Colorado Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs
Alternative teacher preparation programs, also known as non-traditional programs, are designed for those with a bachelor’s degree outside of education and typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) offers pathways to alternative teacher certification designed to attract qualified professionals to the field of teaching. If you don’t yet have your bachelor’s degree, visit our guide to traditional route certification in Colorado. Otherwise, read on to learn more about alternative routes to teaching in Colorado.
Table of Contents
- Colorado Alternative Certification Requirements
- Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses
- Testing Requirements
- Licenses From Another State
- Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs
- Best Alternative Certification Programs
- Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
- Additional Resources
Requirements for Alternative Certification
To be eligible for alternative teacher certification in Colorado, you must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution accredited by an organization recognized by the CDE and work full-time as a teacher while receiving mentoring and training through an approved educator preparation program (EPP). Alternative preparation programs typically lead to graduate certificates, though a master’s degree in teaching, education, or a core subject that includes an approved EPP can also qualify you for certification. Candidates must pass a background check and demonstrate proficiency in their chosen endorsement area through content competency. See the Testing Requirements section for more details.
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Colorado
Colorado offers multiple pathways to alternative teacher certification, depending on a candidate’s educational background and intended subject and grade level. Candidates may only pursue alternative licensure in one endorsement area.
Colorado Alternative Teacher Program
One- and two-year alternative teacher programs are available to qualified candidates through approved designated agencies to help address teacher shortages. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, be enrolled in an approved alternative teacher program, pass a background check, and apply for a Colorado Alternative Teacher License. The Alternative Teacher License requires candidates to have a degree in the content area to be taught and 24 semester hours of specific coursework or a passing score on the related Praxis Subject Test. In a one-year program, candidates start teaching immediately while completing coursework. The two-year program includes a first-year mentoring and induction program before classroom teaching. In both programs, candidates can apply for an Initial Colorado Teacher’s License after completing the alternative program successfully.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Authorization
Prospective teachers of career and technical education (CTE) subjects may apply for an Initial CTE Authorization if they meet the requirements for the content area to be taught. These requirements vary by subject area but typically include at least 24 semester hours of college coursework in designated areas and 2,000 hours of verified occupational experience within the content area. An Initial CTE Authorization is valid for three years and cannot be renewed. While teaching under this credential, candidates must make up any coursework deficiencies and meet the experience requirements designated by the CDE. Those who meet these requirements may convert to a Professional CTE Authorization, which is renewable.
Testing Requirements for Colorado Alternative Certification
Prospective Colorado educators must demonstrate content competency in their subject area through Multiple Measures of Content Competency. In addition to the approved Praxis Subject Test in their endorsement area, candidates can earn a B- or higher in content coursework, submit a portfolio of evidence, or a combination of these. Visit the CDE website for more information.
Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another State
Candidates who hold a current and valid out-of-state teaching license may be eligible for teaching license reciprocity in Colorado if they have three or more years of teaching experience within the previous seven years and have completed a teacher preparation program. Applicants must also provide documentation of content knowledge for each requested endorsement. Those with less than three years of experience may be issued an Interim Authorization. Visit the CDE website for further information.
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs in Colorado
To qualify for teacher certification, you must complete an approved teacher preparation program. Alternative route teacher licensing programs typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. The not-for-profit, school-based alternative certification programs below have been approved by CDE for the preparation of teachers.
| State-Approved School | Accreditation | Program Type(s) | Alt. Teacher Program Enrollment4 | Alt. Teacher Prep Prog. Completers4 | Alt. Licensing Exams Pass Rate4 | Net Price5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams State University | — | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $13,193 |
| Colorado Christian University* | — | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | 31 | 21 | N.Av. | $25,882 |
| Colorado College | — | Master’s | — | — | — | $27,319 |
| Colorado Mesa University | — | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $15,327 |
| Colorado Mountain College* | — | Alternative | — | — | — | $4,784 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | AAQEP | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $17,609 |
| Colorado State University-Global Campus | — | Master’s | 5 | 3 | N.Av. | $14,024 |
| Colorado State University-Pueblo* | — | Alternative, Certificate | 53 | 28 | 83% | $13,388 |
| Fort Lewis College* | — | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $15,723 |
| Metropolitan State University* | — | Alternative, Master’s | 158 | 68 | 90% | $13,563 |
| Regis University | — | Master’s | — | — | — | $27,785 |
| Relay Graduate School of Education* | — | Alternative, Master’s | — | — | — | N.Av. |
| University of Colorado-Boulder | — | Master’s | — | — | — | $21,198 |
| University of Colorado-Colorado Springs* | — | Alternative, Certificate | 21 | 17 | N.Av. | $15,852 |
| University of Colorado-Denver* | — | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $15,585 |
| University of Denver* | CAEP | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $38,322 |
| University of Northern Colorado | — | Certificate, Master’s | — | — | — | $16,510 |
| Western Colorado University* | — | Alternative, Certificate, Master’s | 25 | 21 | 100% | $16,951 |
- — indicates none or not applicable.
- N.Av. indicates data was not available or pass rates were omitted for confidentiality.
- *Schools with an asterisk offer programs that can include paid classroom placements, subject to qualifications and experience. Students may be responsible for securing their own placement. Contact programs for further information.
Best Alternative Teacher Certification Programs in Colorado
We used overall pass rates on the teacher licensing exams to identify the best alternative teacher certification programs in Colorado. The following schools reported 80% pass rates or higher for alternative and master’s program graduates.
- Western Colorado University (Alternative, Certificate, Master’s; 100%)
- Metropolitan State University (Alternative, Master’s; 90%)
- Colorado State University-Pueblo (Alternative, Certificate; 83%)4
Fastest Alternative Certification Programs
The following schools have the fastest programs to qualify for teacher certification in Colorado based on the shortest possible time to completion. Shorter alternative certification programs are often more affordable since they require fewer credit hours. Check with programs to verify program costs and funding opportunities.
- Adams State University (9 months)
- Colorado Christian University (9 months)
- Colorado Mountain College (9 months)
- Fort Lewis College (9 months)
- Relay Graduate School of Education (9 months)
- University of Colorado-Denver (9 months)
- Colorado College (12 months)
- Colorado Mesa University (12 months)
- Colorado State University-Global Campus (12 months)
- Regis University (12 months)
- University of Colorado-Boulder (12 months)
- University of Denver (12 months)
- University of Northern Colorado (12 months)
Additional Resources
- Approved Educator Preparation Programs: List of programs approved for teacher preparation in the state of Colorado.
- CDE Alternative Teacher Overview: Overview of accepted alternative routes to certification from the CDE.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification Guide
- Colorado Traditional Teacher Certification Guide
- How to Become a Teacher in Denver
- Teacher Certification Reciprocity Guide
References:
1. Colorado State Department of Education: http://www.cde.state.co.us/
2. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): https://caepnet.org/provider-search
3. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
4. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx
5. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/