Puget Sound might help students read a text about the history of the salmon fishing industry, guiding them to identify how environmental changes have affected local tribes and communities.
Writing (Reading & Writing Subtest 5758, About 21 of 51 Questions)
Skills Tested: Identifying and correcting errors in grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling. No essay is required.
Washington Classroom Example: An aide in a Seattle high school could help a student revise a report about Mount Rainier or the tech industry's impact on the region, focusing on sentence structure and clear organization.
Mathematics (Subtest 5759, 36 Questions)
Skills Tested: Operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages; basic algebra; geometry and measurement; and data interpretation. About 18 questions cover numbers and operations and about 18 cover geometry, measurement and data. An on-screen calculator is provided.
Washington Classroom Example: A paraeducator in Yakima might help students interpret a graph showing apple harvest yields across the Yakima Valley, or calculate percentages for a science project about rainfall patterns in the Cascades.
About the Score Change
On the retired ParaPro, the passing score was previously 461 but was lowered to 455. If a district tells you an earned ParaPro score needs 461, they may be working with outdated information; politely verify with their HR department. The current ParaPathways cut scores are 324 on Reading and Writing and 325 on Mathematics. Washington PESB extended its use of ParaPro through December 31, 2026, so if you hold an earned ParaPro score, confirm with PESB or your district how it is treated after that date.
Preparing for Your Washington Paraeducator Assessment
How long you need to study depends on where you're starting. Some people feel ready after a couple weeks of review. Others need more time, especially if it's been a while since they've done 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 weak spots.
Solid Preparation
The sweet spot for most people. Gives you time to work through a study guide, take practice tests, and revisit topics you're rusty on.
In-Depth Review
If you've been out of school for a while or math and writing feel unfamiliar, the extra time pays off in confidence on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ETS ParaPathways 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. Since the ParaPathways Assessment is the most common option in Washington, start here.
- Khan Academy: Great for math review at any level. Free, self-paced, and well-organized by topic.
- Washington public libraries: Your library card gives you access to LearningExpress Library with paraprofessional practice tests and skill-building courses; make sure the practice tests cover ParaPathways.
- 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 structured study materials:
- 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): Video lessons, quizzes, and full-length practice tests.
Test Day: What to Expect in Washington
Whether you're testing at a test center or from home, here's what you need to know.
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.
Confirmation email from ETS or the testing center.
Testing rooms can be cold. A light jacket helps you stay comfortable.
What NOT to Bring
Tips for During the Test
Watch your time
Don't spend too long on any single question. Mark tough ones and come back if time allows.
Read carefully
Watch for words like "not," "except," and "best." They change the meaning entirely.
Eliminate wrong answers
Cross out answers you know are wrong to improve your odds on uncertain questions.
Don't leave blanks
ETS counts only the questions you answer correctly, so never leave a blank. Fill in your best answer for every question.
After the Test: Next Steps in Washington
If You Passed
- Step 1: Save your official score report. This is your proof of meeting the Minimum Employment Requirements.
- Step 2: Search for jobs. Check the employment pages of the districts you want to work in and of the 9 ESDs for openings.
- Step 3: Apply and complete the background check. Once offered a position, you'll be fingerprinted through the WSP and FBI, often at an ESD office (ask your district or ESD about the fee and who pays it).
- Step 4: Complete the FCS. Work with your district to schedule your Fundamental Course of Study training.
If You Need to Retake
- Step 1: 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 2: Know 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.
- Step 3: Consider alternative assessments. If the ParaPathways Assessment isn't a good fit, look into the Pearson assessment (score 220) or The Master Teacher program (65%).
How to Get Hired in Washington: Step by Step
Here's the full process from qualification to your first day on the job.
Verify Your Qualifications
Make sure you have your transcripts (72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits) or register for an approved assessment. For the ETS paraprofessional assessment, you can register via ETS for at-home testing or at a test center. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so check its test-center locator rather than assuming a site carried over.
Search for Jobs
Check the employment pages of individual districts and the employment sections of the 9 Educational Service Districts (ESD 112, PSESD 121, ESD 101, etc.).
Apply and Interview
Complete the online application and upload your transcripts or test scores. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience with diverse populations; equity is a major focus in Washington hiring.
Pathway to Teaching
Washington has programs that help paraeducators become teachers. The Pipeline for Paraeducators Conditional Scholarship pays tuition for paraeducators to earn their AA or BA and teaching certificate, in exchange for a commitment to teach in a Washington school.
Washington also has "Route 1" alternative certification programs designed specifically for paraeducators with an AA degree to earn their teaching license in 2 years while continuing to work.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Washington
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Pay Varies by District
Pay varies by district, including across Puget Sound, Southwest Washington, and Eastern Washington. Check the salary schedule each district posts.
Typical Benefits Package
Washington 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
- • Washington's 9 ESDs provide regional fingerprinting and FCS training services
- • The Pearson assessment has its own testing locations; check Pearson for current sites
Frequently Asked Questions - Washington Paraprofessionals
What is an ESD?
An Educational Service District. Washington is divided into 9 ESDs that act as regional support hubs. They provide training (including FCS training), fingerprinting services, and administrative support to local school districts.
Do I have to pay for the FCS training?
Your district provides the course in years the state funds it. Ask your district whether training time is paid.
Can I transfer my FCS clock hours if I move districts?
Ask your district how it records FCS completion and whether it accepts training you completed in another district.
I passed the ParaPro with a 455. Is that good enough?
Yes. As of the most recent rule change by the Paraeducator Board, 455 is the official passing score on the retired ParaPro scale. Washington PESB extended its use of ParaPro through December 31, 2026; confirm with PESB or your district how an earned ParaPro score is treated after that date. If you still need to test, plan on ParaPathways (324 on Reading and Writing, 325 on Mathematics). If a district tells you it's 461 (the old score), they may be working with outdated information. Politely verify with their HR department.
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.
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. You can also consider the Pearson or Master Teacher assessments as alternatives.
Ready to Start Your Washington Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.