Wyoming Paraprofessional Requirements
A complete guide to paraprofessional qualification in the Equality State. Required assessments, qualifications, career pathways, and salary information.
Wyoming Paraprofessional Quick Facts
Required Score
Each of 48 districts verifies that paraprofessionals are highly qualified and sets its own requirements; ETS lists 462 as Wyoming's ParaPro qualifying score. ParaPro was last administered Aug 31, 2026; an already-earned score still counts
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
48
Regular school districts (NCES, 2021-22)
Background Check
Required
Wyoming Statute 21-7-401 requires school employees who may have access to minors to be fingerprinted for a state or national criminal history check before employment; the district pays for the request.
Governing Body
Wyoming Department of Education (WDE). The WDE requires all paraprofessionals to be highly qualified (an associate's degree, the equivalent credit hours, or a passing score on a nationally recognized paraprofessional test); each of the 48 school districts verifies this and sets its own hiring requirements. The Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) does not issue a license or permit for paraprofessionals. Wyoming law (W.S. 21-4-602) requires the state's social studies standards to address the cultural heritage, history and contemporary contributions of American Indians, developed in cooperation with tribes of the region including the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho. Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Alternative Qualifications
- Associate's degree or higher from an accredited institution
- Two years of study at an institution of higher education (ask the hiring district how many credits it counts as two years)
- ParaPro Assessment, passing score set by hiring district (no statewide score)
Annual Pay (Middle 50%)
Teaching assistants, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Overview of Paraprofessional Qualifications in Wyoming
To comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Wyoming 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.
Wyoming's Local Control Philosophy
Wyoming's approach to paraprofessional qualification is rooted in local governance. The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) requires all paraprofessionals to be highly qualified (an associate's degree, the equivalent credit hours, or a passing score on a nationally recognized paraprofessional test). Each of the state's 48 school districts verifies this and sets its own hiring requirements. This means a district in Jackson (Teton County) can set different expectations than a small ranching community district in the eastern part of the state.
Wyoming's public education scene reflects its unique character: vast, sparsely populated, and deeply independent. Most of its school systems are small, rural, and serve as the social and cultural center of their communities. A handful of larger districts anchor the population hubs of Cheyenne and Casper, but the majority operate with tight-knit staffs in towns where the school is often the biggest employer.
This philosophy of local control is designed to give communities more control. By letting each district manage its own hiring, the state ensures the process fits the local labor market. It also promotes stability, since the most committed employees are often people already invested in their community. A flexible qualification system lets districts hire and train from within.
One aspect of Wyoming education worth knowing about is the state's American Indian content in its social studies standards. Wyoming law (W.S. 21-4-602) requires the state's social studies standards to address the cultural heritage, history and contemporary contributions of American Indians, developed in cooperation with tribes of the region including the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in Wyoming
The WDE has established clear, federally compliant standards for anyone seeking to work as an instructional paraprofessional in a school receiving Title I funding. To be eligible, you must hold a high school diploma or equivalent AND meet one of the three pathways below.
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 credits it accepts (usually an official transcript)
- The degree must be from an accredited college or university
Option 2: College Credits
Complete at least 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 credits it accepts (usually an official transcript)
- Ask the hiring district which courses it counts
Option 3: Assessment
The current ETS exam is the ParaPathways Assessment: 332 on Reading and Writing (5758) and 334 on Mathematics (5759). Each hiring school district sets its own requirements, which is the single most important detail to verify before you test. ETS listed 462 as Wyoming's ParaPro qualifying score, and districts set their own figures on the retired ParaPro scale (these still count if already earned):
- Laramie County School District #1 (Cheyenne): 457
- Natrona County School District #1 (Casper): 460
- Campbell County School District #1 (Gillette): 460
Additional Mandatory Requirements
Wyoming Statute 21-7-401 requires school employees who may have access to minors to be fingerprinted for a state or national criminal history check before employment; the district pays for the request.
You must hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Who Needs to Meet These Requirements in Wyoming?
The "qualified" standard applies to all paraprofessionals who provide instructional support in a Title I school. Since many Wyoming schools operate as Title I school-wide programs, these requirements cover the vast majority of instructional paraprofessional positions across the state.
