Colorado Teaching Certificate Renewal

Renewing your Colorado teaching certificate on time is essential for staying eligible to teach, avoiding employment interruptions, and remaining in good standing with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). Whether your license is approaching its expiration date or you’re planning ahead, this guide breaks down everything you need to know—clearly, calmly, and step by step.

This article is designed for current Colorado educators, school administrators, and teachers with an Initial or Professional Educator License who want a stress-free renewal process. You’ll learn about Colorado teaching certificate renewal requirements, professional development (PD) hours, fees, deadlines, and common mistakes to avoid—so you can renew confidently and on your first attempt.

• What Is a Colorado Teaching Certificate?
• When Does a Colorado Teaching Certificate Expire?
• Colorado Teaching Certificate Renewal Requirements
• How to Renew a Colorado Teaching Certificate (Step-by-Step)
• Colorado Teaching Certificate Renewal Fees
• How Long Does Colorado Teaching Certificate Renewal Take?
• What Happens If Your Colorado Teaching License Expires?
• Renewing a Colorado Teaching Certificate as an Out-of-State Teacher
• Tips to Ensure a Smooth Renewal Process
• Official Resources for Colorado Teaching Certificate Renewal
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is a Colorado Teaching Certificate?

The Colorado Teaching Certificate is an official credential issued by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) that allows individuals to teach in the state’s public schools. There are two primary types of teaching licenses: the Initial Teacher License and the Professional Teacher License. The main difference is the validity period—Initial Licenses are valid for three years, while Professional Licenses are valid for five years.

Colorado offers two primary types of teacher licenses:

Initial Teacher License

• Typically issued to new teachers
• Valid for 3 years
• Non-renewable
• Must be converted to a Professional Teacher License before expiration

Professional Teacher License

• Issued after completing all induction and experience requirements
• Valid for 5 years
• Renewable
• Required for long-term teaching in Colorado

Only Professional Educator Licenses are eligible for renewal. If you currently hold an Initial Teacher License, you must complete the conversion process instead of renewal.

Renewal is essential for teachers who wish to continue working in the classroom, as failing to renew on time can lead to a lapse in certification. New educators may be eligible for conversion to a Professional License after meeting certain criteria.

When Does a Colorado Teaching Certificate Expire?

Your Colorado teacher license expiration date is clearly displayed in your Colorado Department of Education educator licensing account. Generally, the license validity timelines are as follows:

• Initial Teacher License: Expires after 3 years.
• Professional Teacher License: Expires after 5 years.

To find this information, log in to the CDE Educator Licensing System and navigate to your license summary page. The expiration date appears prominently alongside your license type and endorsement areas.

The renewal window allows you to apply for renewal up to six months before your license expires. Missing the deadline can lead to complications, including the inability to legally teach in Colorado.

Colorado Teaching Certificate Renewal Requirements

General Renewal Eligibility

To be eligible for renewal, you must meet the following general requirements:

• Maintain an active license status
• Meet any employment requirements set by your district
• Be in good standing with the CDE

Professional Development (PD) Requirements

The Colorado teacher license renewal process mandates that educators complete a certain number of professional development hours. The requirements are:

• Minimum of 90 PD hours for Professional Licenses
• Minimum of 45 PD hours for Initial Licenses

Approved PD providers include accredited colleges and universities, professional organizations, and CDE-approved workshops. It’s important to note that not all activities count toward PD hours, so be sure to verify what qualifies.

Additional Requirements (If Applicable)

Depending on your specific situation, you may need to meet additional requirements:

• Complete Educator Effectiveness Evaluations
• District verification for employment
• Background checks, if required by your district

How to Renew a Colorado Teaching Certificate (Step-by-Step)

Renewing your license through the Colorado Department of Education’s online system is straightforward when you follow these steps carefully.

• Access the CDE Educator Licensing System
• Complete the Renewal Application
• Submit Required Documentation
• Pay Renewal Fees
• Track Your Application Status

Step 1 – Access the CDE Educator Licensing System

Visit the Colorado Department of Education Educator Licensing website and log into your account using your username and password. If you’ve forgotten your login credentials, use the password recovery option before beginning your renewal application.

If this is your first time accessing the system in several years, you may need to update your account information or verify your identity through security questions. Ensure your email address on file is current, as the CDE will send important notifications about your renewal status to this address.

Step 2 – Complete the Renewal Application

Once logged in, navigate to the license renewal section and select the appropriate license type you’re renewing. The online application will prompt you to:

• Confirm your personal information (name, address, contact details)
• Verify your current license number and endorsement areas
• Indicate whether you’re employed by a Colorado school district
• Attest to completing professional development requirements
• Answer questions about your good standing status

Common mistakes to avoid: Double-check that all information is accurate before submitting. Errors in your name, Social Security number, or endorsement areas can delay processing. If you’ve changed your name due to marriage or other reasons, you may need to submit additional documentation proving the legal name change.

