Teacher License in Colorado
Quick Answer
To become a licensed teacher in Colorado, you need a bachelor's degree, an approved preparation program, and demonstrated content knowledge. Colorado has a three-tier system: Initial (3 years), Professional (7 years, after induction), and Master Certificate (7 years). CE is required. Estimated costs are approximately $520 (excluding degree).
- Exam
- Praxis or state-approved exams
- Total Cost
- $520 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-5 years (including degree)
- Renewal
- Every 3 years (initial), 7 years (professional)
Requirements
Teacher license in Colorado
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $85
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $85
- Total Estimated Cost
- $520
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Teacher license in Colorado. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Colorado licensing board.
Teacher Salary in Colorado
Entry Level
$46,940
Median
$61,550
Experienced
$92,660
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Teacher in Colorado.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — Praxis or state-approved exams
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$85.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-5 years (including degree).
Teacher Licensing in Colorado: What to Know
Colorado provides very detailed licensing information with a three-tier system. Initial license (3 years): bachelor's or higher degree, approved preparation program, content-area knowledge demonstration, student teaching. Professional license (7 years): requires completing an approved induction program or 3 years of out-of-state teaching experience. Master Certificate (7 years): requires professional license plus National Board certification or demonstrated excellence. CE is required for renewal. The State Board of Education oversees licensing. Colorado also offers an alternative teacher pathway for content-area experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Teacher license cost in Colorado?
- The estimated total cost is $520, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Teacher license in Colorado?
- The process typically takes 4-5 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Teacher license in Colorado?
- You need to pass the Praxis or state-approved exams. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Teacher requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.