Jun 13 / Dr. Jason Ampel

Praxis ParaPro Assessment (1755) Overview: Strategies, Examples, and How to Pass in 2025

If you aim to become a paraprofessional or teacher's aide in a K–12 school setting, especially in a Title I school, the Praxis ParaPro Assessment (1755) is an essential step in your journey. This exam helps ensure you have the foundational knowledge and classroom readiness to effectively support students and certified teachers. In this guide, we’ll walk through what the test covers, who it’s for, how to prepare, and what to expect on test day—all updated for 2025.

What Is the Praxis ParaPro Assessment (1755)?

The Praxis ParaPro is a standardized exam developed by ETS (Educational Testing Service) to assess prospective and current paraprofessionals' basic skills and knowledge. Employment in public schools is often required, especially those receiving federal funding.

The test focuses on three core areas:

  •    Reading – measuring your ability to understand, interpret, and apply written information.
  •    Writing – covering grammar, usage, sentence structure, and the ability to identify and correct errors.
  •    Mathematics – assessing number sense, geometry, measurement, algebra, and data interpretation.


Each section includes both multiple-choice and application-based questions. You’ll also encounter questions that test how well you can apply your knowledge in a classroom setting—for example, how to assist students with reading comprehension or use math manipulatives effectively.

Key facts:

  •    Test length: 2.5 hours
  •    Format: 90 selected-response questions
  •    Delivery: Available online (proctored) or at approved testing centers

Who Needs the Praxis ParaPro Assessment

The ParaPro Assessment is primarily designed for individuals seeking employment as instructional paraprofessionals in public elementary or secondary schools. You’ll typically need to take the test if:

  •    You don’t have an associate degree or at least two years of college coursework.
  •    You’re applying to work in a Title I-funded school, where additional staff are required to meet federal support guidelines.
  •    Your state or school district uses the Praxis ParaPro as part of their hiring or credentialing process.


Some districts may allow alternative paths (such as local assessments or coursework), but the Praxis ParaPro is the most widely accepted assessment across the U.S., including in states like Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, and New Mexico.

Connection to Paraprofessional Roles and Federal Requirements (e.g., NCLB/ESSA)

The Praxis ParaPro was originally created in response to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001, which mandated that paraprofessionals in Title I schools meet specific qualification standards. While NCLB has since been replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the expectations for paraprofessionals have remained largely the same.

Under ESSA, paraprofessionals must:

  •    Hold at least a high school diploma, and
  •    Demonstrate their knowledge of instructional practices either through:


    -   Two years of higher education,
    -    An associate’s degree, or
    -    A passing score on a state- or district-approved assessment, such as the ParaPro.

These requirements help ensure that paraprofessionals can effectively support certified teachers in delivering instruction, especially in schools serving students from low-income families.

According to recent ETS data, over 100,000 candidates take the Praxis ParaPro annually, making it one of the most commonly used assessments for education support staff across the country.

Requirements by State or District for Praxis ParaPro Assessment

Each state and district can set its own requirements for paraprofessional qualifications. While some accept equivalent coursework or degrees, others mandate the Praxis ParaPro as the standardized way to demonstrate competency.

States that commonly require the Praxis ParaPro include:

  •    Texas
  •    Georgia
  •    New Mexico
  •    Arkansas
  •    North Dakota
  •    Wyoming


Some states may also offer alternative assessments or district-developed exams, so be sure to check with your state’s department of education or local HR department for specifics.

Who Is Required to Take It

Typically, you’ll need to take the Praxis ParaPro if:

  •    You don’t have at least 48 college credit hours or an associate degree.
  •    You're applying for a Title I-funded position.
  •    Your district has chosen the Praxis ParaPro as the qualification standard for paraprofessionals.


In many cases, even candidates with degrees take the test to stand out in a competitive hiring pool or meet the specific conditions for Title I support roles. Some districts may also require it during a probationary period post-hiring.

Settings Where This Certification Is Needed (K–12 Classrooms, Special Education, Title I Programs)

The ParaPro certification is most commonly required in the following educational settings:

  •    K–12 General Education Classrooms: Assisting teachers with small group instruction, classroom management, and administrative tasks.
  •    Special Education Classrooms: Supporting students with individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior intervention plans, and assistive learning techniques.
  •    Title I Schools: Federally funded schools where paraprofessionals are essential in providing academic support to at-risk students.


In all these settings, the goal is to ensure that paraprofessionals have enough content knowledge and instructional skills to assist students meaningfully, especially those who are struggling or need differentiated support.

Reference to State Department of Education Guidelines

Always consult your State Department of Education or local school district’s HR department for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Most states list paraprofessional qualification requirements online.

For example:

  •    The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides detailed guidance on ParaPro registration and score reporting.
  •    The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) clearly outlines when and how the assessment should be taken.
  •    New Mexico Public Education Department also accepts the Praxis ParaPro as one of the required credentials for educational assistants.

Breakdown of Exam Content Categories

The Praxis ParaPro is divided into three academic skill areas—Reading, Math, and Writing—with some questions focusing specifically on how to apply that knowledge in real classroom scenarios. Understanding what each section covers can help you prepare strategically.

