Colorado Teaching License (Complete Guide)
Learn how to earn a Colorado teaching license in our comprehensive step-by-step guide. Bookmark this page or get the full PDF guide.
Wondering how to become a teacher? The right pathway for you will depend on your educational background and career experience.
On this page, we’ll go over each step you’ll need to take, plus answer some commonly asked questions about certification. Let’s dive in!
Earn Your Colorado Teaching License
- 1
Decide what you want to teach
When you enroll in a teaching program, you'll need to know the subject and grade level you want to teach. These will determine your licensure area.
Getting licensed in a shortage area can provide more opportunities and even higher pay!
- 2
Apply to teaching programs
Make sure to look for programs that offer the specific teaching license you want!
I don’t have a bachelor’s degree
Many programs combine a teaching license with a bachelor’s degree, so you can get licensed while you finish your undergraduate coursework.
If you have vocational experience, you may also be able to teach a Career & Technical Education subject without a degree.
I already have a bachelor’s degree
If you have a bachelor's, you can consider a few different types of programs. You can look into:
- Licensure-only programs
- Master's degree and licensure programs
- Alternative licensure
- 3
Enroll in and complete your teaching program
TEACH Colorado can help you reduce your teaching program costs! Apply for a TEACH Colorado scholarship, and use our Financial Aid Explorer to find grants, scholarships and other aid opportunities.
- 4
Pass required tests
As a future teacher, you’ll need to pass a few tests to show you’re ready to teach your own classroom. Getting licensed in Colorado usually includes one or more Praxis subject area exams.
You’ll usually take your exams around the time that you finish your teaching program.
Stressed about testing? You're not alone! Our Testing Guide covers everything from exam registration to study materials to what to expect on test day.
- 5
Apply for your teaching license
Almost there! First, your teaching program will need to confirm that you’re eligible to apply for your teaching license. Once you get confirmation, you’ll create an account through the Colorado Department of Education website.
“I want to make a call to my colleagues and friends with diverse backgrounds. You can bring your whole, unique self into the classroom. Students need it and they love it and they embrace it. So that’s my call. Come as you are. Just come.” ⎻Dr. Anne Keke
Get the Licensure Guide
The TEACH Colorado Licensure Guide has everything you need to start your journey. Get details about teaching pathways, teaching license areas and steps to licensure, all in one place!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s next
Colorado Program Explorer
Ready to explore teaching programs? Find the right fit with our Program Explorer! Filter by degree, online options, tuition costs and more.
Explore ProgramsCareer Coaching in Colorado
Talk to an expert about how to become a licensed teacher in Colorado. Get free advice on what to teach and how to choose and apply to the right program.
Read MoreFee Reimbursements in Colorado
Applying to teaching programs can get expensive. We’ll give you $100 to help you out.
Read MoreReferences
- Aspiring Educators. Colorado Department of Education. https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeprof/aspiringeducators
- “Teacher Pay and Spending: How Does Your State Rank?” National Education Association. April 18, 2024. https://www.nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank
Create a Free Account
Sign up for access to everything we offer, right from your dashboard.
- Learn about your licensure options.
- Explore teacher training programs.
- Get support for teaching tests.
- Apply for financial aid.
- Chat with licensure experts via live chat, small group sessions or 1-on-1 meetings.
It’s all FREE and brought to you by the Colorado Department of Education and our statewide partners.
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