Next Steps to Colorado Teaching Certification
Everyone starts with the same core path, though your timeline will depend on your certification area, exam schedule, and how you pace your coursework.
Understanding the Colorado Teacher Licensure Process
Become a licensed teacher in Colorado through a flexible alternative licensure pathway that allows you to teach, earn a salary, and gain classroom experience while completing your program requirements. Complete your coursework online and receive personalized support every step of the way as you work toward earning your Colorado teaching license.
Apply Online for FREE
Start by completing your free online application. After you demonstrate content proficiency & pass the background test, apply for your Alternative Teacher License.
Teach While You Train
Complete online coursework and program requirements, and benefit from coaching and field supervision.
Earn Your License
Congrats! After you finish program requirements, you will be eligible to apply for your Initial Teacher License in Colorado.
Approved Certification Areas
The CO-ALAS and Teachers of Tomorrow program currently certifies candidates in the following subjects:
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Note: Elementary and Special Education certification areas will launch in November 2026, contingent on approval from the Colorado Department of Education.
A Closer Look at the Program
The CO-ALAS and Teachers of Tomorrow Colorado program offers a flexible pathway to prepare you for licensure. You’ll receive the training, tools, and support needed for classroom success.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
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Online, structured coursework and projects: 250-350 hours- Coursework aligned to Colorado standards
- Supervised teaching internship
- 4 Field Supervisor visits
- Content Exam Prep
- Methods Course
- Additional certification support
- Program duration: about 12-18 months depending on certification area
Online, structured coursework and projects: 250-350 hours
What are the Admission Requirements?
Follow a few simple steps to be considered for admission into the program:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution accepted by the Colorado Department of Education
- Apply online for free
- Interview with Enrollment Advisor
- Accept your Admission Offer and Enroll
What Happens When I Am Accepted?
After acceptance, you’ll pay your enrollment fee, officially enroll in the program, and gain access to your online coursework. You’ll work with a Program Advisor who provides routine check-ins to help you stay on track. Your advisor will also connect you to self-service resources, including our Knowledge Base and online chat.
What Should I Expect Once
I Am In The Program?
I Am In The Program?
While in the program, you will have support from enrollment through program completion.
Coursework Requirements
Complete online, on-demand classroom readiness training.
- Program coursework is between 250-350 hours
Exam Requirements
Pass required exams for your certification area(s)
- Praxis Content Exam (exams required depend on certification area)
Teaching Requirements
You’ll complete your supervised internship requirement by teaching in a classroom and earning a full salary.
- Includes 4 field supervisor visits
What Type of Certification Will I Receive?
After successfully completing the program, you become eligible to apply for your Initial Teacher License through the Colorado Department of Education.
- Leads to a Colorado Initial Teacher License
- Allows you to teach while completing program requirements, if eligible
- Issued by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE)
- Alternative licensure pathways are typically completed in 1–2 years
- Includes coaching, mentorship, and classroom support throughout the program
Important: Colorado candidates must meet all state licensure requirements, including program completion and any applicable testing or content competency requirements, before receiving an Initial Teacher License.
