2026 Certification Guide
How to Become a Teacher in Colorado
Everything you need to know to earn a Colorado teaching certificate — from degree requirements and required exams to alternative routes and reciprocity.
Step-by-Step: Getting Certified in Colorado
- 1
Complete Your Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. This typically includes completing an approved teacher preparation program that includes coursework in pedagogy, child development, and your subject area.
- 2
Complete Student Teaching
Complete a supervised student teaching experience (clinical practice) in an approved school setting. Most programs require a full semester of student teaching under a cooperating teacher.
- 3
Pass Required Assessments
Colorado requires passing state-approved assessments before certification is issued:
- PLACE (Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators) or Praxis Subject AssessmentsContent knowledge for your licensure area
- Colorado READ Act assessment literacy requirementReading instruction competency for K–3 endorsement
- 4
Apply for Your Certificate
Submit your application to Colorado Department of Education, including transcripts, test scores, proof of student teaching completion, and any applicable fees. Most applications are processed through an online portal.
- 5
Start Teaching & Advance Your License
Your Initial Teacher License (valid 3 years) allows you to begin teaching. Advance to a Professional Teacher License (5 years, renewable) by meeting additional requirements such as completing a mentorship program or additional coursework.
Pass the Praxis exam
Mometrix study guide & practice tests for the Praxis — prep with confidence.
Alternative Paths to Certification in Colorado
If you have a bachelor's degree in another field or relevant professional experience, these routes may let you enter the classroom sooner while completing certification requirements.
- Alternative Educator License (AEL): For those with relevant expertise hired by a district
- Transition to Teaching: For paraprofessionals and career changers
- Teach For America (active in Denver and rural Colorado)
- Career and Technical Education licenses
Out-of-State Certification & Reciprocity
Colorado participates in the NASDTEC compact. Valid out-of-state licenses are evaluated; content assessments may still be required for some areas.
Tip: If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, contact Colorado Department of Education directly about your reciprocity options before re-taking any exams. Many states streamline the process for experienced educators.
What Will You Earn in Colorado?
Now that you know how to get certified, find out what to expect to earn. Colorado teachers start around $36,000 and average $57,753 per year statewide.
Colorado Teacher Salary Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in Colorado — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: Colorado Department of Education. Certification requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Colorado Department of Education before beginning a preparation program. EduJobsBoard is not affiliated with any state education department.
Frequently asked questions about teaching in Colorado
- How do I become a teacher in Colorado?
- Colorado certification is administered by Colorado Department of Education. The standard path is a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution from an approved teacher-prep program, completion of state-required exams (PLACE (Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators) or Praxis Subject Assessments, Colorado READ Act assessment literacy requirement), and a background check. Total timeline is approximately 12–18 months traditional; Alternative Educator License allows classroom entry within the same school year.
- What exams are required to teach in Colorado?
- Colorado requires the following exams: PLACE (Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators) or Praxis Subject Assessments (Content knowledge for your licensure area); Colorado READ Act assessment literacy requirement (Reading instruction competency for K–3 endorsement). Most are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers.
- How long is a Colorado teaching license valid?
- The initial Initial Teacher License is valid for 3 years. After meeting professional development and experience requirements, you can advance to the Professional Teacher License which is valid for 5 years, renewable.
- Can I teach in Colorado with a license from another state?
- Colorado participates in the NASDTEC compact. Valid out-of-state licenses are evaluated; content assessments may still be required for some areas.
- Are there alternative routes to teaching in Colorado?
- Alternative Educator License (AEL): For those with relevant expertise hired by a district; Transition to Teaching: For paraprofessionals and career changers; Teach For America (active in Denver and rural Colorado); Career and Technical Education licenses