How to Register for the ParaPro Assessment (Step-by-Step)
The ETS ParaPro Assessment (Test Code 1755) qualifies prospective paraprofessionals and instructional aides for Title I public school employment under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Registration is available year-round by appointment through two primary pathways:
Step 1: Check State & School District Cut Scores
Before booking, confirm that your target school district accepts the ETS ParaPro Assessment and verify their qualifying score. State cutoffs range from 450 to 464 on the 420–480 scaled score matrix. Review our 50-State Passing Score Matrix for current state cut scores.
Step 2: Choose In-Person Prometric vs. At-Home ProctorU
Decide whether to test at an authorized physical test center (Prometric center, regional educational service agency, or local school district office) or online at home via ProctorU remote live proctoring.
Step 3: Create an Account on the ETS Candidate Portal
Visit ets.org/parapro and create your candidate profile. Critical Rule: Your first and last name on your ETS account must match your primary government ID character-for-character.
Step 4: Select Up to 3 Free Score Recipients
During registration, you can designate up to three school districts, colleges, or state certification agencies to receive your official score report at no additional charge.
Step 5: Pay the Test Fee & Download Confirmation Ticket
Submit payment ($55 ETS fee + any local proctoring fee) and retain your confirmation email containing your candidate appointment number.
Prometric Test Center vs. At-Home Remote Testing (Comparison Matrix)
ETS provides two testing modalities for the ParaPro Assessment. Both delivery methods administer the identical 90-question test form with a 150-minute time limit:
| Feature | In-Person (Prometric / District) | At-Home (ProctorU Remote) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Dedicated testing center or school district office | Private, enclosed room in your home |
| Total Cost | $55 ETS fee + $20–$35 local site fee ($75–$90 total) | $55 flat fee (plus applicable state sales tax) |
| Hardware Needed | None (provided by testing facility) | PC or Mac, 360° movable webcam, mic, Chrome/Firefox |
| Scratch Paper | Paper & pencils supplied by test center proctor | Small dry-erase whiteboard or transparency sheet only |
| Proctoring | In-person proctor monitor | Live AI + human proctor via webcam & screen share |
| Appointment Availability | Center business hours (typically Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM) | 24/7 testing appointments available year-round |
Official ETS 28-Day Retake Policy
If your score falls below your state's qualifying benchmark, ETS enforces a mandatory 28-day retest waiting period:
- The 28-day countdown begins the day after your previous test appointment. For example, if you test on October 1st, the earliest date you may retest is October 29th.
- Strict Penalty: If you attempt to register and test before the 28 days elapse, ETS will cancel your scores, notify your state department of education, and forfeit your registration fee with no refund.
- Use your 28-day waiting period strategically by drilling your weakest subject area using our Math Practice Tests, Reading Practice Tests, or Spaced Repetition Flashcards.
Test Day Checklist: What to Bring and What is Prohibited
✅ Mandatory Items to Bring
- Primary Government ID: Valid driver's license, passport, or military ID with photo and signature.
- ETS Confirmation Email: Printed appointment receipt showing your candidate ID.
- Dress in Layers: Test centers maintain controlled temperatures that may feel cool.
- Whiteboard (if testing at home): Erasable marker and small whiteboard.
❌ Strictly Prohibited Items
- Calculators: Handheld and digital calculators of any kind.
- Smartphones & Smartwatches: Must be powered off and locked in designated lockers.
- Personal Scratch Paper: Blank paper is provided on-site.
- Headphones / Earbuds: Not permitted during testing.
- Food & Beverages: Only permitted outside the testing room during un-timed breaks.
Psychometric Structure: Scored vs. Unscored Pilot Questions
The ParaPro Assessment presents 90 total questions (30 Reading, 30 Mathematics, 30 Writing). However, approximately 5 to 10 questions are pre-test pilot items that ETS embeds to evaluate statistical validity and question difficulty for future test editions.
These pilot items are not counted toward your scaled score. Because pilot questions are randomly distributed and visually indistinguishable from operational scored questions, you must approach every single question with full effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does the ETS ParaPro Assessment cost in 2026?
The base ETS ParaPro Assessment fee is $55. However, if testing at an in-person Prometric or regional school district test center, local proctoring and administration fees typically add $20 to $35, bringing total test costs to $75–$90. At-home testing through ProctorU is $55 plus any applicable state taxes.
Can I take the ParaPro test online from home?
Yes. ETS offers the official ParaPro Assessment as a remotely proctored at-home examination delivered via ProctorU. Test-takers must have a desktop or laptop computer with a working webcam, microphone, and a private room free from interruptions.
What is the official ETS 28-day ParaPro retake policy?
If you do not achieve your state's qualifying score, ETS requires a strict 28-day waiting period before you are permitted to retest. The 28-day countdown begins the day after your initial test date. If you retest before 28 days have elapsed, your new score will be canceled by ETS with no fee refund.
What identification (ID) is required on test day?
You must present one primary, original, valid (unexpired) government-issued ID that includes your full legal name, recent photograph, and signature. Acceptable IDs include a Driver's License, State ID Card, Passport, or Military ID. The first and last name on your ID must match your ETS registration exactly.
How soon do I receive my ParaPro test results?
At the end of your computer-based exam, an unofficial scaled score (420–480) is displayed on screen immediately upon submission. Official score reports are posted to your online ETS candidate portal within 2 to 3 weeks and mailed to your designated school district.
Are calculators allowed on the ParaPro test?
No. Handheld calculators and on-screen computer calculators are strictly prohibited on all sections of the ParaPro Assessment. You will be provided scratch paper and pencils by the test center (or an erasable whiteboard for at-home testing).
What are unscored pre-test questions on the ParaPro exam?
The exam contains 90 total questions, but approximately 5 to 10 of these are unscored pilot questions embedded by ETS for statistical calibration. Because unscored questions are indistinguishable from scored questions, test-takers must answer every question with equal effort.