New Hampshire offers certification for two types of paraprofessionals: 1 and 2. Read on to learn the steps needs to become either of these paraprofessionals.
Requirements for Paraprofessionals in New Hampshire
| Average Salary for Teachers in New Hampshire* | $45,550 |
| Required Degree | High School Diploma or Equivalent |
| Required Field | Any |
| Testing Requirements | Praxis ParaPro Assessment |
Source: *Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)
Step 1: Get Educated
To become either a paraprofessional 1 or 2, you need a high school diploma or higher. For paraprofessional 1s, you will only need to provide proof of your diploma. This can be done by either including an official high school transcript or a notarized copy of your diploma/GED. To become a paraeducator 2, you can either earn a high school diploma and fulfill other requirements, or you can complete an associate's or bachelor's degree program. Either option must contain at least 48 completed college credits.
Step 2: Meet Assessment Requirements
For the paraprofessional 2 certification, you will need to provide proof that you have been assessed to become a paraprofessional if you did not earn a college degree. Along with the transcript from your high school, you'll need to show proof in one of two ways: an exam or an assessment.
The assessment of a candidate's strengths and professional development needs can be filled out on the form of the same name. This form asks for several skills and whether you have completed some activity to strengthen those skills. These skills range from working in a social group to your understanding of the role of chance in predication. These will look at basic knowledge for math, reading, writing, and teaching.
Completing the Praxis ParaPro Assessment may be the easier choice of the two. This exam is 150-minutes long. There are 90 multiple-choice questions that look at math, reading, and writing skills, as well as how to apply yourself and your knowledge in the classroom. The fee for this exam is $55, and New Hampshire requires a passing score of 460.
Step 3: Fill out Application
The application process is fairly simple. First, you must fill out the application. This can be done through snail mail or on the Internet. This application lists basic questions, but then it asks you to fill in high school and college information. Along with demographic and personal questions, you'll be asked for your teaching experience and criminal background. You will then include the other required documents, like the notarized diploma and a $25 check fee.
Certification Resources for New Hampshire Paraprofessionals
Depending on whether you are considering certification as a paraprofessional 1 or 2, you may find yourself staring down a testing deadline. To prepare for that ParaPro Assessment, use the study guide and test prep links below.
- Prepare for the National Evaluation Series (NES) Exams
- Praxis ParaPro Assessment: Practice & Study Guide
