English Composition 1
Self-paced online English Composition 1 course (ENG 101). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
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60 credits or ParaPro in Florida districts
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
Choosing between 60 credits or ParaPro in Florida depends on your district and your skills. The federal Title I rule accepts two years of college study, an associate degree, or a formal academic test. Many districts read two years as about 60 credits and use the ParaPro as the test. If you are strong in reading, writing and maths, the test is usually faster. Ask the district in writing first.
The three routes in the federal rule
Title I paraprofessionals with instructional duties fall under 34 CFR 200.58. Everyone needs a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent. On top of that, you need one of three things: at least two years of study at an institution of higher education, an associate's or higher degree, or a pass on a formal State or local academic assessment in reading, writing and maths.
The rule does not name a test or a credit number. Florida districts fill in those details, which is why two districts can describe the same job differently.
| Route | What you need | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| College study | Two years of study, often read as about 60 credits | Months to years, depending on what you have |
| Degree | An associate's or higher degree | Already done, or about two years |
| Test | A district-chosen test such as the ParaPro, at its score | One test date |
When the test is the better choice
If you read well, write clearly and are comfortable with school maths, the test is often the quickest way to qualify. Many districts use the ETS ParaPro Assessment. Each district sets the passing score and may list approved test sites.
Before you book, ask HR three things: which test it accepts, the score it needs and whether it accepts a score from another district. Some applicants also take a free practice test from the test provider to see where they stand.
When college credits are the better choice
Credits take longer, but they keep working for you. If you might want to teach one day, every college course you take now can count toward a degree later. Credits also help if a test is hard to schedule, or if maths anxiety makes a timed test stressful.
Start by counting what you already have. Many people who think they need 60 credits already have 20 or 30 from earlier college. The gap may be a few courses.
How UPI Study courses can help
Our courses are ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended. TESU and UoPeople are partner colleges that consider ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit. Once a college posts the credit on its transcript, the district reads that transcript like any other.
Common first courses are English Composition 1 and 2, College Algebra, Intro to Psychology and Educational Psychology. UPI Study PRO is $99 a month for every course, so five courses at two a month take about three months, around $297, plus the transcript step. We do not run or prepare you for the ParaPro itself.
What to ask the district before you start
Send the district's human resources office a short email. Ask how many credits it counts as two years of study, whether remedial courses count, whether it accepts credits posted by a partner college, and which test and score it accepts instead. Keep the reply.
If you are applying to more than one district, ask each one. Their answers can differ, and the one that hires you is the one whose rules apply.
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask the district's human resources office in writing whether credits posted on a partner college's transcript would count toward its paraprofessional requirement before you enrol.
UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited. ACE and NCCRS review our courses and recommend credit; a college decides whether to give that credit and records it on its own transcript.
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Questions people ask
Which is faster, 60 credits or the ParaPro test?
For most people the test is faster, because it is one sitting. Credits take months unless you already have most of them. If you are close to the credit total already, a few courses may be just as quick. Ask your district which route it prefers.
Does every Florida district use the ParaPro?
Not necessarily. The federal rule allows any formal State or local academic assessment, so a district can choose its own test and passing score. Ask the district's HR office which test it accepts before you book or study.
Will my credits count in a different Florida district?
Credits on a college transcript can be used anywhere, but each district decides what it counts as two years of study. If you move, ask the new district in writing how it reads your transcript.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
College Algebra
Self-paced online College Algebra course (Math 111). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →
Educational Psychology
Self-paced online Educational Psychology course (Psychology 120). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Ask your district in writing first, then start with English Composition and College Algebra.
Sources
- 34 CFR 200.58: Qualifications of paraprofessionals (Code of Federal Regulations, 2024 edition, govinfo) (official)The school district must ensure each Title I paraprofessional with instructional duties has a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent and either at least two years of study at an institution of higher education, an associate's or higher degree, or a pass on a formal State or local academic assessment of reading, writing and mathematics. Translators and staff whose duties are only parental involvement are exempt. The rule names no credit number and no specific test. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.