Must Meet Requirements
- • Instructional Paraprofessionals/Aides: The general title for aides providing academic support in core subjects
- • Title I Paraprofessionals: Aides hired with Title I funds to provide targeted academic interventions in reading or math
- • Special Education Paraprofessionals: Support students with IEPs under the direction of a licensed special education teacher
- • Native American Education Paraprofessionals: Aides who provide academic and cultural support to Native American students, especially in districts near the Wind River Reservation
- • Early Childhood/Pre-K Assistants: Aides in Wyoming's public Pre-K and early childhood programs
May Not Need Requirements
- • Lunchroom or Recess Supervisors: Staff whose duties are exclusively supervisory and do not include any form of teaching
- • Bus Monitors: Staff providing transportation supervision only
- • Hall Monitors: Campus safety and supervision roles with no instructional duties
- • Personal Care Attendants (PCAs): Aides whose duties are strictly non-instructional and related to a student's physical or health needs. However, if a PCA also provides instructional support (which is common in blended roles), they must be qualified.
Wyoming ParaPathways Assessment Details
ParaPathways is a nationally recognized paraprofessional test, the kind WDE accepts for the testing pathway. It confirms that you have the academic skills needed to assist effectively in classroom instruction. ParaPathways 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: This section measures your ability to comprehend and analyze different types of written material. You'll need to identify main ideas, locate key details, define vocabulary in context, and make logical inferences from what you read.
In a Wyoming Classroom: A paraprofessional in a school in Cody might use these skills to help a small group of students read a text about the life of Buffalo Bill Cody and the history of the American West. You'd guide students to pick out key events (supporting details) and understand his impact on Western culture (main idea).
Writing (Reading & Writing Subtest 5758, About 21 of 51 Questions)
Skills Tested: This section evaluates your command of standard written English mechanics. You won't write an essay. Instead, you'll identify and correct errors in grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling.
In a Wyoming Classroom: An aide in a Cheyenne high school could be working with a student on a research paper about the history of the Union Pacific Railroad in Wyoming. You'd help the student proofread their draft, correcting run-on sentences, ensuring proper comma usage, and checking spelling so they produce a clear paper.
Mathematics (Subtest 5759, 36 Questions)
Skills Tested: This section covers math concepts used in elementary and middle school instruction. Expect problems with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages, along with basic algebra, geometry, measurement, and interpreting data from charts and graphs. About 18 questions cover numbers and operations and about 18 cover geometry, measurement and data. An on-screen calculator is provided.
In a Wyoming Classroom: A paraprofessional in Gillette might help students with a hands-on math project involving a graph of coal production from the Powder River Basin, or calculating the volume of a model mining truck.
After the Test: Getting Hired in Wyoming
Passing the assessment makes you "qualified" and ready to move forward with the hiring process. Here is how it typically works in Wyoming.
Step-by-Step Hiring Process
- Step 1: Get Your Qualifications in Order. Before you apply, have your proof of qualification ready. That means either your official college transcripts or your official ETS ParaPathways (or earlier ParaPro) score report with the score your target district requires.
- Step 2: Search for Openings. In Wyoming, hiring is decentralized. The best approach is to go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page on individual school district websites.
- Step 3: Complete the Application. Fill out the district's online application thoroughly. You'll typically upload your resume, letters of reference, and your proof of qualification (score report or transcripts).
- Step 4: Interview. Once HR verifies that you meet the "qualified" standard, your application goes to school principals with openings. The principal or assistant principal will reach out to schedule an interview.
- Step 5: Conditional Job Offer. If the interview goes well, the principal recommends you for hire and the HR department extends a conditional offer.
- Step 6: Background Check and Onboarding. Your district will tell you how to complete the fingerprint check Wyoming requires before employment.
- Step 7: Finalization. Once all background checks clear and pre-employment paperwork is complete, your employment is finalized. You'll be scheduled for a new hire orientation.
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. Some districts may have additional policies, so ask HR.
- 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: Build a focused study plan. Use the time before your retake to zero in on the topics where you struggled. Take practice tests to track your progress.
- Step 4: Re-register. Sign up again through ETS when you are eligible.
Preparing for the ParaPathways Assessment in Wyoming
How long you need to study depends on where you're starting from. If you recently finished college coursework, a couple weeks of review might be enough. If it's been years since you did any formal math or writing, plan for a longer runway.
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 spot-check any weak areas.
Solid Preparation
The sweet spot for most people. Gives you enough time to work through a study guide, take practice tests, and revisit rusty topics without feeling rushed.
In-Depth Review
If you've been away from school for a while or math and writing feel unfamiliar, give yourself the extra time. The confidence boost alone helps on test day.
Free Study Resources
- ETS ParaPathways practice materials: When you register for the test, ETS gives you a free interactive practice test, timed like the real test. ETS also publishes an official Study Companion with sample questions. This is the single best starting point.
- Khan Academy: Great for brushing up on math, from basic arithmetic through algebra and geometry. It's free and self-paced.
