Renewal of Interim Authorization or Initial License for Teacher, Principal or Administrator

Preparing to Apply

This checklist is for ...

Individuals who hold a Colorado interim authorization (teacher, principal or administrator) or initial teacher, principal or administrator license and would like to renew it. You may renew an interim authorization only once.

*Important notes:

1. You may have to meet additional requirements to advance expired initial licenses. Check the webpages for the specific expired license and endorsement you are seeking for information on today's requirements and current exam information:

2. To renew a principal or administrator credential of any kind, you must have completed E-Train educator evaluation training.

Not in the right place? Review the other checklists.

Plan Ahead

You will need electronic copies of all requested documentation.
Allow ample time to request any third-party transcripts or other documentation.
Be sure also to review the application process.

Application Fee:

$90

License Expires:

interim: 1 year from date of issue

initial license: 3 years from date of issue

Gather the Necessary Information/Documentation

In the application you will need to include:

A valid form of government-issued identification.
A letter of good cause, if renewing an initial license for a second or more time.
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 to create your licensure account (if you have not already done so.)
Submit fingerprints (via the dark blue "CDE licensure" icon) to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
- Ensure you have a current background check on file. You have 30 days from the time CDE receives your background check to apply for a license.
- If you have submitted fingerprints for CDE credentialing in the past, but allowed all credentials to lapse or did not submit within the 30-day window, 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?

When 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 "renew" button in the credential details section of your dashboard.

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.
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 email -- and in their COOL 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. Any 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, it is your responsibility to check your COOL account regularly for notifications on its status and/or to print a copy of your certificate.

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