I already have a college degree

Steps to become a teacher in Colorado:

• Initial Colorado Teaching Certification


• Step 1:
  You must have at least a bachelor's degree to become a teacher in Colorado. Request information from the accredited institutions below regarding bachelor's degrees, master's degrees with certification, or simple certification programs.


• University of Phoenix
• Walden University
• American InterContinental University
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  To begin the application process, you will either want to have completed a teacher education program or at least be currently enrolled in a program. Colorado Teacher Preparation Programs.


• Step 3:
  Download or request an application by mail for your Initial Teaching Certification, Here. Some sections on this application will need to be completed by the college or university where you received your Teacher Education.
  


• Step 4:
  You must pass the content area assessment for your certification through the PLACE or Praxis II examinations. For more information, call (303)866-6628


• Step 5:
  You will need to complete a Colorado Department of Education (CDE) fingerprint card and submit this card with a processing fee to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
  1. Contact the local police or sheriff's department for info about fingerprinting
  2. You must send fingerprint cards and processing fee to the CBI before submitting your application. Make check or money order payable to: Colorado Bureau of Investigations)
  
  
  Send to this address:
  Colorado Bureau of Investigation
  690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
  Denver, CO. 80215
  or call for more information (303)239-4208
  e-mail: http://cbi.state.co.us
  
  
• Step 6:
  Your Initial Teacher Certification packet must contain the following items:
  • Completed application packet
  • Official Transcripts for all degrees and credits you have earned
  • Non-refundable fee by check or money order made payable to: Colorado Department of Education
  
  
Send to this address:
Educator Licensing
Colorado Department of Education
201 E. Colfax Ave. Room 105
Denver, Colorado 80203-1799

If you have questions, call (303)866-6628


• Step 7:
  Sit Back and Relax!


• Alternative Colorado Teaching Certification


Alternative Colorado teaching certification programs offer candidates the opportunity to teach full-time prior to entering a teacher education program. Teachers with alternative teacher certification will begin teaching under the supervision of a qualified support team of teachers and administrators.

*Important* -- You must possess a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university to be considered for the Alternative Teacher Licensure Program. Browse through our teacher education programs.


1-Year Alternative Teacher Preparation Program


This program costs somewhere between $2,000 and $7,500. Call (303)866-6628 to find out what variables will play a part in reducing the cost of your Colorado teaching certification. At the end of this program, the candidate will be eligible to apply for an Initial Colorado Teacher's License
• Step 1:
  Download the application form, Here.


• Step 2:
  You must pass the content area assessment for your certification by taking the PLACE or Praxis II examinations. For more information, call (303)866-6628


• Step 3:
  Obtain Official Transcripts (photocopies are be accepted) and attach them to your application


• Step 4:
  Attach a cover letter, your resume and a list of work experience to your application.


• Step 5:
  Attach non-refundable application processing fee of $60 in the form of a check or money order payable to: Colorado Department of Education


• Step 6:
  You will need to complete a Colorado Department of Education (CDE) fingerprint card and submit this card with a processing fee to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
  1. Contact the local police or sheriff's department for info about fingerprinting
  2. You must send fingerprint cards and processing fee to the CBI before submitting your application. Make check or money order payable to: Colorado Bureau of Investigations)
  
  
  Send to this address:
  Colorado Bureau of Investigation
  690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
  Denver, CO. 80215
  or call for more information (303)239-4208
  e-mail: http://cbi.state.co.us
  
  
Send application materials to this address:
Educator Licensing
Colorado Department of Education
201 E. Colfax Ave. Room 105
Denver, Colorado 80203-1799

If you have questions, call (303)866-6628


• Step 7:
  Sit Back and Relax!


2-Year Teacher-in-Residence Program (TIR)


This program costs somewhere between $3,000 and $8,000. Call (303)866-6628 to find out what variables will play a part in reducing the cost of your Colorado teaching certification. The main difference between the two alternative programs, aside from the obvious difference in duration, is the Teacher-in-Residence program requires the candidate to enter into an induction program. By the end of the two years, the candidate will be eligible to apply for a Professional Colorado Teacher Certification.
• Step 1:
  You will need to request an application from a designated agency. Download a list of Designated Agencies supporting TIR.


• Step 2:
  You must pass the content area assessment for your certification by taking the PLACE or Praxis II examinations. For more information, call (303)866-6628


• Step 3:
  Obtain Official Transcripts (photocopies are not permitted) and attach them to your application


• Step 4:
  Attach a cover letter, your resume and a list of work experience to your application.


• Step 5:
  Attach non-refundable application processing fee of $60 in the form of a check or money order payable to: Colorado Department of Education


• Step 6:
  You will need to complete a Colorado Department of Education (CDE) fingerprint card and submit this card with a processing fee to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
  1. Contact the local police or sheriff's department for info about fingerprinting
  2. You must send fingerprint cards and processing fee to the CBI before submitting your application. Make check or money order payable to: Colorado Bureau of Investigations)
  
  
  Send to this address:
  Colorado Bureau of Investigation
  690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
  Denver, CO. 80215
  or call for more information (303)239-4208
  e-mail: http://cbi.state.co.us
  
  
Send application materials to this address:
Educator Licensing
Colorado Department of Education
201 E. Colfax Ave. Room 105
Denver, Colorado 80203-1799

If you have questions, call (303)866-6628


• Step 7:
  Enroll in a Teacher Induction Program. The designated TIR supporting agencies should help you with this task.


• Step 8:
  Sit Back and Relax!

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links in the drop-down to your left.