The Educational Testing Service’s (ETS) ParaPro Assessment (1755) is an aptitude test required in 41 states and the US Virgin Islands. The exam is designed to measure your skills and knowledge in reading, mathematics, and writing, and school districts use it to assess your foundational knowledge and skills as a paraprofessional.
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ParaPro Assessment Outline
The ParaPro Assessment contains 90 selected-response questions and has a time limit of 2.5 hours.
The exam is split into three subject areas:
I. Reading
The 30 questions in this area cover your reading skills and knowledge, as well as your ability to apply reading skills and knowledge to instruction in the classroom.
Reading skills and knowledge
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases
- Identify the main idea
- Identify supporting ideas
- Interpret information from tables, charts, diagrams, and graphs
- Identify how a text is organized
- Distinguish between fact and opinion
- Draw inferences from directly stated information
Application of reading skills and knowledge to classroom instruction
- Organize words in alphabetical order
- Sound out words
- Help students use prereading strategies
- Distinguish between synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms
- Accurately observe students’ ability to interpret text
- Decode words and phrases using context
- Break down words into their parts
- Interpret written directions
- Help students use a dictionary
- Help students understand a text
II. Mathematics
The 30 questions in this area cover your mathematical skills and knowledge, as well as your ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-life and abstract situations. Note that you will not be able to use a calculator for these questions.
You will be tested in three main areas:
- Number sense and basic algebra
- Geometry and measurement
- Data analysis
III. Writing
The 30 questions in this area cover your writing skills and knowledge, as well as your ability to apply writing skills and knowledge to instruction in the classroom.
Writing skills and knowledge
- Word usage errors
- Spelling errors
- Punctuation errors
- Grammatical errors
- Parts of speech
- Parts of a sentence
Application of writing skills and knowledge to classroom instruction
- Write for different purposes and audiences
- Identify and use appropriate reference materials
- Recognize and write in different modes and forms
- Use rewriting to organize ideas
- Draft and revise
- Edit written documents for grammar and clarity
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Get Your Study GuideParaPro Assessment Registration
Registering for the ParaPro Assessment requires an ETS account and a Prometric account. Once you have created your ETS account, you can select the option to register for the ParaPro Assessment (1755). Online registration is available 24/7, and appointments are scheduled year-round.
Registering for the exam differs slightly depending on the test delivery method.
In-person Testing
To register for the exam at a Prometric testing center, you should register online at the Prometric website. When you register, you will need to pay the $85 testing fee. If you need to reschedule your exam after registration, there is a $42.50 rescheduling/cancelation fee.
The test is also offered at participating school districts, regional offices of education, or other agencies. Check where the exam is provided if you want an alternative testing location. Once you’ve chosen your test center, register with the test center directly. The registration fee at an alternative testing center is usually $55.
Remote Testing
Before registering for the at-home test, ensure your equipment and environment meet the minimum requirements, including a well-lit, quiet space without the presence of others and a workspace free of pens, paper, electronic devices, and resources that could provide an unfair advantage. The minimum technology requirements include the following:
- Screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768
- Windows 8.1 or higher or MacOS 10.13 or higher – tablets (iPad/Android) are not supported
- Working speakers and microphone
- Webcam with a resolution of 640x 480p
- Internet connection of 1.0 Mbps or greater
- Stable Wi-Fi connection
Once you have determined that you meet the minimum requirements for home delivery, register and schedule your appointment through ProProctor, Prometric’s online proctoring platform. The registration fee is $85, and there is a rescheduling/cancelation fee of $42.50.
Test Day
In-person Testing
You should arrive at the testing center about 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete the pre-test activities. You need to present one valid, government-issued ID with a signature. Your first and last name on the ID must match the first and last name you registered under.
Calculators, writing utensils, beverages and snacks, electronic devices (cell phones, smart watches, etc.), and resource materials are prohibited. An online scratchpad tool is provided in the test program for note-taking.
Once you have completed the pre-test procedures, you are directed to your testing station, and your test begins.
Remote Testing
You can sign into the test delivery platform 30 minutes before your appointment. You will need the confirmation number from the email you received after registering, and you must present one valid, government-issued ID with a signature to the proctor. Your first and last name on the ID must match the first and last name you registered under.
Calculators, writing utensils, beverages and snacks, electronic devices (cell phones, smart watches, etc.), and resource materials are prohibited. An online scratchpad tool is provided in the test program for note-taking. In addition to the scratchpad tool, you are allowed a hand-held whiteboard (white), one whiteboard eraser, cloth, or tissue, and up to three dry-erase markers. Scratch paper is not permitted.
Before beginning the exam, the proctor will direct you to move the webcam around your testing space, and your clothing will be inspected visually. You may be asked to pull your hair back, roll your sleeves up and turn your pockets inside out.
Once the proctor is satisfied with your space and workstation and you have completed the pre-test activities, your exam begins.
How the ParaPro Assessment is Scored
Your ParaPro Assessment score is calculated using a scaled scoring system. This system takes your raw score (each correct question equals one raw point) and converts it to a scaled score ranging from 420 to 480. Each state sets the minimum passing score, so the score you need will be different depending on your state.
If you take the exam at home or a Prometric testing center, your unofficial score is sent to you via email within one hour of completing the exam. If you test at a participating school district, institution, or education service center, your unofficial score is displayed onscreen, and you can print it at the center.
Your official score report is mailed to you and your designated score recipient two to three weeks after your test date, and your score is valid for ten years.
Retaking the ParaPro Assessment
If you did not pass the ParaPro Assessment or would like to increase your score, you can retake the exam after a 28-day waiting period. To schedule your retake after the 28-day waiting period, register and pay for the exam using the same procedures you used to register initially. There is no reduction in the registration fee for retake exams.
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FAQs
Q
What is the passing score for the ParaPro Assessment?
A
The score you need to achieve to pass the exam differs depending on which state you take the exam in.
Q
How many questions are on the ParaPro Assessment?
A
There are 90 selected-response questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the ParaPro Assessment?
A
The time limit for the exam is 2.5 hours.
Q
How much does the ParaPro Assessment cost?
A
The examination fee is $85.