Principal License Requirements

Whether you are seeking to complete a Colorado principal preparation program or want to renew or advance your Colorado principal credential, this page is for you.

General requirements are listed below; select the credential type for the application checklist and complete details on how to apply. (First-time applicant who completed a program outside Colorado? Go to the Out-of-State webpage.)

Need to Complete Principal Preparation?

Principal Authorization (3 years)

bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university
principal, assistant principal or other position that requires a principal license to fulfill the duties of the role
enrollment in a Colorado-approved alternative preparation program or under an individualized principal preparation plan (created in cooperation with your district)
credential will be district-specific and may not be renewed

What is alternative principal preparation?

Find a Colorado alternative principal program

Have Completed Principal Preparation?

Advance an Interim Authorization or Principal Authorization

approved program verification form completed by your preparation program (alternative candidates only)
PRAXIS 5412 (146) 5411 (145) also accepted thru 08.31.2024 if taken before 08.31.2019
Certificate of completion of ETrain evaluator training

Initial Principal License

bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university
approved program verification form completed by your principal preparation program
three or more years' fully licensed teacher/special service experience in an elementary or secondary school (or three years' like experience in a non-public school)
PRAXIS 5412 (146) 5411 (145) also accepted thru 08.31.2024 if taken before 08.31.2019
Certificate of completion of ETrain evaluator training

Initial Principal License Renewal

valid license-holders: letter stating why induction program has not yet been completed
expired license-holders:
- letter stating why induction program has not yet been completed
- may need to meet additional requirements (see Enhancements section below)
Certificate of completion of ETrain evaluator training

Advance Initial Principal License to a Professional License

valid license-holders: a copy of induction certificate
expired license-holders:
- a copy of induction certificate
- may need to meet additional endorsement requirements (see Enhancements section below)
Certificate of completion of ETrain evaluator training

Renew a Professional Principal License

90 contact hours (six (6) semester hours) of applicable professional development activities
- valid license-holders: applicable activities must have been completed within the seven years of your active license
- expired license-holders (or for those whose hold reactivated licenses): applicable activities must have bee completed within the seven years immediately preceding the submission date of your renewal application
- for additional requirements, see Enhancements section below
Certificate of completion of ETrain evaluator training

Enhancements

Add a Designation

fulfill READ Act requirements
fulfill Educator Effectiveness Evaluator Training (required for all new/renewal applicants on/after Aug. 1, 2024)
fulfill English Learner professional development requirements via an approved program or individualized professional development

Return to Educator Licensure