Educator Licensing - Colorado Department of Education

Apply for a License or Authorization

Teacher surrounded by his students, all facing forward and smiling, teacher is holding a teacher of the year semifinalist award

Colorado issues four license types (teacher, special services, principal and administrator) and 15 authorizations, including substitute, emergency and career and technical (CTE).

Select the button for the type of credential you seek for information and next steps.

Select the Out-of-State option if you completed a teacher, special services, principal or administrator preparation program outside Colorado and are applying for your first Colorado credential of that type.

Licensure Resources

Background Checks, Fingerprints & Application / Renewal Guidance

Fingerprints:

Background checks/fingerprints

See also: SSN verification

Checklists:

Application checklists

Application checklists outline everything you will need in order to submit a complete application.

See also: Name change

Professional Learning Requirements:

Educator Effectiveness Evaluator Training (E-Train)

Required for: all principal and administrator credentials
Effective: Aug. 1, 2024

English Learner Professional Development requirements

Required for: renewal of all professional teacher licenses with an elementary, English, math, science, social studies or any middle level endorsement
Effective: Sept. 1, 2025

READ Act -Teacher requirements

Required for: all teachers teaching reading K-3 and all interventionists (grades 4-12)
Deadline: Aug. 1 of each year

READ Act - Principal/Administrator requirements

Required for: all principals and administrators
Deadline: Aug. 1, 2024 and every Aug. 1 thereafter

Special Education/Behavior Health Professional Development requirements

Required for: renewal of all professional teacher, special services, principal and administrator licenses
Effective: June 30, 2025

Application Status:

Check your application status

Content Exam & Demonstration of Content Knowledge Requirements

Approved Colorado Preparation Programs

Find an approved Colorado preparation program (search engine)

The Educator Preparation Office oversees program approval and re-authorization for institutions of higher education, and includes initial approval and re-authorization not more than once every five years. Initial approval and re-authorization are required for any institution (public or private) offering educator preparation programs leading to licensure or endorsement in Colorado.

Alternative Teacher Candidates: What You Need to Know

Alternative Principal Preparation: What You Need to Know

Designated agencies for alternative educator preparation must also meet standards defined in statute, rules and policy, including initial authorization and re-authorization not more than once every five years.