What Is the ParaPathways Assessment?
The ParaPathways Assessment (ETS 5757) is the exam paraprofessionals take to qualify for classroom aide jobs in states that require it. It replaced the ParaPro Assessment and has two separately scored modules: Reading and Writing, and Mathematics.
A paraprofessional is a school employee who supports a licensed teacher, often called a teacher’s aide or instructional aide. Most people take the ParaPathways because their state or district requires proof of academic skills before hiring. ETS, the company that administers the exam, retires the old ParaPro Assessment on September 1, 2026, so new candidates now register for the ParaPathways instead. If you are ready to see where you stand, the free diagnostic takes about 15 minutes.
How the test is structured
The ParaPathways has 87 questions across two modules and takes about 145 minutes in total. Each module is a separate test with its own ETS code, its own timer, and its own score.
| Module | ETS code | Questions | Time | Calculator | Score scale | Recommended passing score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 5758 | 51 | 85 minutes | Not permitted | 310-350 | 332 |
| Mathematics | 5759 | 36 | 60 minutes | On-screen four-function provided | 310-350 | 334 |
| Full assessment | 5757 | 87 | About 145 minutes | Math module only | Two separate scores | 332 and 334 |
Separate scoring means you receive two independent results, not one combined number. Passing Reading and Writing does not offset a low Mathematics score, and a strong Mathematics result cannot rescue a weak reading score. Each module stands on its own.
This design works in your favor on a retake. If you pass one module and miss the other, you keep the passing score and retake only the module you failed, for $37.50. Review the Reading and Writing overview and the Mathematics overview to see what each module asks of you.
What does the ParaPathways test cover?
The Reading and Writing module (5758) tests reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills. Questions ask you to find main ideas, interpret passages, spot errors in sentences, and organize written text. Many items are framed around classroom support tasks, such as helping a student work through a reading passage or reviewing a piece of student writing.
The Mathematics module (5759) tests numbers and operations, geometry, and data interpretation. Expect arithmetic, fractions, percentages, basic shapes and measurement, and reading charts or tables. Here too, ETS frames a portion of the questions around classroom application, such as checking a student's work on a math problem. The provided on-screen calculator handles the four basic operations only.
Neither module assumes coursework beyond a standard high school education. Start your preparation with whichever module feels weaker after the diagnostic.
How much does it cost and how do you register?
The ParaPathways costs $75 for the full assessment or $37.50 for a single module. The fee is the same whether you test at a test center or at home with remote proctoring. ETS handles registration through your online ETS account, where you choose the delivery option, pick a date, and pay.
At-home testing requires a quiet private room, a computer with a camera, and a stable internet connection, since a remote proctor watches your session. Test centers supply the computer and handle check-in on site. Some school districts also administer the exam directly, so ask your district's human resources office before you pay on your own.
Before you register, confirm the passing score your state requires on the passing scores by state page, then read the exam day guide so you know what to bring.
What score do you need to pass?
Each module is scored on a scale of 310 to 350, and there is no single national passing score. ETS recommends 332 for Reading and Writing and 334 for Mathematics, but these are only recommendations. Your state sets the actual requirement, and states vary. Arkansas, for example, requires 324 in Reading and Writing and 325 in Mathematics, while Minnesota requires 332 on both modules.
Your official score report appears in your ETS account about 2 to 3 weeks after you test, and ETS sends it to your state agency automatically. Scores stay valid for 10 years. Look up your state's exact numbers on the passing scores by state page before you set a target.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions is the ParaPathways assessment?
The full ParaPathways Assessment has 87 questions. The Reading and Writing module (5758) has 51 questions in 85 minutes, and the Mathematics module (5759) has 36 questions in 60 minutes. Combined testing time is about 145 minutes, not counting check-in and the on-screen tutorial. You can sit both modules in one appointment or book them separately.
Is the ParaPathways the same as the ParaPro?
No. The ParaPathways (5757) is the successor to the ParaPro Assessment (1755), which ETS retires on September 1, 2026. The ParaPro had 90 questions and one combined score on a 420 to 480 scale, while the ParaPathways splits into two modules scored separately on a 310 to 350 scale. The ParaPathways vs ParaPro comparison covers every difference.
Do instructional aides in California need ParaPathways?
Often not. California districts frequently use their own proficiency tests, such as those from CODESP, instead of an ETS exam, and requirements vary district by district. Some California districts do accept or require an ETS score. Check with the district where you want to work. Then confirm the numbers on the passing scores by state page.
How do I become a paraprofessional?
You typically need a high school diploma plus whatever your district requires for hiring. In many states, federal requirements for instructional aides are met one of three ways: passing an approved exam such as the ParaPathways, completing 48 college credit hours, or holding an associate degree. Your state's Department of Education publishes the exact rules. Verify locally before choosing a path.
Is there a ParaPathways certification?
In most states, passing the exam is the qualification itself rather than a separate credential. You submit your score report to the district or state, and it satisfies the paraprofessional requirement. Some states issue a formal permit or certificate through their education agency after you pass. Ask your state agency which document, if any, it issues.
How long are ParaPathways scores valid?
ParaPathways scores are valid for 10 years from your test date. Your official report stays in your ETS account, and your state agency receives it automatically. If you change states within that window, you can usually send the same score, provided it meets the new state's passing requirement.
Can I take just one module?
Yes. Each module costs $37.50 and is scored separately, so you can register for Reading and Writing (5758) or Mathematics (5759) on its own. This is the standard route for retakes: you rebook only the module you missed, after the 21-day waiting period, with no limit on total attempts.
The full ParaPathways practice test on this site is free, and the best first step is the 20-question diagnostic.
Take the free diagnosticParaPathways Practice provides free practice tests for the ETS ParaPathways Assessment (5757). This site is not affiliated with ETS.