Three-tier Licensing System

The Colorado Educator Licensing Act went into effect July 1, 1994, providing for a three-tier system of educator licensing.

Provisional License

• For those new to the Colorado system and those who are entry-level educators;
• Valid for three years and renewable only once for an additional three years;
• Requires at least a B.A. degree and an approved teacher preparation program;
• Requires the educator to demonstrate competencies in basic skills, liberal arts, subject area and pedagogy as determined on the PLACE Exams (Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators) and, in most cases, to undergo the school district's induction program;
• Requires a background check;
• Allows a maximum of six years to attain (two licenses each three years in length).

Professional License

• For educators certified under the 1975 Colorado Teacher Certification Act and for educators who complete the Provisional License requirements;
• Valid for five years and renewable every five years.

For those who earn the Provisional License first, the Professional License requires the completion of an approved induction program and ongoing professional development.

For those who already have a Colorado certificate, getting one's Professional License requires only the submission of six hours of renewal college/university credit to convert a current certificate to a Professional License. Current endorsements will be listed on the new Professional License. Thereafter, renewal of the Professional License requires the educator to demonstrate ongoing professional development and meet performance criteria, both as determined by the State Board of Education.

No induction program is required for an educator converting a current certificate to a Professional License unless he or she is pursuing an entirely new field.

Professional License with Master Certification (voluntary)

• For Professional License holders who aspire to be recognized for outstanding competency and achievement;
• Attaches to the Professional License as a special designation;
• Valid for seven years and renewable every seven years;
• Requires the demonstration of outstanding competencies and/or outstanding service, and professional criteria;
• Requires ongoing professional development related to the license and a review by the Professional Standards Board.

NOTE: Special Services Providers under the Licensure law are nurses, psychologists, audiologists, guidance counselors, physical and occupational therapists, and other specialists employed by school districts.

Professional License Renewal
Induction Programs
Standards for Professional Educators