The Paraprofessional Test in Louisiana: ParaPathways Requirements and Scores
Louisiana’s paraprofessional test is the ETS ParaPathways, effective April 20, 2026. You need 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics to pass. The older ParaPro remains accepted through August 31, 2026 with a passing score of 450.
This page covers the Louisiana rules only. For a full description of the exam itself, read what the ParaPathways is.
What test do paraprofessionals take in Louisiana?
Louisiana adopted the ParaPathways effective April 20, 2026, per the Louisiana Department of Education and BESE. The ParaPathways is now the standard assessment for paraprofessional certification in the state. New candidates should plan for this exam, not the old one.
The ParaPro is still accepted through August 31, 2026. If you already passed the ParaPro with a 450, that score counts until the cutoff. After August 31, 2026, Louisiana accepts only the ParaPathways.
Note the scoring change. The ParaPro reported one combined score on a 420 to 480 scale, while the ParaPathways reports 2 separate scores on a 310 to 350 scale, explained on the score report guide.
Next step: confirm which exam your district expects before you register.
Who has to take it?
Louisiana applies the federal Title I "highly qualified" standard to paraprofessionals. You need a high school diploma or GED plus 1 of 3 qualifications. Those are a passing score on an approved assessment, 48 semester hours of college credit, or an associate degree or higher.
The assessment route is the most common path. Historically that meant the ParaPro, and now it means the ParaPathways. Candidates without 48 college credits or a degree take the test.
Districts verify these qualifications during hiring. East Baton Rouge Parish School System, for example, publishes paraprofessional testing guidance and administers testing support for its candidates.
Next step: count your college credits before paying for a test you may not need.
What scores do you need in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires 332 on Reading and Writing (test code 5758) and 334 on Mathematics (test code 5759). These are the passing scores listed on the ETS state requirements page. You must pass both modules, and a strong score on one does not offset the other.
Each module is scored on a 310 to 350 scale. That puts Louisiana’s cut scores near the middle of the range. Other states set different numbers, listed on the passing score page.
If you are testing under the old ParaPro before August 31, 2026, the target is 450. That is a single combined score on the 420 to 480 scale.
Next step: write down 332 and 334 as your Louisiana targets.
How to register in Louisiana
Registration runs through an ETS account at ets.org. You can test at a Prometric-style test center or at home with online proctoring. The fee is $75 for both modules or $37.50 per module.
Ask your district HR office before you pay. Some Louisiana districts arrange testing sessions or provide guidance for their own candidates. East Baton Rouge Parish School System is one example of a district that organizes testing support locally.
If your district does not arrange testing, register on your own through ETS. The full walkthrough is on the registration guide.
Next step: email your district HR contact today and ask how they handle testing.
Where the jobs are
Louisiana’s 3 largest paraprofessional employers are concentrated in Baton Rouge and the New Orleans metro. East Baton Rouge Parish School System is among the state’s biggest districts and posts paraprofessional openings year round. Jefferson Parish Schools and NOLA Public Schools in New Orleans also hire paraprofessionals at scale.
Search district job boards for "paraprofessional," "paraeducator," or "teacher aide." Charter networks within NOLA Public Schools post separately, so check individual school sites too. Smaller parishes hire as well, though postings appear less often.
Passing scores travel with you inside the state. A Louisiana passing score works for any parish district.
Next step: set job alerts on the 3 district boards listed above.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ParaPro still accepted in Louisiana?
Yes, through August 31, 2026. Louisiana accepts a ParaPro score of 450 until that date. After August 31, 2026, only the ParaPathways satisfies the assessment requirement.
What score do I need on the ParaPathways in Louisiana?
You need 332 on Reading and Writing and 334 on Mathematics. Both scores sit on a 310 to 350 scale. You must meet both cut scores to qualify.
Do I need the test with 48 college credits?
No. Louisiana’s highly qualified standard requires only 1 of the 3 options. If you have 48 semester hours of college credit or an associate degree, you can skip the exam.
When did Louisiana switch to ParaPathways?
April 20, 2026. That is the effective date of the state’s adoption per the Louisiana Department of Education and BESE. The ParaPro phase-out ends August 31, 2026.
See where you stand against Louisiana’s 332 and 334 cut scores.
Take the free diagnosticParaPathways Practice provides free practice tests for the ETS ParaPathways Assessment (5757). This site is not affiliated with ETS.