The Paraprofessional/Instructional Assistant (IA) exam assesses a candidate's knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing and mathematics; and was developed to meet compliance requirements for paraprofessionals pursuant to the Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA). Paraprofessionals who work at schools receiving Title I funds and whose duties include instructional support must be “highly qualified”, meaning that they have:

1. 1. High school diploma or the equivalent, and
   2. Two years of study at an institute of higher education equivalent to 48 semester units; or
   3. A.A. degree (or higher); or
   4. California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST); or
   5. Passage of the local assessment "Paraprofessional Exam" demonstrating knowledge, and the ability to, assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

California Education Code 45330 requires that no person shall be assigned to assist in instruction as a paraprofessional unless the person has demonstrated proficiency in basic reading, writing and mathematics skills up to or exceeding that required for high school seniors in the local high schools.

Passage of the exam will satisfy both the requirements of the California Education Code, as well as the federal Elementary and Secondary Act legislation.