- Wyoming community college tutoring centers: Several of Wyoming's community colleges offer free tutoring services in math, reading, and writing. Contact your nearest campus to see what's available.
- Wyoming public library databases: Your library card gives you access to online learning platforms like LearningExpress Library, which has paraprofessional practice tests and skill-building courses; make sure the practice tests cover ParaPathways.
Paid Study Options
You don't need to spend money to pass, but some people prefer the structure of a paid resource.
- 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 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 aren't your style.
Wyoming-Specific Tip
Before you register for the ETS paraprofessional assessment, call the HR department of the district you want to work in and confirm their specific requirements. The ParaPathways cuts are 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics; district figures such as 457 or 460 are on the retired ParaPro scale. Knowing your exact target helps you set a realistic goal and avoid the frustration of falling just short. Some districts may also offer their own study resources or point you to local prep options.
Test Day: What to Expect in Wyoming
Knowing what to expect on test day takes away a lot of the stress. Whether you're testing at a test center or from home, here's what to plan for.
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 from ETS.
Testing rooms can be cold, especially in Wyoming. 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'll 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
Don't spend too long on any single question. If you're stuck, mark it and move on. You can come back to it if there's 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'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 At-Home Testing
Given Wyoming's vast geography, at-home testing through ETS is a popular option. You'll need a quiet room, a reliable internet connection, a computer with a webcam and microphone, and a clean workspace. A live proctor watches you through the webcam for the entire session. The rules about prohibited items still apply, and the proctor will ask you to show your room and desk before you start.
Paraprofessional Salary and Employment in Wyoming
Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Middle 50% of Earners
Top 10% Earn
Salary by District
Teton County (Jackson), Campbell, Converse and Sublette Counties, Laramie and Albany Counties (Cheyenne and Laramie), Fremont County, rural and agricultural areas: Pay varies by district; check the salary schedule the district posts.
Typical Benefits Package
Common Roles in Wyoming
Special Education Paraprofessionals: Many paraprofessionals support students with disabilities. Ask districts about current openings.
Rural School Paraprofessionals: Small, remote districts also hire paraprofessionals. Ask districts about current openings.
Native American Education Paraprofessionals: Aides support Native American students. Ask districts near the Wind River Reservation about current openings.
Wyoming 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
- • Ask the HR department of the district you are applying to (for example Laramie #1, Natrona #1 or Campbell #1) which assessment and scores it accepts
How to Register for an Assessment in Wyoming
You register for ParaPathways through ETS, and your hiring district decides which scores it accepts. You have several options depending on where you live and which district you're targeting.
At-Home Testing (Most Flexible)
ETS offers a live, remotely proctored version of ParaPathways that you can take from home. Register directly through the ETS website. This is often the most convenient option, especially if you live in a remote part of the state.
Check With Your School District
If you already know which district you want to work in, such as Laramie #1, Natrona #1, or Campbell #1, contact its Human Resources department before you register to confirm which assessment and scores it accepts.
At a Test Center
You can also take ParaPathways in person at a test center. ETS decides where its current assessment is offered, so use its test-center locator to find current sites, then register through the ETS website.
Pathway to a Teaching Career
Wyoming has a real teacher shortage, especially in rural areas and in special education. The state actively encourages paraprofessionals to become licensed teachers. The University of Wyoming, the state's only four-year public university, is the primary institution for teacher preparation. Any college credits you already have give you a head start on a bachelor's degree.
The Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) offers several alternative routes to certification for people who hold a bachelor's degree. Your hands-on classroom experience as a paraprofessional makes you a strong candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions - Wyoming Paraprofessionals
Is there a state-level license for paraprofessionals in Wyoming?
No. Wyoming does not issue a state-level license or certificate for paraprofessionals. Your qualification is a status, not a credential. Being "qualified" is verified and documented by your employing school district.
What is the PTSB's role?
The Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board is the state agency responsible for issuing educator licenses for certified staff like teachers and administrators. They do not license paraprofessionals, but they set the standards for the alternative pathways to a teaching career that many paraprofessionals use.
How do I find job openings in Wyoming?
The best approach is to go directly to the "Careers" or "Human Resources" page on the website of the individual school district you're interested in. Wyoming's hiring is decentralized, so there is no single statewide job portal for school positions.
I passed the ParaPro in another state. Will Wyoming accept my score?
Usually. Since the ParaPro was a national test, a Wyoming school district can accept your already-earned official score report if the score meets its local passing threshold on the retired ParaPro scale (for example, 457 or 460 depending on the district).
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. Check with your target district for any additional retake policies.
Ready to Start Your Wyoming Paraprofessional Career?
Take practice tests and prepare for success on your assessment.