Learn how to become an Education Administrator or School Principal in Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Education offers licensing for School principals and Administrators (Superintendents).

Academic Obligations

The following are educational obligations for both School principal and Education Administrator licensure in Colorado.

Initial School principal License:

• You must possess at least an undergraduate degree  from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning
• You must successfully complete a Colorado-authorized school principal preparation program

Initial Education Administrator (Superintendent) License:

• You must possess at least an undergraduate degree  from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning
• You must successfully complete a Colorado-authorized graduate program for school administration

Assessments

The following are assessment obligations for School principal and Administrative licensure in Colorado.

Initial School principal License:

• You must pass the PLACE School principal Exam

Initial Education Administrator (Superintendent) License:

• You must pass the PLACE Administrator Exam or receive an exemption based on experience

Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements

Initial School principal License:

• You must possess at least 3 years of full-time experience as a licensed educator, school principal, education administrator or special service provider

Initial Education Administrator (Superintendent) License:

• Instead of taking the PLACE Education Administrator Exam, you may have 3 years of full-time experience as a superintendent or assistant superintendent

Document and Application Requirements

Apply online for both the Initial School principal and Initial Education Administrator (Superintendent) Licenses. You will need to send via postal mail supporting materials such as official transcripts showing successful completion of at least an undergraduate degree and the appropriate education administrator preparation program; and authentication of experience.

Background Check Requirements

Before you acquire your education administrator license, you must undergo a criminal history background check.

State Contacts

For additional info on education administrator licensing, call the Colorado Department of Education Educator Licensing Unit at (303) 866-6628.