Principal License Requirements

Whether you are seeking to complete a Colorado principal preparation program or want to renew or advance your Colorado principal 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 Principal Preparation?

Principal Authorization (3 years)

district-specific;
bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
principal, assistant principal or other position that requires a principal license to fulfill the duties of the role;
enrollment in a Colorado-approved alternative preparation program or under an individualized principal preparation plan (created in cooperation with your district)
may not be renewed

What is alternative principal preparation?

Find a Colorado alternative principal program

Have Completed Principal Preparation?

Advance an Interim Authorization or Principal Authorization

approved program verification form completed by your preparation program (alternative candidates only); and
PRAXIS 5412 (146) 5411 (145) also accepted thru 08.31.2024 if taken before 08.31.2019
Any principal applying to advance a principal authorization on or after 08.01.2024 must have completed the ETrain evaluator training to do so. Your credential cannot be advanced without this certificate.

Initial Principal License

bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university; and
approved program verification form completed by your principal preparation program;
three or more years' fully licensed teacher/special service experience in an elementary or secondary school (or three years' like experience in a non-public school); and
PRAXIS 5412 (146) 5411 (145) also accepted thru 08.31.2024 if taken before 08.31.2019
Effective 08.01.2024: Certificate of completion of ETrain evaluator training.

Initial Principal 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 requirements (see Enhancements section below)
Any principal applying to renew a principal license that expires on or after 08.01.2024 must have completed the ETrain evaluator training to do so. Your credential cannot be renewed without this certificate.

Advance Initial Principal 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 (see Enhancements section below)
Any principal applying to advance a principal license on or after 08.01.2024 must have completed the ETrain evaluator training to do so. Your credential cannot be renewed without this certificate.

Renew a Professional Principal 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
- for additional requirements, see Enhancements section below
Any principal applying to renew a principal license that expires on or after 08.01.2024 must have completed the ETrain evaluator training to do so. Your credential cannot be renewed without this certificate.