Educator License & Authorization Application Checklists

30 days to submit an application or new fingerprints required

• You have 30 days from the time CDE receives your background checks checklist - submitted for CDE licensure purposes - to submit an application or you will need to submit a new set of fingerprints for licensure purposes at the time of application.

Submitting an application verifies you have submitted fingerprints and truthful documentation

• By submitting an application, you are verifying that you have submitted fingerprints for CDE licensure purposes, provided all requested documentation and answered all questions truthfully.

Applications must be submitted within 14 days or the system will purge them

• Once you begin an application, you must submit it within 14 days or it will be automatically purged from the system. Best to gather your documentation before starting an application.

CDE evaluates application within 45 business days

• Within 45 business days of receipt of an application (including applicable background checks), CDE will evaluate the application.
  • Upon determination of qualification, CDE will notify the applicant and the corresponding certificate will be available for view or print in the individual's COOL account.

If CDE can't access documentation or application is deemed incomplete, applicant notified

• If for some reason CDE is not able to access all documentation in the application, the application will be deemed "incomplete" and CDE will notify the applicant via a system notification (also posted in the applicant's COOL account) and specify the information needed to complete it. This includes notification that we have yet to receive your background checks! Check your account regularly for notifications and updates!
  • An applicant has 60 days from the date of first notification that something is needed to cure the deficiency (i.e., provide the necessary information or submit background checks) or submit to the department a written request for reconsideration stating the basis for the request.
    • CDE will provide a written response within 30 days of any request for reconsideration.
    • Requests for reconsideration do not apply to background checks.
    • Additional time is not granted to those who receive this notification due to background checks, and any other deficiency noticed also will need to be cured within the original 60-day period.
• An applicant who fails to cure the deficiency or request reconsideration within these 60 days will be deemed as having withdrawn the application, and such withdrawal shall not be subject to appeal or review.

Application fees are non-refundable per state law

• State statute prohibits the refunding of any application evaluation fee. Review the application checklist first to ensure you are submitting the correct application.

Check COOL regularly once application submitted and to print your certificate

• Once you have submitted an application, check your COOL account regularly for notifications on its status and/or to print a copy of your certificate.

Credentials expire at 12 a.m. on expiration date listed. Incomplete applications expire at 12 a.m. on the 60th day. Background checks expire at 12 a.m. on the 30th day (sans valid credential or qualifying application)

• Note: Any present credential will expire at 12 a.m. on the expiration date listed. Incomplete applications expire at 12 a.m. on the sixtieth day. Background checks likewise will expire at 12 a.m. on the thirtieth day. (To ensure continuous credentialing, and to avoid having to submit fingerprints for a current background check, submit any renewal or other application prior the credential's expiration.)