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 ParaPathways Assessment?
The ParaPathways Assessment (ETS 5757) is a computer-based certification exam for paraeducators — individuals who support classroom teachers in assisting students with foundational reading, writing, and math skills. It was developed by ETS to replace the ParaPro Assessment and is aligned to federal paraeducator requirements under ESSA, the College and Career Readiness Standards, and International Literacy Association standards.
ParaPathways splits into two separately timed subtests. The Reading and Writing subtest (5758) runs 85 minutes with 51 questions. The Mathematics subtest (5759) runs 60 minutes with 36 questions — and includes an on-screen 4-function calculator throughout. Each subtest produces a separate scaled score, and both must meet your state's passing threshold independently.
Side-by-side: ParaPathways vs ParaPro
| 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 |
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.
ParaPathways provides an on-screen 4-function calculator throughout the entire Mathematics subtest. This changes what the exam is actually testing. ParaPathways Math questions 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 — ParaPathways vs ParaPro
The ParaPro used a combined score on a 420–480 scale. ParaPathways uses a separate scaled score for each subtest on a 310–350 scale. Both subtests must meet your state's passing threshold — passing Reading and Writing does not satisfy the Mathematics requirement.
What's tested — content areas compared
The content knowledge areas are closely aligned between ParaPro and ParaPathways. If you studied for the ParaPro, most of what you learned still applies. The curriculum reorganized into two formal subtests, and classroom application questions (how would you help a student who...) are more explicitly weighted — roughly 1 in 3 questions.
- 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?
ParaPathways uses four question formats — 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 ParaPathways. You are not starting over.
The updates to make:
1. Practice with the on-screen calculator. The biggest practical shift. Open the ParaPathways 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 ParaPathways questions ask how you would support a student in a specific classroom scenario — not just what you know. Our dedicated drill pages target these specifically 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 ParaPathways passing score by state guide lists current requirements so you know your target before your first practice session.
Which states have adopted ParaPathways?
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.