| Feature | ParaPathways (5757) ← Current | ParaPro (1755) ← Discontinued |
|---|---|---|
| Status | ✓ Active, the exam to take | Discontinued Sep 1, 2026 GONE |
| Total questions | 87 (51 R&W + 36 Math) | 90 |
| R&W time | 85 minutes | ~85 minutes |
| Math time | 60 minutes | ~60 minutes |
| On-screen calculator | ✓ 4 function, Math only NEW | ✗ No calculator permitted |
| Subtests scored | Separately, 2 passing scores required | Single combined score |
| Numeric entry | ✓ Math section | ✓ Yes |
| Multi-select (TWO) | ✓ R&W section, 5 options | ✓ Yes |
| Select-underlined | ✓ Writing section | ✓ Yes |
| Delivery | Computer-based (Prometric or at-home) | Computer-based |
| Cost | $55 test center · $85 at home | $55 |
| Score range | 310–350 (scaled) per subtest | 420–480 (combined) |
| Score valid | 10 years | 10 years |
Before diving into the differences, here is where each state stands right now. Hover over your state to see whether it has officially adopted ParaPathways and what the passing score requirement is.
Source: parapro.ets.org/state-requirements · Passing scores vary by state, see full passing score guide →
What is the new exam?
The ParaPathways Assessment (ETS 5757) is a computer based certification exam for paraeducators, the staff who support classroom teachers in helping students with foundational reading, writing, and math skills. ETS developed it to replace the ParaPro Assessment, and it aligns with federal paraeducator requirements under ESSA, the College and Career Readiness Standards, and International Literacy Association standards.
The test splits into two separately timed halves. The Reading and Writing half (5758) runs 85 minutes with 51 questions. The Math half (5759) runs 60 minutes with 36 questions, and includes an on screen 4 function calculator the whole way through. Each half produces a separate scaled score on a 310 to 350 range, and both must meet your state's passing threshold independently.
The calculator, why it changes everything
On the ParaPro exam, all arithmetic on the Math section was done mentally or on scratch paper. The questions were designed accordingly, simpler numbers, straightforward calculations.
The new exam provides an on screen 4 function calculator the whole way through the Math half. This changes what the test is actually measuring. Math questions now focus on whether you know which operation to apply, not whether you can compute quickly. Numbers are more realistic, word problems involve more steps, and fraction to decimal conversions are handled by the calculator rather than by mental math.
Passing scores, old exam vs new
The old ParaPro used one combined score on a 420 to 480 scale. The new exam uses a separate scaled score for each half on a 310 to 350 scale. Both halves must meet your state's passing threshold. Passing Reading and Writing does not satisfy the Math requirement, and the other way around.
What's tested, content areas compared
The content knowledge areas are closely aligned between the old and new exams. If you studied for the ParaPro, most of what you learned still applies. The curriculum reorganized into two formal halves, and classroom application questions (how would you help a student who...) are more explicitly weighted, roughly 1 in 3 questions on the new test.
- Reading comprehension · main idea · inference
- Vocabulary in context · word choice
- Text structure · author's purpose
- Phonics · phonemes · fluency
- Data interpretation (charts, graphs)
- Grammar · punctuation · conventions
- Writing process · source credibility
- Citation · argumentative evidence
- Integers · fractions · decimals · percents
- Exponents · order of operations
- One variable linear equations
- Word problems · algebraic expressions
- Geometry · perimeter · area · volume
- Unit conversion (US Customary + Metric)
- Coordinate plane
- Mean · median · mode · range · graphs
Ready to try the real question formats?
The new exam shows four kinds of questions, including select underlined and multi select, that may be new if you studied for ParaPro. Start with a free diagnostic to see where you stand across all four content categories.
If you studied for ParaPro, what to update
The good news: most of your ParaPro preparation is still valid. Reading comprehension, writing conventions, arithmetic, geometry, and data analysis all appear on the new exam. You are not starting over.
The updates to make:
1. Practice with the on screen calculator. The biggest practical shift. Open the calculator practice tool and run 20+ math questions using it before your exam. The Transfer Display button, which pastes calculator results into numeric entry answer fields, is something most people haven't used before. Get comfortable with it.
2. Run a diagnostic to find your current gaps. Even if you passed the ParaPro before, the 20-question ParaPathways diagnostic will show which of the four content categories, Reading, Writing, Numbers & Operations, Geometry & Data, needs the most attention under the new format.
3. Practice classroom application questions separately. Roughly 1 in 3 questions on the new exam ask how you would support a student in a specific classroom scenario, not just what you know. The Reading and Writing and Math practice tests on this site include these throughout, because they are the questions test takers are least prepared for.
4. Know your state's passing score before you register. ParaPathways cut scores vary by state and are set by each state DOE, not by ETS. The passing score by state guide lists current requirements so you know your target before your first practice session.
Which states have adopted the new exam?
As of April 2026, 23 states have confirmed ParaPathways scores on the official ETS state requirements page. An additional 21 states still list ParaPro only, but must transition by September 1, 2026. Hover over your state to see the adoption status and passing score.