Parapro Testing
How to Become a Paraprofessional
The new federal legislation requires that paraprofessionals meet one of the following three criteria to become certified:
1. Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (defined as 48 semester or 72 quarter hours as verified by college transcript from an accredited institution of higher education);
2. Obtain an associate (or higher) degree from an accredited institution of higher education (defined as an associate degree program from an accredited institution of higher education);
OR
3. Meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal State or local academic assessment – (i) knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing and mathematics; or (ii) knowledge of, and the ability to assist in readiness for reading, writing and mathematics.
How To Apply
If you meet the criteria for 1 or 2 please mail original transcripts to the Ohio Department of Education, Office of Certification. There is a fee for the permit.
This assessment is given at the ESC by appointment and is an online assessment. There is a study guide that is available HERE. There are Universities in Ohio that also offer the assessment.There is a fee for the assessment. Once you have passed the test, your results are sent directly to ODE and you then can apply for your Educational Aide permit.
ODE requires all applicants to have a BCI and FBI check on file with ODE when applying for a permit.
The cost for the test is $80.00 – cash, check, or credit cards (4.5% courtesy fee). Current MRESC employees receive one free test. However, MRESC substitutes and applicants pay $80.00.
Contact
For more information regarding paraprofessionals, please contact:
Jana Barhorst (937)-498-1354 ext. 7002 (Shelby County Office)
Penny Carrig (937)-599-5195 ext. 3020 (Logan County Office)