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Verified by CO Board of Education

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Licensing in Colorado

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for substitute teachers, short-term in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Colorado

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  4. 4

    The Division of Early Care and Learning (DECL) licenses over 5,000 child care facilities in Colorado that provide less than 24-hour care.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Early Childhood • Division of Child Care • CDEC Boards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $38,470 median (0% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #16 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Early Childhood~Division of Child Care~CDEC Boards and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Colorado

With a median salary of $38,470, Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Colorado earn 0% above the national median of $38,470. Colorado ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,540

Median annual salary

$38,470

Hourly estimate

$18.50
0% above national median

Difference: +$0

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentileN/A
  • P2525th percentileN/A
  • P50Median$38,470
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $38,470
National: $38,470

Total employment: N/A | Annual openings: N/A

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Salary Ranking

#16 of 50 statesfor Substitute Teachers, Short-Term median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$57,260
#2Oregon$55,540
#3Washington$54,880
#4Hawaii$50,070
#5Minnesota$48,710

Nearby States Comparison

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Colorado$38,470Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Wyoming$36,190No educational requirementsState exam required1-5 years
Nebraska$43,620Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Kansas$32,460Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$22,450No educational requirementsState-approved examVaries by board
New Mexico$37,100Varies by state boardNo exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$36,330Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Utah$33,100Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Colorado56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Kansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
New Mexico50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Early Childhood • Division of Child Care • CDEC Boards

710 S Ash St, Denver, CO, 80246

Phone: 3038665948

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Colorado

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$63,390Degree required3-7 years
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$79,760Degree required3-7 years
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$73,690Degree required3-7 years
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$64,620Degree required1-2 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Colorado?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Colorado?

Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms.

What education do you need to become a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Colorado?

The board typically expects Degree required for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensure in Colorado.

What is the typical Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in Colorado?

The median annual salary for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Colorado is $38,470.

How does the Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in Colorado compare to the national average?

Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Colorado earn 0% above the national median of $38,470, with a state median of $38,470.

Can I transfer my Substitute Teachers, Short-Term license to Colorado from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Colorado?

The licensing agency is Department of Early Childhood / Division of Child Care / CDEC Boards. Review agency details at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/child-care-0.

How often do you renew a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term license in Colorado?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.