Colorado Teacher Licensure Guide for Online Master's Students

Who Licenses Teachers in Colorado, and Which Exams Does It Use?

Colorado licenses teachers through Colorado Department of Education, Educator Licensing, and the exams it requires are the Praxis tests from ETS.

For the programs themselves, the online master's in education programs at universities in Colorado are ranked at the in-state price, and the national and specialty lists cover schools in other states.

How Do I Get a Colorado Teaching License With an Online Master's?

Getting a Colorado teaching license with an online master's means applying as an out-of-state candidate for the Initial Teacher License, because the department defines that term to include in-state residents completing an online program provided by an entity outside Colorado. The license asks for a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution, an approved program verification form signed by the program's certification officer or registrar, and proof of content knowledge.

The Teacher of Record option, which lets someone teach while finishing a degree, is closed to people in out-of-state programs, online ones included. Compare elementary education and special education programs on that basis.

Which Exams Does Colorado Require for Teacher Licensure?

The exam Colorado requires for teacher licensure is an approved Praxis content exam, unless another measure of content knowledge applies. Under the multiple measures law, House Bill 22-1220, a first-time applicant who finished a program outside Colorado can instead show a B- or higher in coursework aligned to endorsement standards or a portfolio review, and for K-12 and 6-12 endorsements a B- or higher in 24 semester hours of aligned coursework or a degree in the endorsement area.

Multiple measures do not reach principals, administrators or special services providers. A principal needs Praxis 5412 and evaluator training, and the principal page lists a score of 146. A school counselor sits Praxis 5422.

Can I Transfer a Teaching License to Colorado From Another State?

A teaching license can transfer to Colorado from another state only through the department's out-of-state rule: individuals who complete programs elsewhere must hold or qualify to hold the matching license in the state of preparation, under State Board rule 1 CCR 301-37 2.03(3). The department then asks for the usual degree, program verification and content knowledge.

It compares an out-of-state program with Colorado's endorsement standards, so the endorsement you want must also match. The 2020 Education Commission of the States comparison had Colorado requiring extra assessments, not extra coursework, of some out-of-state teachers.

Does NC-SARA Membership Cover Teacher Licensure for Colorado Online Master's Students?

NC-SARA membership does not cover teacher licensure for Colorado online master's students: SARA does not address licensing board approval of programs like teacher education. Colorado joined in May 2014, so schools in the agreement can serve you online, while the Colorado Department of Education alone decides who is licensed. SARA does make participating schools notify you whether a program meets licensure requirements where you live.

What Should I Ask an Online Program Before Enrolling From Colorado?

Before enrolling from Colorado, ask an online program for its written finding on your state: 34 CFR 668.43 obliges a school that advertises licensure to list the states where the program does and does not qualify, with a notice before enrollment if it falls short or was never checked.

The Colorado questions: will the registrar sign the approved program verification form, does the program lead to a license in the state where it is based, which coursework earns a B- aligned to an endorsement, and for counseling, does it reach the department's hours?

How Do I Get Fingerprinted for a Colorado License When I Study Online?

You get fingerprinted for a Colorado license when you study online through one of the approved fingerprint vendors, with the results submitted to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation under your Social Security number, and fingerprints taken for another employer or agency do not transfer. You need a COOL account first, and you have 30 days from the day the department receives your results to submit a complete application.

Which License Do Colorado Principals and School Counselors Need?

A Colorado principal needs the Initial Principal License, and the department asks for an approved program verification, three years as a fully licensed teacher or special service provider, Praxis 5412 and evaluator training. A school counselor needs a master's in school counseling of at least 48 semester hours, with a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship under a licensed school counselor.

Check an online master's in educational leadership or school counseling against those hours.