The Colorado Department of Education

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Adding an Additional Endorsement to a Valid License

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. I'm a special education teacher. I want to add an endorsement based on completion of an approved program completed outside of Colorado. What endorsement(s) will I qualify for in Colorado?
  2. Does the academic credit have to be graduate level coursework if I'm adding an endorsement based on credit and assessment?
  3. Will I be able to use life experiences for credit if I'm adding an endorsement based on credit and assessment?
  4. Does CDE require teaching experience for an added endorsement based on credit and assessment?

(Click Here for General Information)

1. I'm a special education teacher. I want to add an endorsement based on completion of an approved program completed outside of Colorado. What endorsement(s) will I qualify for in Colorado?

Your added endorsement application and supporting documents will be evaluated and it will then be determined what endorsement(s) you qualify for. This will be based on your approved program and may require submission of course descriptions to clarify the content of your special education program.

2. Does the academic credit have to be graduate level coursework if I'm adding an endorsement based on credit or assessment?

No, you may submit transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate coursework completed at a regionally accredited college or university. 

3. Will I be able to use life experiences for credit if I'm adding an endorsement based on credit or assessment?

Yes, you can document work experiences and past activities that directly relate to the endorsement that you are seeking.  Please provide an explanation of those activities and experiences and how they directly enhanced your knowledge of the content area that you are seeking.  Such experiences must be consistent with the State’s content preparation requirements for the proposed endorsement area.  CDE is able to grant a maximum of six (6) semester hours of work experience.

4.  Does CDE require teaching experience for an added endorsement?

Teaching experience is required only for those seeking an endorsement for:

  • Teacher Librarian: one (1) year teaching experience
  • Reading Teacher: two (2) years of teaching experience
  • Reading Specialist: three (3) years of teaching experience
  • Instructional Technology Specialist: three (3) years of teaching experience

Ready to apply? Be sure to select the correct application.

Click here to Register and apply (Based on credit or assessment)

Click here to Register and apply (Based on Approved Program)

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