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Advance an Interim Authorization to an Initial or Professional License

Preparing to Apply

This checklist is for ...

Individuals wishing to advance an interim authorization* to an initial or professional license. Individuals seeking to advance an interim authorization to an alternative teacher license must complete the alternative teacher application. (Please contact CDE if you are not able to access that application so that we may start one for you.)

*Please note: you may have to meet additional requirements to advance expired credentials. Please check the endorsement page for information on today's requirements and current exam information.

Attn: Principals and Administrators: Any principal or administrator applying to advance a principal or administrator interim authorization on or after 08.01.2024 must have completed the ETrain evaluator training to do so. Your credential cannot be advanced without this certificate.

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What You Will Need:

Application Fee:

$90

License Expires:

3 or 7 years from date of issue

Gather the Necessary Information/Documentation

In the application you will need to provide:

  • A valid form of government-issued identification. 
  • Documentation of content knowledge for each endorsement requested, to include one or more of the following:
  • A copy of your induction certificate (if applicable).
  • Updated work experience.
  • Documentation for any self-disclosures related to the following:
    • Prior criminal history
    • Disciplinary actions
    • Issues related to licensure or employment

Then ...

  • Log in to COOL
  • Ensure you have a current background check on file.
    • If you have submitted fingerprints for CDE credentialing in the past, but allowed all credentials to lapse (even for one day), you must submit a new set of fingerprints to CBI for licensure purposes.
    • The status of your background checks will be noticed in your COOL account and within your application(s).

Have Everything Ready to Go?

Once you have gathered all required documentation, have submitted fingerprints to CBI for CDE licensure purposes and have reviewed the licensure process, log in to COOL and select the "advance" button in the credential details section of your dashboard. If for some reason this option is not available to you, please submit a support ticket so that this issue can be resolved directly.

Final Reminders

At the risk of repeating ourselves, we again reiterate these important reminders:

  • You have 30 days from the time CDE receives your background checks to submit an application or you will need to submit a new set of fingerprints for licensure purposes at the time of application.
  • By submitting an application, you are verifying that you have submitted fingerprints for CDE licensure purposes, provided all requested documentation and answered all questions truthfully.
  • Within 45 days of receipt, CDE will evaluate the application.
    • Upon determination of qualification, CDE will notify the applicant and the corresponding certificate will be available for view or print in the individual's COOL account.
    • Should the application be found incomplete, CDE will notify the applicant to specify the information needed to complete it.
      • Notifications will be sent via email and available in your COOL account.
      • An applicant has 60 days from the date of this notification to cure the deficiency (i.e., provide the necessary information or submit background checks) or submit to the department a written request for reconsideration stating the basis for the request. Additional time is not granted to those who receive this notification due to background checks. Any additional deficiency noticed also will need to be cured within the original 60-day period.
        • CDE will provide a written response within 30 days of any request for reconsideration.
        • Requests for reconsideration do not apply to background checks.
        • An applicant who fails to cure the deficiency or request reconsideration within these 60 days will be deemed as having withdrawn the application, and such withdrawal shall not be subject to appeal or review.
  • State statute prohibits the refunding of any application evaluation fee.
  • Once you have submitted an application, it is your responsibility to check your COOL account regularly for notifications on its status and/or to print a copy of your certificate.

APPLY / LOG IN TO COOL