New Licensing System: Welcome to Colorado Online Licensing (COOL)

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First and Foremost:

1. Review the application checklist that corresponds to the license/authorization you seek. Each checklist outlines all that you will need to do and all information that you will need to provide to ensure that any application you submit is completed in its entirety. This will help to both expedite the evaluation of the application and, upon determination of qualification, the issuance of a credential.
2. Then, review the application evaluation process for updated background check requirements and an understanding of what you can expect.

Please do not skip these steps. Unfortunately, some educators who did ended up submitting incorrect applications or missed submission dates, which resulted in great frustration and their need to submit fingerprints for a current background check and different applications.

Next:

Log In

1. If you do not have a COOL account, simply register one. Be sure to double check, however, as creating a second account will cause you frustration and, very likely, unnecessary additional requirements.

Then:

1. Upon log in, you will arrive at your dashboard, where any active credentials held will be listed along with options for advancing or renewing those credentials. (Don't see your expired credentials? Go to "My Profile," select the "credentials" link and the "expired" tab.)
   • Want a copy of your valid credential(s)? Select the "Print Certificate" button in the upper right corner of the credential section. Note: All active credentials held now are reflected on a single certificate. (You cannot print a copy of any expired credential.)
2. Select "My Profile" in the horizontal bar above your account name to verify and update your personal information.
   • Want to update/change your name? A brief application is available from your profile.
   • Be sure to confirm the email address on file is a personal (not district) one, as this is where any notifications pertaining to your account, application(s) or credential(s) will be sent.
     • The last thing educators think about when changing districts is updating the email address in their licensure account! (And for good reason! You have much better things to think about!!) Having a former district email account on file only results in frustration.
     • Too, many district firewalls block no-reply notifications sent from the system (such as user ID and password resets), resulting in even more frustration.
3. Select "Dashboard" in the horizontal bar above your account name to return to your dashboard.
   • To act on a credential already held (to advance or renew it, for example), simply choose the appropriate button in the credential details section to be taken to the corresponding application.
   • Or, select the "Apply for License" button to choose an application for another credential.
   • For most credentials, if you already hold one (an initial principal license, for example), you will not be able to select that application. You may, however select "renew/advance" to either renew that initial license or to upload an induction certificate and apply to receive a professional principal license.

• Important Note: If the option you need is not presently available in your credential details, do not submit an different application. Instead, contact CDE at 303.866.6628 to request assistance.

• To provide information to complete a pending application submitted in the COOL system:

• Log in to COOL, and select the "Details" button in the "Attention Required" section for a brief note from the evaluator of your application.
  • Select "respond" and then "browse" to locate your document(s) and upload the requested information. (Repeat this step to upload more than one document.)
  • Add a comment if you wish and select the "submit response" button at the bottom of the form.
  • Upon submission, your application will return to its assigned evaluator for review of the submitted information.

More information can be found in your account via this icon at the top right (these sections to be enhanced in the days and weeks ahead):

More information can also be found within these icons embedded in each application:

For more information about specific credentials, please review the associated checklist, which has been updated to better assist you.

We're Here to Help:

For technical assistance and support -- such as user IDs, passwords and access to applications you cannot access -- contact 877.314.1412 or submit an online support form.

Inquiries related to alternative educator preparation, license/endorsement requirements and the like are best answered when submitted to CDE's Educator Licensing office via email (so that we can research and respond to your specific requests and concerns). Have a quick question? Candidates/applicants also may call 303.866.6628, Monday thru Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to speak with a consultant (please anticipate increased wait times).

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Apply for access by selecting the "Non-Educator" link in the footer of the log in page and completing the "User Access" application (do not select "create an account" near the user ID and password fields). Upon review and verification, CDE will create your account and notify you when it has been established.

Watch this brief District Access to COOL tutorial for quick demonstration on applying for access, accessing the information you need and discovering other features you may find useful! (Browser issues? Try Chrome or Edge.)

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Apply for access by selecting the "Non-Educator" link in the footer of the log in page and completing the "User Access" application (do not select "create an account" near the user ID and password fields). Upon review and verification, CDE will create your account and notify you when it has been established.

Watch this brief EPP Access to COOL tutorial for quick demonstration on applying for access, accessing student background reports and discovering other features you may find useful! (Browser issues? Try Chrome or Edge.)

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