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How to become a certified teacher in Colorado. Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution required. Primary exam: Praxis Subject Assessments (or equivalent content competency demonstration). Government fees: $250–$470. Substitute requirements: High school diploma (1-year authorization); bachelor's degree (3-year authorization); Colorado or other state teaching license (5-year authorization). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Colorado
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Colorado. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Colorado Department of Education (CDE) - Educator Licensing.
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
Primary Exam
Praxis Subject Assessments (or equivalent content competency demonstration)
Total Gov Fees
$250–$470
Initial Cert
3 years
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required |
| Student Teaching | Required |
| Background Check | Required |
| Fingerprinting | Required |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. |
content knowledge
Passing score: Varies by subject area
Colorado uses Multiple Measures of Content Competency. Teachers can demonstrate content knowledge through Praxis scores, transcripts showing 24+ semester hours in subject area with B- or higher, or a combination. A basic skills test is NOT required.
Entry-level license for teachers who have completed a bachelor's degree and an approved teacher preparation program. Valid for 3 years.
Issued to Initial License holders who have completed an approved induction program. Valid for 5 years and renewable with 90 contact hours of professional development.
Voluntary advanced designation for outstanding educators who meet additional standards beyond the Professional License.
Issued to individuals enrolled in a Colorado-approved alternative licensure program with a district-specific position. Valid for 1-2 years depending on program type.
Minimum Education
High school diploma (1-year authorization); bachelor's degree (3-year authorization); Colorado or other state teaching license (5-year authorization)
Certificate Required
Substitute Authorization (1-year, 3-year, or 5-year)
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$30
Validity
1, 3, or 5 years depending on qualifications
Colorado issues three types of substitute authorizations: 1-year (high school diploma, background check, attestation of experience with children), 3-year (bachelor's degree required), and 5-year (holds or has held a Colorado or other state teaching license). All substitute authorizations are valid for K-12 classrooms. Applicants have 30 days from the time CDE receives their background check to apply.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application FeeInitial license fee for in-state program completions; $110 for out-of-state program completions | $90 |
| Fingerprint FeeFingerprint-based criminal history check (approximate) | $40 |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Subject Assessments if needed; Colorado also accepts transcripts as content competency demonstration | $120–$340 |
| Initial CertificateInitial license fee | $90 |
| Renewal FeeProfessional license renewal fee | $90 |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute authorization fee | $30 |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees (varies based on content competency method used) | $250–$470 |
Graduate from an approved teacher preparation program with at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Demonstrate content knowledge through Colorado's Multiple Measures system: passing Praxis scores, transcripts showing 24+ semester hours in subject area with B- or higher, or approved program verification.
Fee: $120–$340
Colorado does not require a basic skills test.
Submit fingerprints for a criminal history report with CDE.
Fee: $40
Apply through Colorado's Online Licensing (COOL) system.
Fee: $90
$110 for out-of-state program completions.
Once all requirements are verified, the Initial Teacher License is issued for 3 years.
Must complete an approved induction program during this period to advance to Professional License.
Colorado offers several alternative pathways. The Alternative Teacher License requires a bachelor's degree, a district-specific position, and enrollment in a Colorado-approved alternative program. Temporary Educator Eligibility (TEE) allows teaching for 1 year (renewable up to twice) while completing requirements. Interim Authorization is a 1-year renewable authorization for specific endorsement areas.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
90
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Colorado requires 90 contact hours (or 6 semester hours of credit) of professional development activities for Professional License renewal every 5 years. Effective September 1, 2025, 45 contact hours of ELL professional learning is required for educators renewing with elementary, English, math, science, or social studies endorsements. Additionally, a minimum of 10 contact hours in educating students with disabilities is required for licenses expiring on or after June 30, 2025.
Reciprocity Type
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Colorado participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Out-of-state teachers with valid certificates may be eligible for Colorado licensure.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must demonstrate content competency through Colorado's Multiple Measures system, complete a background check, and pay the $110 out-of-state application fee.
Unique to Colorado: Colorado is unusual in not requiring a basic skills test and instead using a Multiple Measures of Content Competency system that allows teachers to demonstrate content knowledge through various means including coursework transcripts rather than only standardized exams. The state also offers three tiers of substitute authorization based on education level, with even high school diploma holders able to obtain a 1-year substitute authorization.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#27 of 51
Cost
#3 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021)
Entry Level
$50,270
25th percentile
Median
$61,550
-1% vs. national avg ($62,340)Experienced
$77,500
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
24,840 employed in this state
Note: BLS category covers elementary school teachers only. Secondary, special education, and other teaching specializations have separate SOC codes with different wage data.
Source: BLS OEWS – Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
0%
Below AverageNew Jobs
-500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
103,200
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Colorado Department of Education - Educator Licensing
Estimated total: 216–234 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Colorado Department of Education - Educator Licensing
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Colorado Department of Education - Educator Licensing
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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Colorado requires completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program to earn your teaching certificate. Explore approved programs and alternative certification routes.
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