Teacher License (and Authorization) Requirements

Whether you are seeking to complete a Colorado teacher preparation program or want to renew, advance or add an endorsement to your Colorado teaching credential, this page is for you.

General requirements are listed below; select the credential type for the application checklist and complete details on how to apply. (First-time applicant who completed a program outside Colorado? Go to the Out-of-State webpage.)

Need to Complete Teacher Preparation?

Alternative Teacher (1 or 2 years, depending on program)

district-specific;
bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
demonstration of content knowledge;
teaching position in the requested content area; and
enrollment in a Colorado-approved alternative preparation program

What is alternative teacher preparation?

Find a Colorado alternative teacher program

Content Area/Endorsement Requirements

Temporary Educator Eligibility (TEE) (1 year)

for Special Education and Special Services areas only;
district-specific;
bachelor’s or higher degree* (in any area); and
enrollment in a traditional preparation program for ECSE, special education generalists or director of special education OR a special services area
may be renewed up to twice with ongoing progress toward meeting full licensure requirements

Renew TEE

Interim Authorization for alternative teacher preparation (1 year)

district-specific;
bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
teaching position in the requested content area; and
enrollment in a Colorado-approved alternative preparation program
may be renewed once to complete a two-year program; and
must demonstrate content knowledge to complete program
- to renew or advance to an alternative license for a 2-year program, complete the application for an alternative teacher license

Teacher of Record (2-years)

district-specific;
enrolled in a bachelor's degree program for teacher preparation at a Colorado college/university only;
- this option is not available for individuals enrolled in out-of-state preparation programs (including online programs)
36 or fewer semester hours of coursework remaining to complete program;
demonstration of content knowledge via the approved PRAXIS exam;
a TOR plan created in cooperation with the district and preparation program (more information and plan template); and
teaching position in the content area
may be renewed only due to unforeseen circumstances (must be approved by CDE)

Have Completed Teacher Preparation?

Advance an Alternative Teacher License or Interim Authorization

approved program verification form completed by your preparation program (alternative candidates only); and
verification of demonstration of content knowledge

Content Area/Endorsement Requirements

Initial Teacher License

bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
approved program verification form completed by your teacher preparation program;
demonstration of content knowledge

Initial Teacher License Renewal

valid license-holders: letter stating why induction program has not yet been completed
expired license-holders:
- letter stating why induction program has not yet been completed
- may need to meet additional endorsement requirements

Advance Initial Teacher License to a Professional License

valid license-holders: a copy of induction certificate
expired license-holders:
- a copy of induction certificate
- may need to meet additional endorsement requirements

Renew a Professional Teacher License

90 contact hours (six (6) semester hours) of applicable professional development activities
- valid license-holders: applicable activities must have been completed within the seven years of your active license
- expired license-holders (or for those whose hold reactivated licenses): applicable activities must have bee completed within the seven years immediately preceding the submission date of your renewal application