What is the passing score for the ParaPro Assessment in Washington State?

The Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) and OSPI require a minimum scaled passing score of 461 on the ETS ParaPro Assessment (Test Code 1755).

What are the minimum employment requirements for paraeducators in Washington?

In Washington State, prospective paraeducators must be at least 18 years of age, hold a high school diploma/GED, AND satisfy one of four academic pathways: 1) Earn a score of 461+ on the ETS ParaPro Assessment, 2) Complete 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits (100-level or higher) at an accredited college, 3) Hold an Associate degree or higher, or 4) Complete a formal Washington State registered apprenticeship.

What is the Washington State Fundamental Course of Study (FCS)?

Under Washington State law, school districts must provide 28 hours of training on the state paraeducator standards of practice, known as the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS), during the first two years of employment.

Washington State Paraeducator Passing Score & OSPI Standards (2026)

Washington State Paraeducator Certificate Program

Washington is a national leader in professionalizing instructional assistants through its comprehensive Paraeducator Certificate Program. Governed by RCW 28A.413 and administered by OSPI, all public school paraeducators must satisfy initial employment standards before progressing through stackable certificates:

Minimum Employment Requirements: Be 18+ years old, hold a high school diploma/GED, and pass the ETS ParaPro Assessment with a 461+ score (or hold 72 quarter/48 semester college credits).
Fundamental Course of Study (FCS): Complete 28 hours of district-provided foundational training in cultural responsiveness, IEP accommodations, and instructional pedagogy.
General Paraeducator Certificate: Complete 70 additional professional development hours within 3 years of finishing the FCS.

Major Washington School Districts & Hiring Policies

Seattle Public Schools (SPS): Employs hundreds of Special Education and Bilingual instructional assistants; enforces strict 461 ParaPro verification.
Lake Washington School District & Bellevue School District: Highly competitive districts offering professional development stipends for certified paraeducators.
Tacoma Public Schools & Spokane Public Schools: Provide district-sponsored ParaPro testing and FCS onboarding cohorts.

How to Prepare for the Washington 461 Benchmark

Because Washington's cutoff (461) is among the highest in the country, test-takers must achieve approximately 73% raw accuracy across Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. Practice under authentic timed conditions:

📝 Diagnostic

Washington State Paraeducator Passing Score & Certificate Standards

Washington State Paraeducator Certificate Program

Major Washington School Districts & Hiring Policies

How to Prepare for the Washington 461 Benchmark

Full 90-Q Diagnostic Simulator

Reading Strategy Flowchart

Classroom Support Ethics Guide

50-State Passing Scores Hub