Want to apply for a paraprofessional license but unsure where to start?

Check out this How Do I Apply for a Paraprofessional License flowchart! 

License Renewal- click here

REQUIREMENTS:

To be a licensed paraprofessional, you must:

1. Be at least 19 years of age and;

2. Show proof of one (1) of the following requirements:

1. Associate's degree or higher; or

2. 60 semester hours of coursework; or

3. High School Diploma or GED and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS ParaPro test; or

4. High School Diploma or GED and the following scores on the ACT Work Keys test:

• Applied Mathematics/Applied Math — 4

• Reading for Information/Workplace Documents — 4

• If you have 60 college credit hours or an Associate’s degree and would like to apply for the paraprofessional license, please send your official transcripts to Alaina Johnson at ajohnson@roe35.org. 

• If you do not have 60 college credit hours or an Associate’s degree, you will need to take the ACT WorkKeys assessment. 

• Once all requirements and documents have been received and uploaded by the ROE to your ELIS account you can apply for the Paraprofessional License. 

ETS ParaPro Test At Home

The ETS Parapro test online can now be taken at home through ProProctor. This is a proctored exam. If you would like to take the ETS Parapro test at home, please make sure you have the required equipment and testing environment by clicking the link above. 

• Test Fee — $91

• Reschedule Fee — $45.50

Fees will be paid online through Credit or Debit card — American Express, MasterCard or VISA

ACT WorkKeys For Paraprofessionals

What Tests You Need To Take: 

• Each test is 55 minutes long

• A score of 4 is needed on both tests

Applied Math - WorkKeys Assessments - WorkKeys - Products and Services

Workkeys for Workforce Developers - Assessments - Workplace Documents

Where You Can Take The Tests:

**these are not the only testing locations, but ones that will likely be convenient for our area. You can search for testing sites here. 

Illinois Central College: East Peoria Campus

• NCRC/ACT WorkKeys - Around Campus

• Contact Rich Fields at richard.fields@icc.edu or (309) 694-5345 

• $20 per test

Waubonsee Community College: Aurora Downtown Campus

• Other Testing (info PDF here)

• Email assessment@waubonsee.edu or Call (630) 801-7900 x4182

• $25 per test

Joliet Junior College: City Center Campus in Joliet & Grundy Workforce Services in Morris 

• Workforce Development (info PDF here)

• Call Griselda at the Morris campus at (815) 280-6822 

More Information on Paraprofessional Requirements: Educator Licensure Requirements

If you need help studying for the test, the following are links to practice test as well as study resources: 

1. More information about the test: https://www.ets.org/parapro/about/

2. Here is a FREE study companion for the test you will take, which includes a breakdown of what topics you need to know in the section "Learn About Your Test" on pg. 5.   https://www.ets.org/s/parapro/pdf/1755.pdf 

3. Parapro practice test that costs $19.95: https://www.ets.org/parapro/test_prep/materials/   

4. Free Parapro practice test that allows you to check each answer and receive an explanation of incorrect answers: https://uniontestprep.com/parapro-assessment/practice-test

5. Another free Parapro practice test: https://www.studyguidezone.com/paraprotest.htm  

6. Another free Parapro practice test that allows you to check each answer and receive an explanation of incorrect answers: http://www.parapropracticetest.com/

7. Create an account and log in for free parapro practice tests. This practice test is timed and will email your score to you after you finish. https://www.teacherstestprep.com/parapro-practice-tests  

8. For help learning or refreshing on a specific topic, the Khan Academy is a good tool. You can also find tutorials made by educators on Youtube.

Registration Fee Refund

• Educator License with Stipulations - Paraprofessional (ELS PARA)
  Public Act 100-0772 provides that any educator registering their Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for Paraprofessional (ELS-PARA) on or after July 1, 2018, shall pay license registration fees in the amount of $5 per year rather than $10. Any educator who registered an ELS-PARA between July 1, 2018, and October 16, 2018 may qualify for a refund.
  
  

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  NEW PROCESS EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 14, 2018:
  ISBE will notify all individuals who are eligible for a refund and will begin processing refunds beginning the week of December 17, 2018, with all refunds scheduled to be completed by March 1, 2019.
  Refunds will be processed to the credit or debit card used at the time of payment. No further action will be required unless the debit or credit card used for payment is no longer active. If the card used is no longer active, ISBE will require a W-9 form to process a check. W-9 forms should be mailed to:
  
  
  Illinois State Board of Education
  Division of Educator Effectiveness
  100 N First Street, E-240
  Springfield, IL 62777