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Principal License Requirements
Whether you are seeking to complete a Colorado principal preparation program or want to renew or advance your Colorado principal credential, this page is for you.
General requirements are listed below; select the credential type for the application checklist and complete details on how to apply. (First-time applicant who completed a program outside Colorado? Go to the Out-of-State webpage.)
Need to Complete Principal Preparation?
Principal Authorization (3 years)
- bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university
- principal, assistant principal or other position that requires a principal license to fulfill the duties of the role
- enrollment in a Colorado-approved alternative preparation program or under an individualized principal preparation plan (created in cooperation with your district)
- credential will be district-specific and may not be renewed
Have Completed Principal Preparation?
Advance an Interim Authorization or Principal Authorization
- approved program verification form completed by your preparation program (alternative candidates only)
- Praxis 5412 (146)
- Certificate of completion of E-Train evaluator training (unless the educator effectiveness training standards were embedded in your Colorado preparation program)
Initial Principal License
- bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university
- approved program verification form completed by your principal preparation program
- three or more years' fully licensed teacher/special service experience in an elementary or secondary school (or three years' like experience in a non-public school)
- Praxis 5412 (146)
- Certificate of completion of E-Train evaluator training (unless the educator effectiveness training standards were embedded in your Colorado preparation program)
Initial Principal License Renewal
- valid license-holders: letter stating why induction program has not yet been completed
- expired license-holders:
- letter stating why induction program has not yet been completed
- may need to meet additional requirements (see Enhancements section below)
- Certificate of completion of E-Train evaluator training
Advance Initial Principal License to a Professional License
- valid license-holders: a copy of induction certificate
- expired license-holders:
- a copy of induction certificate
- may need to meet additional endorsement requirements (see Enhancements section below)
- Certificate of completion of E-Train evaluator training
Renew a Professional Principal License
- 90 contact hours (six (6) semester hours) of applicable professional development activities
- valid license-holders: applicable activities must have been completed within the seven years of your active license
- expired license-holders (or for those whose hold reactivated licenses): applicable activities must have bee completed within the seven years immediately preceding the submission date of your renewal application
- for additional requirements, see Enhancements section below
- Certificate of completion of E-Train evaluator training
Enhancements
Add a Designation
- fulfill READ Act requirements
- fulfill Educator Effectiveness Evaluator Training (required for all new/renewal applicants on/after Aug. 1, 2024)
- fulfill English Learner professional development requirements via an approved program or individualized professional development