To determine eligibility, you must start the application process as soon as possible after determining that you are interested in pursuing a teacher license via an alternative route.

Prospective candidates of TILA’s one-year Alternative Teacher Licensure Program begin the process by applying to the Colorado Department of Education.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a Regionally Accredited institution of higher education.
• Have completed the necessary coursework required for teaching in the endorsement area of their choice. A candidate must have 30 semester hours of Endorsement Area coursework that corresponds to one of the endorsement areas. The approved number of transcripted credits is determined by a thorough transcript review upon submitting the application CDE. TILA provides an informal transcript and application review with which all prospective candidates must participate. This internal review will expedite the processing of the application once it reaches the CDE Alternative Teacher Licensure office.
• Pass the appropriate content assessment exam. Candidates this program must pass the exam prior to finding employment. Colorado accepts PRAXIS II test scores in some endorsement areas. Candidates may also select to take the PLACE® exam.
• Pass a criminal background check, including the submission of a fingerprint card to CDE.
• Obtain a full-time teaching position in your desired endorsement area.