Substitute Authorization Requirements

Applicant Information

Colorado issues three types of substitute authorizations: a 1-year authorization, a 3-year authorization, and a 5-year authorization. A substitute authorization allows you to work in a Colorado public school as a substitute teacher. The substitute authorizations are issued without grade level or subject endorsement area designations.

Issuance of a 5-year substitute authorization requires a valid out-of-state teaching license or an expired or valid Colorado teaching certificate or teaching license*.

Issuance of a 3-year substitute authorization requires that the applicant hold at least a bachelor's degree in any area of specialization from a regionally accredited university or college.  Foreign applicants must have their foreign transcripts evaluated for equivalency by a member of NACES.  Their website address is www.naces.org.

Issuance of a 1-year substitute authorization requires a high school diploma or equivalent.  The applicant must also provide evidence to the school district of successful experience working with children or youth. This application requires one application for every school district you are employed to substitute teach in.

Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions

*Colorado Initial or Professional Teaching License. Colorado Interim Authorizations are NOT licenses and do not qualify you for the 5-year substitute authorization.

Ready to Apply?

Click here to Register and Apply

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