Educator License and Authorization Application Checklists

Before you begin...

Review the Checklist

Review the checklist associated with the license or authorization you are seeking (below) for a detailed list of information and documentation you will need in order to submit a complete and proper application.

You are considered "in-state" if the program you completed was a Colorado-approved program. You are considered an "out-of-state" candidate if you completed a program approved in another state.

Review the Application Process

Be sure also to review the application process. You will attest to having read and understood the information on the checklist and the application process in the application, so please be sure that you indeed do so!

Important Notes:

You have 30 days from the time CDE receives your background checks checklist - submitted for CDE licensure purposes - 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.
Once you begin an application, you must submit it to us within 14 days or it will be automatically purged from the system. Best to gather your documentation before starting an application.
Within 45 days of receipt of an application (including applicable background checks), 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.
If for some reason CDE is not able to access all documentation in the application, the application will be deemed "incomplete" and CDE will notify the applicant via a system notification (sent to the email address associated with the account) and specify the information needed to complete it. This includes notification that we have yet to receive your background checks!
- 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, and additional deficiency noticed also will need to be cured within the original 60-day period.
  - Requests for reconsideration do not apply to background checks.
  - CDE will provide a written response within 30 days of any request for reconsideration.
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, check your COOL account regularly for notifications on its status and/or to print a copy of your certificate.
Note: Any present credential will expire at 12 a.m. on the expiration date listed. Background checks likewise will expire at 12 a.m. on the thirtieth day. (To ensure continuous credentialing, and to avoid having to submit fingerprints for a current background check, please be sure to submit any renewal or other application prior the credential's expiration.)