Paraprofessional Test Prep & WorkKeys Test

Paraprofessional Test Prep & WorkKeys Test

Candidates interested in employment as a paraprofessional must apply and meet the requirements outlined by the Illinois State Board of Education. Southwestern Illinois College offers preparation classes for the ACT WorkKeys assessment and proctors the online version of the ACT WorkKeys assessment each spring, summer and fall.

Paraprofessional Licenses

There are two paraprofessional licenses that are offered by ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education). The criteria for each are below:

Short-Term Paraprofessional License – Valid for 3 years (Non-renewable, must obtain Associate’s Degree or take the Para-Pro Work Keys Test after the three years expires)

  1. Send high school transcripts to: transcripts@sccroe50.org , or show proof of high school diploma at St. Clair County Regional Office of Education.
  2. Create ELIS account on ISBE.net
  3. Complete eligibility questions
  4. Pay $50 fee online in ELIS account.
  5. ROE will upload HS Diploma into ELIS when it is received.
  6. Once credentials are approved by the state of Illinois, you can register your license in your ELIS profile. The St. Clair County ROE can give you an estimated wait time for approval.

Long Term Paraprofessional License – Valid for 5 years, can be renewed. 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) and Reading for information/Workplace Documents (with a score of 4)

  1. Request official transcripts from your college/university institution. Have transcripts sent to: transcripts@sccroe50.org.
  2. Create ELIS account on ISBE.net
  3. Complete eligibility questions
  4. Pay $50 fee online in ELIS account.
  5. ROE will upload HS Diploma into ELIS when it is received.
  6. Register you license in your ELIS account once approved. The St. Clair County ROE can give you an estimated wait time for approval.

*No licenses will be issued without verification of HS diploma or receipt of official transcripts

St. Clair County ROE phone number: 618-825-3900
ISBE Phone number: 217-782-4321
Learn More about ISBE Paraprofessional Licensure Requirements

ISBE Paraprofessional Licensure Checklist

ACT WorkKeys Paraprofessional Test

Southwestern Illinois College proctors the online version of the Applied Math and the Workplace Documents portions of the ACT WorkKeys assessment. Advanced registration is required to take the test.

THERE ARE NO TEST DATES CURRENTLY SCHEDULED. IF YOU ARE NEEDING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR TESTING, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION.​

ACT WorkKeys Paraprofessional Test Information:

  • Cost:  $50.00 ($25 per Test Section)
  • Payment can be made in advance or at the time of the test in cash or check only.
  • Registration Deadline: Two days prior to test date.
  • Qualifying Applied Math Score: 4
  • Qualifying Workplace Documents Score: 4
  • Please arrive 15-30 minutes prior to scheduled test.
Register for Spring Test Dates
Info for testers: The testing room is located in IS 2022. Payment will be due at the time of the exam in cash or check (payable to Southwestern Illinois College). You will need a photo ID and may bring pencils and calculators into the testing room.
Access Online ACT WorkKeys Study Materials

To retrieve a copy of misplaced score reports, contact WorkKeys at 1-800-967-5539 or visit www.myworkkeys.com.

Paraprofessional Test Prep Class

Paraprofessional Test Prep Class Information

  • The class is not required to take the WorkKeys Paraprofessional Test
  • Cost: $105.00 (Class $80 plus Book/Handout Fees – $25.00)
  • Registration Deadline: TBA
  • Last Day to Cancel and Receive a Refund: TBA
  • All classes and tests require advance registration and payment

Would You Like Help Preparing for the Test?

Register for ED 120- Paraprofessional Test Prep Course Five learning modules will be covered, including an introduction to assessments and test taking strategies, reading, writing, mathematics, workplace documents, and responsibilities of a paraprofessional. The course will include practical application examples and situations similar to those found on the WorkKeys and ETS ParaPro tests. Students will gain a better understanding of how they learn as adults and effective strategies for test preparation.
Classes are offered every 8 weeks

Call 618-222-5200 or 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5540 for more information.

For comments, questions or suggestions, email communityeducation@swic.edu.