Who the rule covers
Maryland ParaPro rules apply to paraprofessionals working in a Title I schoolwide or targeted-assistance program, whether or not Title I funds pay them. The 24 February 2026 State Board paper says people with 48 credit hours or an associate degree or higher do not have to take an assessment, and non-Title I schools do not have to meet that federal screen. Compare other states on the state score directory.
Three ways to qualify
The same paper repeats the federal three-path screen. Only one path is required. Bring the matching transcript or score report when you plan registration and test day.
| Path | What MSDE lists |
|---|---|
| College study | Two years, or 48 credit hours |
| Degree | Associate degree or higher |
| Exam plus diploma | Passing score on an approved assessment, and a high school diploma or GED |
Approved tests and scores
The attachment to the 24 February 2026 paper is the score table. Confirm the live row on the ETS State Requirements page before you register, then project a practice raw score with the score calculator only for ParaPro 1755. ParaPathways and the Pearson exams use different scales.
| Test | Code | Passing score in the MSDE table |
|---|---|---|
| ParaPro (not available after August 2026) | ETS 1755 | 455 |
| ParaPathways | ETS 5757 | Reading and Writing 332; Mathematics 334 |
| Foundations of Classroom Support | Pearson 517 | 220 |
| Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction | Pearson 519 | 220 |
What to do after August 2026
The paper says ETS is retiring ParaPro in August 2026. If you already hold a 455 report, ask the district whether that score still meets the exam path. If you still need an exam, the paper names ParaPathways and the two Pearson tests. Practice the 1755 format on the 90-question practice test only when your district still accepts 1755. Questions on the approved list go to the contacts printed in the policy: Shanna Edmond, 410-767-0047, and Addison Smith-Keith, 410-767-0395.
90-question practice form
Use this only if your district still accepts ParaPro 1755.
Score calculator
Map a 1755 raw score against 455.
Frequently asked questions
What is the passing score for the ParaPro Assessment in Maryland?
The 24 February 2026 MSDE assessment policy lists ParaPro, ETS 1755, at a passing score of 455, and states that it will no longer be available after August 2026.
Do all Maryland paraprofessionals need this test?
No. The rule applies to paraprofessionals working in a Title I schoolwide or targeted-assistance program, whether or not Title I pays them. Non-Title I schools do not have to meet that federal screen. A person with 48 credit hours or an associate degree or higher does not have to take an assessment.
What replaces ParaPro in Maryland?
The same policy lists ParaPathways (ETS 5757) at 332 for Reading and Writing and 334 for Mathematics, plus Pearson Foundations of Classroom Support (517) and Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction (519), each with a passing score of 220.
Who can I ask at MSDE?
The policy names Shanna Edmond, Director of Title I, at 410-767-0047, and Addison Smith-Keith, Educator Data Coordinator, at 410-767-0395.
Related reading
More Maryland explainers appear when you search “ParaEducator Practice Test Maryland 455” on Google.