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The Georgia GACE Paraprofessional exam is the official certification test for paraprofessionals in Georgia. The exam tests three subjects - Reading, Writing, and Mathematics - and is designed to assess a candidate's readiness to take to the classroom as a paraprofessional (or parapro). As the name implies, this test is designed for aspiring paraprofessionals. Anyone who wishes to serve as a parapro in Georgia must take this GACE test and earn a GACE passing score to be certified.
| Test Name | GACE Paraprofessional (177) |
| Test Cost | $123 |
| Number of Questions | 90 Selected-response Questions |
| Time Allotted | 2.5 hours |
| Test Sections | 1. Reading (34%) 2. Mathematics (33%) 3. Writing (33%) |
The GACE 177 is administered by the State of Georgia via its Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). This GACE assessment was developed in a joint effort between GaPSC and the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which is the same governing body that develops and administers the Praxis tests. Although this exam is not the same as the Praxis, it is still very similar to most other teacher certification tests. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the GACE 177 and answer questions such as:
Read on for more details about the best strategies for GACE preparation for the paraprofessional test.
The GACE Paraprofessional exam (177) is a computer-delivered test. It consists of 90 multiple-choice and short-answer questions. There are no constructed-responses or essays. These questions are divided almost evenly between the three content subareas: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
In all, test takers can plan on around 30 questions in each subarea. Most of these questions will count towards the final score, though there may be a few ungraded questions mixed in that do not factor into the grading process. GACE Paraprofessional test scores are based on a "scaled score" which can range from 100 to 300. The GACE passing score for the paraprofessional test is 250.
Candidates will have 2.5 hours (150 minutes) to complete this GACE test. The test appointment itself lasts 3 hours, but part of this time is reserved for tutorials and compliance agreements. There is no time limit on the individual subareas themselves, though test takers are highly encouraged to pace themselves and leave time to answer every question.
Each subarea in the GACE Paraprofessional exam makes up roughly a third of the test. The exact breakdown is as follows:
| Content Subarea | Percent of Test | Approx. Number of Questions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 34% | 31 | |
| Writing | 33% | 30 | |
| Mathematics | 33% | 30 |
Note: number of questions does not equal 90 due to rounding.
The three subareas are further divided into skills. Some, but not all, of these skills are listed here:
Reading:
Writing:
Mathematics:
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountUnlike most other GACE tests, which have a limited number of testing windows throughout the year, the GACE Paraprofessional test dates are available by appointment year-round at participating schools and universities in Georgia. Candidates interested in taking it will need to visit the "Register for the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment" webpage on the GACE website. Once there, a list of colleges and school districts will be provided, along with the contact information to set up an appointment online or over the phone. It should be noted that the registration process is not the same for all GACE test locations.
During the GACE registration, candidates will need to pay the exam fee of $38. There may be additional fees at certain test sites. Test takers should check ahead to confirm the exact amount they will need to pay. Additionally, the payment process can differ depending upon which college or school district a candidate chooses, but all fees must be paid in U.S. dollars. Once the GACE test cost and additional fees are paid, they cannot be refunded for any reason.
Naturally, many soon-to-be test-takers will ask the question, Is the GACE Paraprofessional test hard? The answer depends upon several factors, but by far the largest of them is this: preparation. Those who prepare thoroughly will likely find the test quite straightforward, whereas those who do not spend time for GACE preparation will have a much tougher time.
To give yourself the best chance of success on the test, it is essential to follow a good test preparation strategy. That will include steps such as developing a GACE study guide, gathering good sources, and making frequent use of practice GACE Paraprofessional test questions. There are many ways to go about this process, but some of the major milestones you will want to aim for are these:
Although each of these steps is vital to your success on the GACE test, perhaps the most important of them is the study guide.
Study guides can essentially be thought of as the "skeleton" or "foundation" of your test prep. They are the base upon which everything else rests. A GACE study guide should be sufficiently detailed to ensure you touch on every skill, yet broad enough to not get bogged down in the details. You can design a GACE Paraprofessional study guide entirely on your own, or you can consult online resources to assist you.
One of the most helpful resources at your disposal when crafting your study guide is the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment Study Companion. This nearly 30-page document contains a detailed breakdown of the skills tested, the format of the GACE test, practice questions, and helpful links to other sources. It is the most-recommended resource by the GaPSC when preparing for the exam.
Another useful strategy when creating a study guide is to take a GACE practice test beforehand. This further helps you to understand your strengths and weaknesses. After analyzing the results of your practice test, you can proceed to put a stronger emphasis on your lower-performing skills as you develop the study guide. We will go into greater detail on practice tests in the next section.
Finally, be sure to stick to your study guide once it has been created. Pace yourself, allowing several weeks to a few months to absorb the material. Most experts agree that it is better to learn at a slow, steady pace (as opposed to "cramming"), as this will result in a deeper and longer-lasting understanding of the content.
In tandem with a study guide, practice tests are among the most useful tools you can use during the course of your preparation. A few of their advantages include:
GACE Paraprofessional practice tests can be found for free in the Study Companion, as well as online through both free and paid sources. An example of a paid resource is the Interactive Practice Test (IPT). The IPT gives you access to one full practice exam, as well as answers and feedback for each question. The cost of this GACE Interactive Practice Test is $18.
When you walk into the room to test for your Georgia GACE Paraprofessional Certificate, it is important to practice good test-taking strategies. Here are some of the most important ones:
Finally, do not sweat it too much! Although you certainly want to aim high and try your very best, you will do well to remember that slow and steady often wins the race. Prepare well, take plenty of practice tests, get enough rest before the exam, and arrive early. The next thing you know, you will walk out as Georgia's newest certified paraprofessional.
