Administrator License Requirements

Whether you are seeking to complete a Colorado administrator program as a special education director or apply for a Colorado administrator license (with any of three endorsements), this page is for you.

Requirements for the each endorsement 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.)

Have Completed Administrator Preparation?

Initial Administrator License (3 years)

For an administrator (K-12) endorsement:
- bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
- approved program verification form completed by your district-level administrator preparation program; and
- PRAXIS 6991 (162)
For a special education director (ages 0-21) endorsement:
- master's or higher degree in special education or post-graduate degree in school psychology;
- approved program verification form completed by your SpEd director program preparation program;
- two years' experience with students with special needs; and
- PRAXIS 6991 (162) and
- PRAXIS 5354 (151) if you do not also hold a Colorado teacher license with a special education endorsement
For a gifted education director (ages 4-21) endorsement:
- master's or higher degree in gifted education;
- approved program verification form completed by your gifted education director preparation program;
- two years' experience with gifted students; and
- PRAXIS 6991 (162) and
- PRAXIS 5358 (157) if you do not also hold a Colorado teacher license with a gifted education endorsement

Initial Administrator 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

Advance Initial Administrator License to a Professional License (7 years)

valid license-holders: a copy of induction certificate
expired license-holders:
- a copy of induction certificate
- may need to meet additional requirements (see Enhancements below)

Renew a Professional Administrator 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

Need to Complete Special Education Director Preparation?

Temporary Educator Eligibility Authorization (1 year)

district-specific;
bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
enrolled in and actively participating in a Colorado-approved special education director preparation program;
employment as a special education director in a Colorado school, district or BOCES
may be renewed up to twice with documented evidence of progression toward fulfilling licensure requirements

Enhancements

Add a Designation

fulfill READ Act requirements (required by Aug. 1, 2024)
fulfill Educator Effectiveness Evaluator Training (required for all new/renewal applicants on/after Aug. 1, 2024)
fulfill English Learner professional development requirements via an approved program or individualized professional development

Return to Educator Licensure

For questions, submit a Licensing Support Request form or call 720-739-3304 (7:30 am to 12:30 pm, Monday through Friday).