KPA Registration Guide — How to Register for the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment 2026

Who Needs to Register for the KPA?

The Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment (KPA) is required for paraeducators — instructional aides, paraprofessionals, and classroom assistants — who work in Title I schools or programs funded under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). If you currently hold a paraeducator position in a Kentucky public school district or are applying for one, you will likely need to pass the KPA to demonstrate that you meet federal qualification standards.

Registration for the KPA can be completed by the paraeducator directly or by the school district's HR department on the employee's behalf. Many districts handle registration centrally, especially for newly hired staff. Before attempting to register yourself, check with your principal or HR coordinator — your district may already have a process in place and may even cover the registration fee.

The KPA is administered by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) in partnership with a third-party testing vendor. All scheduling and registration is managed through the KDE testing portal. Understanding the registration process in advance can save you time and help you avoid common mistakes that delay your test date.

What You Need Before Registering

Gathering the right information before you begin the registration process will help you complete it without interruption. Here is what you should have ready:

• Government-issued photo ID — Your full legal name as it appears on your photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). This must match exactly what you enter during registration, as it will be verified at the testing center.
• Date of birth and last four digits of your Social Security Number — Used to verify your identity in the KDE system.
• Current employer information — Your school district name, the specific school where you work, and your job title (e.g., Instructional Paraeducator). If you are pre-service, you may need a letter of intent or conditional employment offer.
• Valid email address — All confirmation and scheduling communications are sent by email. Use an address you check regularly.
• Payment method — A credit or debit card to pay the registration fee at the time of scheduling.

If your district HR department is registering on your behalf, they will collect this information from you and submit the registration. Keep a copy of your confirmation email for your records.

Registration Fees and Test Scheduling

KPA Registration Fees

The KPA registration fee is set by the Kentucky Department of Education and administered through its testing partner. Fees are subject to change, so always check the official KDE website or the testing portal for the current amount before registering. As of 2026, paraeducators should expect a fee in the range of typical state-level certification exam costs. Some school districts reimburse the fee upon passing, so ask your HR department about reimbursement policies before you pay.

Choosing a Test Date and Location

After completing your personal and employment information and paying the fee, you will be directed to the scheduling interface. The KPA is offered at Pearson VUE authorized testing centers across Kentucky. You can search for available centers by zip code or city. Select a center that is convenient for you and choose from the available date and time slots. Testing availability varies by location, so it is advisable to register and schedule well in advance — ideally four to six weeks before you need your results.

Once you select your appointment, you will receive an immediate confirmation email. This email contains your appointment ID, the testing center address, reporting time, and the ID requirements you must bring on test day. Save this email; you will need the appointment ID if you need to reschedule.

Step-by-Step KPA Registration Walkthrough

Follow these steps to complete your KPA registration from start to finish:

1. Check with your district HR department first. Many districts register paraeducators directly. If yours does, you may only need to provide your personal information to HR and they will handle the rest. If not, proceed with the steps below.
2. Go to the Kentucky Department of Education testing portal. Access the official KDE assessment site at kde.ky.gov and navigate to the paraeducator assessment section. Look for the KPA registration or "Paraeducator Testing" link.
3. Create or log in to your testing account. First-time registrants will need to create an account. You will enter your full legal name, date of birth, last four SSN digits, and a valid email address. Keep your login credentials — you will need them to check your scores and manage your appointment.
4. Enter your employment information. Select your school district from the dropdown list and enter your school name and current job title. If you are a new hire awaiting your official start date, you may need to contact your district for a confirmation letter.
5. Select the test you need. The KPA includes sections covering reading and mathematics. Confirm with your HR department or the KDE guidance whether you need to take one or both sections.
6. Pay the registration fee. Enter your credit or debit card information to complete payment. You will receive a payment receipt by email.
7. Schedule your appointment. After payment, you are redirected to the scheduling system. Search for Pearson VUE centers near you, select your preferred date and time, and confirm your appointment.
8. Receive and save your confirmation. A confirmation email arrives immediately. It contains your appointment ID, testing center address, check-in time, and ID requirements. Print it or save it digitally.

The entire registration process typically takes 15–20 minutes if you have all your information ready. If you encounter any issues during registration, contact the KDE assessment office directly for assistance.

For a thorough understanding of what the assessment covers, review the KPA Complete Guide before your test date. You can also explore the KPA Math Guide and KPA Reading Guide to focus your preparation on each tested section.

After You Register — What Happens Next

Once your registration is confirmed and your appointment is scheduled, you are officially on track to complete the KPA requirement. Here is what to expect in the days and weeks leading up to your test:

Confirmation and Preparation Resources

Your confirmation email serves as your official record of the appointment. Check it carefully — make sure the date, time, testing center, and your name are all correct. The KDE portal may also provide access to official preparation materials, including test blueprints, sample questions, and score reporting timelines. Review these resources as early as possible.

To build your readiness, use the KPA overview page to understand the full scope of the assessment, and consult the KPA Score Guide to learn what score you need to pass and what happens if you need to retake.

What to Bring on Test Day

On the day of your test, bring the government-issued photo ID you used during registration. Your name on the ID must match your registration name exactly. Arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. No personal items — bags, phones, notes, or study materials — are permitted in the testing area.

Rescheduling and Canceling Your KPA Appointment

Life happens, and sometimes you need to change your test appointment. Here is what to know about the KPA rescheduling and cancellation policies:

How to Reschedule

Log in to your KDE testing portal account and navigate to your scheduled appointment. Most testing programs allow rescheduling up to a set deadline before the test date — commonly 24 to 48 hours in advance — without an additional fee. To reschedule, you will select a new available date and time at the same or a different Pearson VUE testing center. You will receive a new confirmation email after rescheduling.

If you need to reschedule within the no-change window (typically the final 24 hours before your appointment), you may forfeit part or all of your registration fee, and a new fee may be required to reschedule.

How to Cancel

Cancellations made within the allowed window (usually more than 48 hours before the appointment) may be eligible for a partial refund or a credit toward a future appointment, depending on KDE and Pearson VUE policy at the time of registration. Cancellations made after the deadline are typically non-refundable.

If you miss your appointment without canceling or rescheduling in advance (a no-show), you will likely forfeit the entire registration fee and need to re-register and pay again. If you have an emergency on test day, contact the testing vendor and your district HR as soon as possible — documentation of an emergency (such as a medical note) may allow an exception.

Always check the current rescheduling and cancellation policy in your confirmation email or the KDE portal, as these terms can change between registration cycles.