Colorado Substitute Teacher Requirements

Colorado requires official state authorization through the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).

Application Process

All substitute teachers must apply through the CDE’s online COOL system and complete:

• Fingerprint-based background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Processing time typically takes 2–4 weeks.

Substitute Authorization Options in Colorado

Colorado offers three authorization pathways:

1-Year Authorization

• High school diploma or GED

• Only valid in districts that choose to recognize it

3-Year Authorization

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution

• Valid statewide

5-Year Authorization

• Must hold or have held a full teacher license (Colorado or another state)

• Valid statewide

The 3-year authorization is the most common pathway for career substitutes.