Teacher License (and Interim Authorization) Requirements

Whether you are seeking to complete a Colorado teacher preparation program or want to renew, advance or add an endorsement to your Colorado teaching credential, this page is for you.

First-time applicant who completed a program outside Colorado? Go to the Out-of-State webpage.

Content Area/Endorsement Requirements

General licensure requirements are listed below; endorsement requirements via the button above.

Need to Complete Teacher Preparation?

Alternative Teacher (1 or 2 years, depending on program)

district-specific;
bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
demonstration of content knowledge;
teaching position in the requested content area; and
enrollment in a Colorado-approved alternative preparation program

What is alternative teacher preparation?

How to demonstrate content knowledge

Find a Colorado alternative teacher program

Alternative Teacher License Application Checklist

Interim Authorization for alternative teacher preparation (1 year)

district-specific;
bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
teaching position in the requested content area; and
enrollment in a Colorado-approved alternative preparation program
may be renewed once to complete a two-year program; and
must demonstrate content knowledge during program
- to renew or advance to an alternative license for a 2-year program, complete the application for an alternative teacher license

How to demonstrate content knowledge

Alternative Interim Authorization Application Checklist

Temporary Educator Eligibility (TEE) (1 year)

for Special Education and Special Services areas only;
district-specific;
bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university (in any area); and
enrollment in a traditional preparation program for ECSE, special education generalists or director of special education OR a special services area
may be renewed up to twice with ongoing progress toward meeting full licensure requirements

Renew TEE

TEE Application Checklist

Teacher of Record (2-years)

district-specific;
enrolled in a bachelor's degree program for teacher preparation at a Colorado college/university only;
- this option is not available for individuals enrolled in out-of-state preparation programs (including online programs)
36 or fewer semester hours of coursework remaining to complete program;
demonstration of content knowledge via the approved PRAXIS exam or an approved Multiple Measures submission;
a TOR plan created in cooperation with the district and preparation program (more information and plan template); and
teaching position in the content area
may be renewed only due to unforeseen circumstances (must be approved by CDE)

Teacher endorsement requirements (approved Praxis exam(s))

Content knowledge demonstration via Multiple Measure

Teacher of Record pathway to license

Teacher of Record Application Checklist

Have Completed Teacher Preparation?

Advance an Alternative Teacher License or Interim Authorization

approved program verification form completed by your preparation program (alternative candidates only); and
verification of demonstration of content knowledge

Advance Alternative Teacher License or Interim Authorization Application Checklist

Initial Teacher License

bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
approved program verification form completed by your teacher preparation program;
demonstration of content knowledge

Initial Teacher License Application Checklist

Initial Teacher 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 endorsement requirements

Renew Initial Teacher License Application Checklist

Advance Initial Teacher 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

Advance Initial Teacher License to Professional Application Checklist

Renew a Professional Teacher 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 been completed within the 7 years immediately preceding the submission date of your renewal application

Renew Professional Teacher License Application Checklist

Enhancements (e.g., designations and endorsements)

Add an Endorsement

valid Colorado initial or professional license;
requirements vary by endorsement

Colorado Teacher Endorsement Requirements

Add Endorsement Application Checklist

Add a Master Certificate

valid Colorado professional license
valid National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification or a certificate of completion from a CDE-approved master certificate program

Add Master Certificate Application Checklist

Add a Designation

fulfill READ Act requirements
fulfill English Learner professional development requirements via an approved program or individual professional development matrix
fulfill Educator Effectiveness Evaluator Training requirements

Add Designation Application Checklist

Return to Educator Licensure