Initial Emergency Authorization

Preparing to Apply

This checklist is for ...

Individuals who do not hold/have not held an emergency authorization, who hold the degree necessary for the license/authorization sought and who are enrolled in an approved traditional preparation program, but who need additional time to meet requirements for a full license/authorization as a(n)

administrator / superintendent (special or gifted education director -- review the Temporary Education Eligibility Authorization checklist)
principal (not alternative (review the Principal Authorization checklist)
speech-language pathology assistant*
teacher (not alternative (review the Alternative Teacher checklist) and not special education (review the Temporary Educator Eligibility checklist))

*All other special services providers: please see the Temporary Educator Eligibility checklist

Please note: Emergency authorizations are issued in only one content area. The Colorado State Board of Education must approve all requests for an emergency authorization prior to issuance. Once you submit a complete application, it may take up to 60 days for the board's determination due to agenda submission deadlines.

Not in the right place? Review the other checklists.

Qualifications:

A conferred bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university
Enrollment in an approved program that will allow the individual to meet the requirements of the full credential
An emergency authorization packet completed by the school district, BOCES or charter/facility school requiring your services under this authorization:
Important Note: Individuals serving under an emergency authorization and teaching reading in a K-3 classroom will be required to meet READ Act requirements. (Contact your school/district for more information.)

Plan Ahead

You will need electronic copies of all requested documentation. (PDFs and JPEGs work well; we do not accept HEIC documents.)
Allow ample time to request any third-party transcripts or other documentation.
Be sure also to review the application process.

Application Fee:

$90

Authorization Expires:

Up to 1 year from date of issue
(as requested by the district)

Gather the Necessary Information/Documentation

In the application you will need to include:

A valid form of government-issued identification.
Documentation verifying your qualifications:
- A copy of an official transcript reflecting a conferred bachelor's or higher degree
- An emergency authorization packet completed by the school district, BOCES or charter/facility school requiring your services under this authorization
All prior 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 "APPLY for LICENSE" button to the right on your dashboard to complete the EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATION application.

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.
- Should the application be found incomplete, CDE will notify the applicant to specify the information needed to complete it.
  - Notifications will be sent via email and available in your COOL account.
  - 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.
    - CDE will provide a written response within 30 days of any request for reconsideration.
    - Requests for reconsideration do not apply to background checks.
    - 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.

APPLY / LOG IN TO COOL