Reading Skills

This section evaluates your ability to read and interpret various forms of written text—skills essential for helping students understand directions, follow along with reading materials, and improve comprehension.

You’ll be expected to:

  •    Identify the main idea and supporting details
  •    Make inferences and draw conclusions
  •    Understand vocabulary in context
  •    Interpret functional texts like schedules or instructions


About 30% of the exam is devoted to reading-related questions.

Mathematics Skills

The math section focuses on essential arithmetic and problem-solving skills you’ll likely use when helping students with assignments or explaining key concepts.

Topics include:

  •    Basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
  •    Fractions, decimals, and percentages
  •    Algebraic reasoning and simple equations
  •    Geometry, measurement, and data interpretation


All math questions are multiple-choice, and calculators are not permitted. Math makes up roughly 30% of the exam.

Writing Skills

In the writing portion, you’ll be tested on grammar, sentence structure, and the ability to identify and correct usage errors. These skills are crucial when reviewing student work, offering feedback, or modeling proper writing techniques.

You should be able to:

  •    Identify errors in punctuation, capitalization, and spelling
  •    Correct incomplete or run-on sentences
  •    Recognize proper subject-verb agreement and verb tense


Writing accounts for around 30% of the total test.

Application of Knowledge in a Classroom Setting

Roughly 18–22 questions are scenario-based and integrated throughout the exam. These questions test how well you can apply your reading, math, and writing knowledge in a real classroom context.

You might be asked how to:

  •    Help a student struggling with word recognition
  •    Assist during a math activity
  •    Support a teacher managing group work
  •    Interpret student data or class schedules


These are meant to evaluate your ability to function as an instructional partner, not just your academic knowledge.

    Sample Praxis ParaPro Practice Questions

    Practicing sample questions is one of the best ways to become familiar with the types of items you’ll face on test day. Below are a few examples that reflect real-world scenarios and academic skills the test is designed to measure.

    Reading Sample Question

    Question:

    What does the word “reluctantly” most likely mean in the sentence below? “
    The student reluctantly handed in her incomplete homework, knowing it wasn’t her best work.”

    Answer Choices:

    A) Confidently
    B) Willingly
    C) Hesitantly
    D) Quickly

    Correct Answer: C Explanation: The context suggests hesitation or unease, which matches “hesitantly.”

    Math Sample Question

    Question:

    A teacher asks students to divide 36 pencils evenly among 4 groups. How many pencils will each group receive?

    Answer Choices:

    A) 6
    B) 7
    C) 9
    D) 12

    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: 36 ÷ 4 = 9Math Sample Question

    Writing Sample Question

    Question:

    Which of the following sentences is written correctly?

    Answer Choices:

    A) The group of students was late to class.
    B) The students was late to class.
    C) The group of students were late to class.
    D) The student were late to class.

    Correct Answer: A Explanation: The subject “group” is singular, so the verb “was” is correct.

    Scenario-Based Application Question

    Question:

    During a math activity, one student becomes frustrated and says, “I can’t do this.” What is the most appropriate response from the paraprofessional?

    Answer Choices:

    A) “Just try harder.”
    B) “Why don’t you skip it?”
    C) “Let’s work through the first part together.”
    D) “Ask your classmate for help.”

    Correct Answer: C
    Explanation: This answer offers supportive, instructional guidance without doing the work for the student.

    Praxis ParaPro Test Administration Details

    Knowing the logistics of when, where, and how to take the exam can reduce stress and prevent last-minute surprises. This section covers registration, testing options, and what to expect on exam day.

    How to Register

    You can register for the Praxis ParaPro exam directly through the ETS website at ets.org/parapro. You’ll need to create an ETS account if you don’t have one already. Once logged in, you can search for testing locations or choose the remote testing option (ProProctor).

    Registration Tips:

    •    Register at least two weeks in advance to secure your preferred time and date.
    •    Double-check your state or district’s code if scores must be reported directly.

    Cost of the Exam

    As of 2025, the Praxis ParaPro Assessment costs $85 at home and $55 to take it at the test center. This fee is paid directly to ETS at the time of registration.

    •    If you need to reschedule, ETS may charge a fee.
    •    Fee waivers may be available for qualifying low-income individuals—check the ETS website or consult your school district.

    Testing Locations and Remote Proctoring Options

    You can take the Praxis ParaPro:

    •    At ETS-approved testing centers
    •    Remotely from home via the ProProctor platform


    The remote option allows flexibility but requires:

    •    A quiet, private room
    •    A working webcam and microphone
    •    A stable internet connection
    •    Pre-test system checks to ensure your computer meets requirements

    What to Bring on Exam Day

    Make sure to have:

    •    Valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
    •    Your ETS account login info (especially if testing at home)
    •    Any confirmation emails or registration info


    Items like phones, food, and personal belongings must be stored away during the test. You’ll be monitored throughout, especially if testing remotely.

    Arrival Time and ID Requirements

    Plan to arrive or log in at least 30 minutes early. This gives time for check-in procedures and tech troubleshooting (if remote).

