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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
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
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
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution | Verified |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required | Verified |
| Student Teaching | Required | Verified |
| Background Check | Required | Verified |
| Fingerprinting | Required | |
| Minimum Age | 18 | Verified |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. | Verified |
Not sure if you need a teacher license? Check whether your state requires one.
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.
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the Praxis.
Overall licensing difficulty: 23/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Praxis Teacher Certification Exams
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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Praxis Subject Assessments (or equivalent content competency demonstration)
Passing Score
Varies by subject area
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $120–$340Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Praxis Subject Assessments (or equivalent content competency demonstration).
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
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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 | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeInitial license fee for in-state program completions; $110 for out-of-state program completions | $90 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeFingerprint-based criminal history check (approximate) | $40 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Praxis Subject Assessments if needed; Colorado also accepts transcripts as content competency demonstration | $120–$340 | Verified |
| Initial CertificateInitial license fee | $90 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeProfessional license renewal fee | $90 | Verified |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute authorization fee | $30 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application, fingerprinting, and exam fees (varies based on content competency method used) | $250–$470 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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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.
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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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Colorado with other states →
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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.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
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See how Colorado compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Official Sources
Teacher requirements in Colorado verified against Colorado Department of Education (CDE) - Educator Licensing, March 2026.
Moving to Colorado? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to Colorado →
Transfer your Teacher license from Colorado to: Arizona → | Kansas → | Nebraska → | New Mexico → | Oklahoma → | Utah → | Wyoming →
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
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