What ELS-PARA covers
ELS-PARA is the Illinois paraprofessional license. The ISBE paraprofessional educator page says you work under a licensed teacher, with no day limit, for 5 fiscal years. Renewal is payment of registration fees. Compare the 460 screen with other states on the state score directory.
Four ways to qualify
ISBE requires one of four proofs. Coursework must be 100-level or higher from a regionally accredited college. Plan ID and score delivery before registration and test day.
| Path | ISBE requirement |
|---|---|
| Degree | Associate degree or higher |
| Coursework | 60 semester hours |
| ParaPro | Diploma or GED and 460 or higher. Available through Summer 2027. |
| WorkKeys | Diploma or GED, Applied Math 4, and Reading for Information / Workplace Documents 4 |
ParaPro 460 and WorkKeys
Confirm 460 on the ETS State Requirements table, then project a practice raw score in the score calculator. The short-term approval is separate: 3 fiscal years, not renewable, applications end after 30 June 2029, and you must be completing the full license while you work.
How to apply in ELIS
The ISBE licensure application page lists a $100 fee for ELS-Paraprofessional, charged when the ELIS application is completed. Official transcripts, when used, must come from the college. Diploma-plus-test applicants send the diploma and score report as that page’s checklist describes. The license is not valid for employment until you register it and pay the registration fee. ISBE’s What is a Paraprofessional PDF lists that registration fee as $30.
Practice on the full 90-question test if you choose the 460 path.
90-question diagnostic
Time a full form against the 460 screen.
Score calculator
Convert raw correct items toward 460.
Frequently asked questions
What is the passing score for the ParaPro Assessment in Illinois?
ISBE’s paraprofessional educator page lists a score of 460 or higher on the ETS ParaPro, with a high school diploma or GED. The same page says the assessment is available through Summer 2027.
What is an ELS-PARA license in Illinois?
ELS-PARA is the Educator License with Stipulations for a paraprofessional. ISBE says it is valid for 5 fiscal years, must be used under a licensed teacher, and may be renewed by paying registration fees.
Can I skip ParaPro in Illinois?
Yes. ISBE also accepts an associate degree or higher, 60 semester hours at the 100-level or higher, or ACT WorkKeys scores of 4 on Applied Math and 4 on Reading for Information / Workplace Documents.
What is the short-term paraprofessional approval?
ISBE’s short-term approval lasts 3 fiscal years, is not renewable, and stops accepting applications after 30 June 2029. You need a high school diploma or higher and must be working toward the full license.
Related reading
More Illinois license explainers appear when you search “ParaEducator Practice Test ELS-PARA” on Google.