The Colorado Department of Education

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Alternative Principal Preparation Program

The Alternative Principal Preparation Program is for applicants who want to become a licensed principal but did not complete an approved Principal Licensure program at a college or university.  Candidates are employed full-time as a principal or vice-principal while completing an approved program offered by a Designated Agency.  Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will be eligible for a Colorado Principal License.  Before being issued a license, candidates will need to take and pass the PLACE test #80 for Principals.

Program Requirements

The application for an Alternative Principal Authorization requires that the applicant:

  1. Has received a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education;
  2. Has background check clearance based upon review of CBI/FBI background check and self disclosure on application; and
  3. Meets one of the following categories:

Category 1.

Applicant has:

A.  Completed a teacher or special services provider preparation program;

B.  Is eligible for or holds a valid Initial or Professional Colorado Teacher or Special   Services Provider license; and

C.  Has provided evidence of three or more years of full-time successful educator experience.

Category 2.

Applicant has:

A.  Provided documented evidence of three or more years of full-time successful experience as an unlicensed teacher or special service provider in a non-public or public K-12 school in Colorado or another state.

Category 3.

Applicant has:

A.  Provided documented evidence of three or more years of full-time successful management experience, e.g., in business, industry, government, the military, or non-public education.

B.  Successfully completed an Alternative Teacher Licensing Program prior to participation in the Alternative Principal Preparation Program.

After Application Approval

On approval, the candidate is issued a Statement of Eligibility and may then:

  • Seek employment as a principal or vice principal and;

  • Begin an alternative preparation program once employed.

Candidates must be employed full-time in a Colorado public or accredited non-public school and work a minimum of 51 percent as a principal/vice principal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Principal Program: Designated Agencies

Statement of Eligibility renewal and program extension

Application Request

Request a Principal application

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