The Colorado Department of Education

Offices | Staff Contacts | Colorado.gov

5-Year and 3-Year Substitute Authorization Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I renew a 3-year substitute authorization? Am I required to turn in official transcripts again?
  2. How long will it take to process the renewal of my Substitute Authorization? 
  3. How long will it take for my application to show up on the Status Check website?
  4. I have a valid substitute authorization from out-of-state. Do I qualify for a 5-year substitute authorization?
  5. Am I required to turn in another fingerprint card and fingerprint fee if I have already held a Colorado license or authorization?
  6. How can I find a job as a substitute teacher in Colorado?
  7. Can I fax my application to you?
  8. Will the substitute authorization cover any specific endorsement area or grade level?
  9. Will I qualify for a 5-year substitute authorization if I have an expired Colorado certificate or license?
  10. May I use my valid Colorado special service provider license to substitute teach?
  11. May I complete in-service credit in a Colorado school district while working ad a substitute teacher and use it to renew my expired professional teaching license?

(Click Here for General Information)

1. Can I renew a 3-year substitute authorization? Am I required to turn in official transcripts again?

You must submit a complete substitute authorization application and an evaluation fee. You may be required to turn in official transcripts again.

2. How long will it take to process the renewal of my Substitute Authorization? 

            Upon Receipt at CDE, all applications take 10-12 weeks to process.

3. How long will it take for my application to show up on the Status Check website?

It takes approximately 2-3 weeks for an application to show up on the Status Check website because of the volume of applications received by Educator Licensing.

4. I have a valid substitute authorization from out-of-state. Do I qualify for a 5-year substitute authorization?

You must hold a valid standard out-of-state teaching license or certificate to qualify for a 5-year substitute authorization. A substitute authorization is not considered a standard license or certificate.

5. Am I required to turn in another fingerprint card and fingerprint fee if I have already held a Colorado license or authorization?

No, you are only required to turn these items in once to the Colorado Department of Education. You can check the status of your fingerprint card requirement on our status check website at:    https://edx.cde.state.co.us/PublicEducatorSearch/DOBSearch.jsp

6. How can I find a job as a substitute teacher in Colorado?

School staffing is the responsibility of each Colorado school district. Please contact districts directly regarding job openings.

7. Can a hardcopy application be downloaded or mailed to me and can I fax or mail my application to you?

No, all applications must be completed online using the e-licensing system. Hardcopy applications are not available.

8. Will the substitute authorization cover any specific endorsement area or grade level?

The substitute authorizations are not issued with specific endorsement areas or grade levels. Placement of substitute teachers will be the responsibility of the Colorado school district that will be employing you.

9. Will I qualify for a 5-year substitute authorization if I have an expired Colorado certificate or license?

Yes, you will qualify for 5-year substitute authorization if you were previously certified or licensed as a teacher in Colorado.

10. May I use my valid Colorado special service provider license to substitute teach?

It is up to the Colorado school district employing you.  Please check with their Human Resource Department.

11. May I complete in-service credit in a Colorado school district while working as a substitute teacher and use it to renew my expired professional teaching license?

In-service credit is acceptable as renewal credit.  Not all Colorado school districts allow substitute teachers to complete in-service credit.  It is up to the school district.

 

 

For technical problems with this page please contact the Web Content Coordinator