ParaPathways is the ETS test that many school districts use to qualify paraprofessionals, also called paraeducators, teacher’s aides or instructional assistants. It replaced the ParaPro Assessment, which ETS retired on September 1, 2026, so if a job posting or a coworker says “take the ParaPro,” this is the test they mean now. Here’s how it works, from booking to scores.

Two subtests, three test codes

ParaPathways is made of two subtests. You must pass both, but they are separately timed and scored, and you can pass them on different days.

A handful of questions in each subtest (6 of 51 and 6 of 36) are tryout items that don’t count toward your score. They look like every other question, so treat them all the same.

Tip: if math makes you nervous, booking the subtests separately lets you put all your energy into one at a time.

What’s on each subtest

Reading and Writing (5758): about 60% reading and 40% writing. Reading covers main idea and details, words in context, inference, tone, text structure, author’s purpose, charts and graphs, textual evidence, fluency, phonological awareness and phonics, and leading discussions about a text. Writing covers grammar and punctuation, clear organization, the writing process, credible sources, citing evidence, arguments, informational and narrative writing, and responsible use of technology and AI. Practice both on the reading and writing pages.

Mathematics (5759): half Numbers and Operations (integers, fractions, decimals, percents, exponents, order of operations, word problems, simple equations) and half Geometry, Measurement and Data (time, units and conversions, shapes, perimeter, area, volume, the coordinate plane, graphs, mean, median, mode and range). See ParaPro math topics for worked examples.

Many questions on both subtests are set in a classroom: you see a student’s work or a teaching situation and choose the best response.

Question types

• Multiple choice with one right answer.
• Select more than one, for example “Which TWO of the following…” You must pick every correct choice.
• Find the error, on Reading and Writing: choose the underlined part of a sentence that has a mistake.
• Numeric entry, on Math: type the number into a box instead of choosing it.

ETS’s general guidance also mentions drag-and-drop, drop-down menus and selecting part of a passage or graphic, but the samples in its free Study Companion use the four types above.

Calculator

The Math subtest has an on-screen four-function calculator (add, subtract, multiply, divide). Personal calculators aren’t allowed, and there’s no calculator on Reading and Writing. The old ParaPro had no calculator at all, so this is a real help, but you still need to handle fractions and order of operations yourself.

Testing at home or at a test center

Test centers may charge more than the ETS standard fee; one Washington education service district charges $90 for both sections. At home, rescheduling costs 50% of the test fee. Check your setup against ETS’s equipment requirements before you book.

Retakes

ETS hasn’t published a separate ParaPathways retake page that we could find. University test centers in Arkansas and Missouri describe the same rule: you can retake the test once right away, and after two attempts you must wait 21 days after your most recent attempt before trying again. Some prep sites still quote older ParaPro rules, so confirm with your test center when you book. Either way, you only retake the subtest you didn’t pass, and you book and pay for it like any other appointment.

Scores

• Scale: each subtest is scored from 310 to 350.
• Passing: ETS recommends 332 for Reading and Writing and 334 for Math, and each state sets its own score. See passing scores by state.
• When: unofficial scores appear on screen at the end of the test (test-center takers can print them; at-home takers can’t). Official scores follow in about 2 to 3 weeks, according to ETS’s ParaPro score page and university test centers (ETS hasn’t posted a ParaPathways-specific timeline).
• Near miss: in eight states, a score just below the cut may qualify you for the Bridge learning module instead of a full retake.

Getting ready

Start with a timed run to see where you stand: the free Math: Numbers and Operations section is on our home page, and the mixed ParaPro practice test has questions from every subject. Wondering whether you need the test at all? Read paraprofessional requirements. Coming from the old test? Read ParaPathways vs ParaPro.

Quick check