    Your ID must:

    •    Match the name used in registration exactly
    •    Be valid and unexpired
    •    Include a recent photo and your signature


    Failure to meet ID requirements can result in forfeiting your exam and payment.

    Preparation Tips and Study Strategies

    Success on the Praxis ParaPro doesn’t come from last-minute cramming—it comes from focused, consistent preparation with the right tools. Here’s how to build a study plan that works and approach the test with confidence.

    Choose the Right Study Materials

    Your first step is to find high-quality resources that align with the actual test content. One of the most recommended options for ParaPro prep is The Learning Liaisons, an online platform that offers video lessons, strategy sessions, and practice questions tailored specifically to the Praxis ParaPro (1755).

    If you’re someone who learns best by watching and doing, The Learning Liaisons can be especially helpful with its real educator-led walkthroughs and test-taking tips.

    Create a Realistic Study Schedule

    The key to effective studying is consistency. Aim to study 30–60 minutes per day over 3–4 weeks, and break your plan into manageable chunks.

    Suggested weekly plan:

    Week 1: Reading comprehension and classroom application
    Week 2: Math review and practice
    Week 3: Writing mechanics + full-length practice test
    Week 4: Focus on weak areas + stress-reduction techniques
    Even 15–20 minutes of review on busy days can make a difference.

    Take Full-Length Practice Tests

    Don’t just rely on flashcards or short drills—simulate the real test with full-length timed practice exams. This improves your pacing, builds endurance, and helps reduce test-day anxiety.

    Use ETS’s sample questions and online test simulators like those offered by The Learning Liaisons

    Review missed answers thoroughly to identify gaps

    Time Management and Test-Taking Tips

    On test day, every second counts. Try these strategies:

    •    Answer what you know first; flag tougher questions and return later
    •    Use the process of elimination on multiple-choice questions
    •    Don’t second-guess unless you're sure—go with your gut when unsure


    Remember: There’s no penalty for incorrect answers

    Stay Calm: Test Day Mindset

    Confidence comes from preparation, but your mindset matters too. On the day of your exam:

    Get a good night’s sleep before the test

    Eat a light meal, hydrate, and avoid excess caffeine

    Take a few deep breaths before starting—calm brain = clearer thinking

    Remind yourself: “I’ve studied. I’m ready. I’ve got this.

    ”Even if you feel nervous, remind yourself that thousands of paraprofessionals have passed this exam—many with help from resources like The Learning Liaisons. You’re in good company.

    Scoring and Results

    Understanding how your Praxis ParaPro Assessment is scored can help ease nerves and give you a clear benchmark to aim for. Fortunately, scoring is straightforward—and you’ll even get an unofficial result immediately after the exam. Here's what you need to know about how it all works.

    How the Test Is Scored

    The Praxis ParaPro consists of 90 multiple-choice questions divided across reading, math, and writing. There are no written or essay portions, and scoring is based purely on correct answers.

    •    Raw Score: The number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so it’s always better to guess than leave a question blank.
    •    Scaled Score: Your raw score is converted to a scaled score ranging from 420 to 480, ensuring fairness across different test versions.


    The test is computer-scored, which means there’s no human subjectivity involved, and your results are accurate and impartial.

    Passing Score Requirements by State

    Each state or district sets its minimum passing score for the ParaPro Assessment. Depending on local guidelines, the required score typically falls between 455 and 475.

    Here are a few examples of current (as of 2025) state score requirements:

    Texas:     461
    Georgia:     458
    New Mexico:     457
    Arkansas:     457
    North Dakota:     464W
    yoming:     460

    If you’re unsure of your state’s requirement, visit the ETS State Requirements page or contact your school district or state Department of Education.

    When and How You’ll Get Your Scores

    You’ll receive your unofficial score immediately after completing the test, whether you take it at a test center or online through remote proctoring.

    Your official score report will be available in your ETS account within 2–3 weeks, and you can also request that your scores be sent to your employer or district during registration.

    •    You’ll get a breakdown of your performance in each section, which is helpful if you need to retest or want to see where you excelled.
    •    You can access and print your score report directly from your ETS account dashboard.

    What Happens If You Don’t Pass

    Not passing on your first try doesn’t mean the end of the road. Many successful paraprofessionals have taken the test more than once—and used the experience to target their preparation better.

    If you don’t pass:

    •    You must wait 28 days before retaking the exam.
    •    Use your score report to identify weak areas, and adjust your study plan accordingly.
    •    Consider using more targeted resources like The Learning Liaisons, which offer section-specific test prep.


    Some school districts may allow you to work provisionally while preparing to retake the test—especially if you’re already employed in a support capacity. Always check with your district to see what options are available.

    Remember: Failing once doesn’t define your abilities—it just means you need a little more time to build your confidence and content knowledge. You're not alone, and with the right resources, passing is well within reach.

    The Praxis ParaPro Assessment is a key step toward launching your career as a confident and qualified paraprofessional. With the right preparation and mindset, passing the test is absolutely achievable. For expert-led lessons, real test strategies, and targeted practice, check out The Learning Liaisons and get the support you need to pass on your first try.