Multiple Measures of Content Competency

Multiple measures revisions and temporary submission closure
Changes are coming to teacher licensure and endorsement pathways for the 2025–26 school year to simplify processes, expand access, and align with updated standards.
What’s changing?
• The Praxis 5901 elementary three-subtest bundle will be replaced by the 5903 math exam for Elementary Education and Special Education Generalist endorsements.
• Senate Bill 25-154 extends the use of the Multiple Measures (MM) grades option–previously only for first-time licensure—to licensed teachers seeking to add endorsements in:
◦ Elementary Education
◦ Early Childhood Education
◦ Special Education Generalist
◦ Early Childhood Special Education
What does this mean for you?
These shifts require CDE to revise both the submission process and how the 1,000-review cap will be managed moving forward. The following timeline has been established to implement both sets of changes:
• June 20: Last day to submit MM applications under current requirements
• June 21–July 31: MM submission portal closed for updates; CDE will review all existing submissions
• Aug. 1: MM form reopens with new eligibility criteria
• Sept. 1: Praxis changes go into effect; candidates may apply under the new requirements
As the timing of licensure decisions may be affected, please plan ahead.
Questions should be directed as follows:
• Educator preparation programs – contact educator_preparation@cde.state.co.us.
• Candidates – contact Educator Licensure via this request form.

Established by Colorado House Bill 22-1220, Multiple Measures of Content Competency increase the ways by which candidates who apply on or after Aug. 1, 2023 may demonstrate depth of content knowledge to qualify for their first Colorado teacher license.

Multiple measures allow candidates completing Colorado traditional teacher preparation programs, first-time teacher applicants who completed teacher preparation outside Colorado and candidates entering or completing Colorado alternative teacher preparation programs to demonstrate content knowledge either (1) as allowed or required previously or (2) via any of the NEW! ways outlined below. Please remember candidates need to have an official, degree-conferred transcript from a regionally accredited college or university that demonstrates a bachelor's or higher degree is required for initial licensure.

To Whom Does It Apply?

Demonstration via multiple measures of content competency may be pursued only by:

first-time teacher licensure candidates from traditional Colorado teacher preparation programs
first-time Colorado teacher license applicants who completed a teacher preparation program outside Colorado
individuals participating in a Colorado alternative teacher preparation program for their first teacher license

Multiple measures do not apply to:

anyone who holds a Colorado initial or professional teacher license
anyone seeking to add an endorsement to a Colorado initial or professional teacher license
individuals seeking a special services, principal or administrator license

These individuals must meet endorsement requirements as outlined here.

What Are the Multiple Measures?

Multiple measures options are specific to endorsement areas:

Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary or Special Education Generalist

Applicants for their first Colorado teacher license with an Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary or Special Education Generalist endorsement must demonstrate content knowledge via any of the following:

Passing the approved PRAXIS exam(s) -- as required previously
Having a B- or higher in coursework aligned to endorsement standards, as outlined on these worksheets -- NEW!
A portfolio review of evidence, as outlined on these worksheets -- NEW!
A combination of any of the above -- NEW!

Measures Required/Allowed Previously

K-12, Middle School Math or 6-12 endorsements

Applicants for their first Colorado teacher license with a K-12, Middle School Math or 6-12 endorsement must demonstrate content knowledge via any of the following:

Passing the approved PRAXIS exams -- as allowed previously
Having a B- or higher in 24 semester hours of coursework aligned to endorsement standards, as outlined on these endorsement worksheets -- as allowed previously, now with a grade requirement
A bachelor's or higher degree in the endorsement area, as identified on these endorsement worksheets -- as allowed previously
A portfolio review of evidence, as outlined on these worksheets -- NEW!
A combination of any of the above -- NEW!

How Does It Work?

Any applicant applying for any endorsement via one of the allowed or required previously measures simply will follow the corresponding application checklist, log in COOL and submit an application for licensure.
Any applicant wanting to demonstrate content knowledge via one of the NEW measures must select the appropriate button below and follow the steps outlined PRIOR to submitting an application for licensure:

Colorado ALTERNATIVE candidates

Colorado TRADITIONAL candidates

OUT-of-STATE Teacher candidates

Candidates may find these Frequently Asked Questions (and answers!) helpful.
Questions about Multiple Measures of Content Competency may be sent via email to CDE's Educator Preparation Office.