• Paraprofessional License Requirements

  • At least 19 years of age to serve students in prekindergarten through grade 12.

  • Beginning January 1, 2023, you may qualify for the ELS-Paraprofessional license by meeting the requirements outlined below at age 18 but only may serve in prekindergarten through grade 8.

  • One of the following required:

    • Associate’s degree or higher

    • 60 semester hours of coursework

    • High School Diploma or GED and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS Parapro

    • High School Diploma or GED and the following scores on the ACT Workkeys:

      • Applied Mathematics/Applied Math (with a score of 4)

      • Reading for information/Workplace Documents (with a score of 4)

  Years Valid: 5

  
  Limitations: Must work under the direct supervision of a licensed teacher

  
  Renewable? May be renewed with payment of registration fees

  
  Notes: 

  • If you hold a Paraprofessional License and have a Bachelor’s Degree on file, you are qualified to be a substitute teacher.

  • Coursework must be at the 100-level or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.

Short-Term Approval for Paraprofessionals

Valid: 3 fiscal years

Renewable: No

*Short-Term Paraprofessional Approvals are available for application until June 30, 2025, and may not be renewed.

Requirements

• High school diploma (or equivalent), or higher

• At least 19 years of age to serve students in prekindergarten through grade 12.

• While working on the approval, educator must be fulfilling requirements for the full license.