2026 data Colorado board official source

Colorado Secondary School Teacher License Requirements

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

Instructs students in grades 7-12. Requires state teaching certificate.

What the Colorado data shows for Secondary School Teachers

To practice as a secondary school teacher in Colorado, the state licensing board requires board-approved training, a passing score on the State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent) examination. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Colorado's professional licensing framework, which classifies training as "Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification".

Upfront cost is $218, with renewal running $133 on a 5-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity is available: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. Compared to the profession-wide pattern, the numbers above should be cross-checked against other states before relocating — licensing cost, training hours, and exam requirements vary enough that a different state may cut thousands of dollars and months of training from the path. The state board, not this page, is the final authority; verify every field below with the official regulator before you pay fees or enroll in training.

Licensing Requirements in Colorado

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree plus Subject Certification
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$218
Renewal Fee
$133
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
0

License Reciprocity

State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states

Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Colorado licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Secondary School Teacher in Colorado?
Colorado requires, passing an exam (State Subject Area Exam (Praxis II or equivalent)), and an initial fee of $218. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Secondary School Teacher in Colorado?
To become a licensed secondary school teacher in Colorado, you must meet the state's requirements. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Colorado licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Secondary School Teacher license to Colorado from another state?
Colorado has reciprocity provisions: State-specific — NASDTEC agreements between some states. Many professions are covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability. Contact the Colorado licensing board for specific reciprocity details.
Does Colorado require a background check for Secondary School Teacher licensing?
Yes, Colorado requires a criminal background check as part of the secondary school teacher licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Secondary School Teacher in Colorado?
Licensed secondary school teachers in Colorado must complete 150 hours of continuing education every 5 years. The renewal fee is $133.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

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