California Instructional Aide Proficiency Assessment

The California Instructional Aide Proficiency Assessment (CIAPA) is designed to fulfill the California Department of Education’s Title I and Non-Title I paraprofessional requirement of passing a local assessment of knowledge and skills in assisting with instruction. Candidates are given up to four hours to complete the assessment, which evaluates proficiency in reading, mathematics, writing, and instructional knowledge and application.

Before You Begin: The assessment cannot be paused once started. Candidates are encouraged to set aside dedicated, uninterrupted time to complete the assessment in one sitting.

Important: Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) determine which assessments they approve for meeting their local paraprofessional requirements. Before registering for or completing the CIAPA, applicants should confirm with their employing or prospective LEA that the CIAPA is locally approved and will satisfy the applicable Title I or Non-Title I instructional aide requirement.