Step 3 – Submit Documentation

Upload or submit all required documentation through the online portal. This typically includes:

• Professional development certificates showing completed hours
• Official transcripts if you completed college coursework for renewal credit
• Performance evaluation documentation if required by your license type
• Any additional forms specified during the application process

Scan documents clearly and save them as PDFs when possible. Ensure that hours, dates, and your name are clearly visible on all certificates. Incomplete or illegible documentation will result in requests for resubmission and processing delays.

Step 4 – Pay Renewal Fees

After completing the application and uploading documentation, you’ll be directed to the payment section. The CDE accepts major credit cards and electronic payment methods through the online portal.

Review the fee amount carefully before submitting payment. Once payment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation number. Save this confirmation for your records, as it serves as proof of payment should any issues arise.

Step 5 – Track Your Application Status

After submission, you can monitor your renewal application status by logging back into the CDE Educator Licensing System. The portal shows whether your application is under review, pending additional information, or approved.

Processing times vary depending on the time of year and application volume. During peak renewal seasons (typically late spring and summer), processing may take longer than during off-peak periods.

If your renewal is approved, your new license certificate will be available for download through the system. Your updated expiration date will reflect the new five-year (or three-year) validity period. Many educators choose to print their renewed license certificate for their records, though digital verification through the CDE system is the official standard.

Colorado Teaching Certificate Renewal Fees

The standard renewal fee for a Colorado teaching certificate is typically around $90. However, additional fees may apply for late renewals or changes to your application. Always check the CDE website for the most current fee structure and refund policy.

Fee Type	Description	Typical Cost
Standard Renewal Fee	Applies to all professional license renewals	$90
Late Renewal or Reinstatement Fee	For expired or lapsed licenses requiring additional review	Varies
Returned Payment Fee	For declined or incomplete online payments	Up to $20
Adding Endorsements During Renewal	$40 per endorsement	Optional; if adding new endorsement areas

How Long Does a Colorado Teaching Certificate Renewal Take?

On average, the processing time for a teaching certificate renewal application can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. However, during peak seasons, such as at the start of the school year, delays may occur. To avoid slowdowns, ensure that all your documentation is complete and submitted early.

What Happens If Your Colorado Teaching License Expires?

Grace Periods (If Any)

Colorado does not typically offer a grace period for expired licenses. However, it’s essential to check with your district for any specific local policies.

Reinstating an Expired License

If your license has expired, you will need to go through additional steps to reinstate it, which may include:

• Submitting proof of PD hours completed since expiration
• Providing additional documentation as required
• Understanding that employment may be impacted until the license is reinstated

Renewing a Colorado Teaching Certificate as an Out-of-State Teacher

If you are an out-of-state teacher looking to renew your Colorado teaching certificate, you may need to consider reciprocity options. It’s important to maintain your Colorado licensure while teaching temporarily outside the state. Check the CDE website for specific guidelines tailored to out-of-state educators.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Renewal Process

• Start early: Begin the renewal process well ahead of your expiration date.
• Organize your PD documentation to ensure you meet the required hours.
• Set reminders for deadlines to avoid last-minute stress.
• Verify your contact information in the CDE system to receive important updates.

Official Resources for Colorado Teaching Certificate Renewal

The following resources provide authoritative information and support for the Colorado teaching license renewal process:

• Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Educator Licensing: The CDE’s educator licensing division oversees all aspects of teacher certification in Colorado. Their website provides comprehensive information about license types, renewal requirements, fee schedules, and policy updates.

• CDE Educator Licensing System: This online portal is where all renewal applications are submitted and processed. The system allows you to check your license status, view expiration dates, upload documentation, and track application progress.

• Professional Development Provider Directories: The CDE maintains information about approved professional development providers and programs that meet renewal requirements. Consult these resources when planning your professional learning activities.

• District Human Resources and Professional Development Offices: Your school district’s HR department can answer questions specific to your employment situation and renewal needs. District professional development coordinators can help verify whether specific activities meet state requirements and assist with documentation.

• Colorado Education Association (CEA) and other professional organizations: Professional associations often provide resources, workshops, and guidance about license renewal and professional development opportunities.

When you have questions about your specific situation, contacting the CDE Educator Licensing division directly ensures you receive accurate, official guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many PD hours do I need to renew my Colorado teaching license?

For a Professional License, you need a minimum of 90 PD hours, while for an Initial License, 45 PD hours are required.

Can I renew my Colorado teaching certificate early?

Yes, you can apply for renewal up to six months before your license expires.

Can I teach while my license renewal is pending?

It is generally not advisable to teach with an expired license, as it may affect your employment status.

Do substitute teachers need to renew their license?

Yes, substitute teachers must also maintain their teaching credentials and go through the renewal process.

Is professional development required for every renewal cycle?

Yes, completing PD hours is a requirement for each renewal cycle to ensure educators remain current in their field.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your Colorado teaching certificate is not just an administrative step; it’s part of your professional growth as an educator. By staying informed, documenting your PD activities, and renewing early through the CDE Educator Licensing System, you can ensure continued compliance and peace of mind.

Bookmark this guide for future renewals and share it with colleagues preparing for their own Colorado teacher certification renewal.