Your Certification Costs l Colorado

Carol Kumm

Apr 02, 2026

What You'll Pay for Licensure

Preparing for licensure costs is an important part of budgeting for your teaching program. Planning ahead can help you manage these expenses smoothly.

To start, consider setting aside funds for the maximum potential licensure cost. If that isn't possible, save as much as you can to cover these expenses as they arise throughout your program.

Below, you'll find a breakdown of the licensure costs specific to Colorado.

Cost Breakdown

Cost Category	Amount	Who Pays This	Notes
Praxis Exams	$130-150 per attempt	All licensure-seeking students. Varies by certification area. Find specifics here.	As you progress through your application, we will inform you of what exam(s) you may need to complete. You may not need any, depending on a variety of factors.
Background Check/Fingerprinting	$50-100	Varies by school and district. Check with yours for details.
License Fees	$90-100	All students	This may be an alternative teacher license or initial license, depending on your program.
Additional Endorsement	$80	Students seeking Advanced Certificate in Special Education

Receiving Assistance to Cover Costs

You may have options to help offset these expenses:

Waivers ETS, the company that administers the Praxis exam, provides fee waivers for some college students who meet eligibility criteria. Check with ETS directly to see if you qualify.

Vouchers Some states provide vouchers for specific required tests and distribute them through Relay. These are often offered on a first-come, first-served basis—so respond quickly if one is offered to you.

Financial Aid If you qualify, certification costs may be added to your financial aid package. Submitting your FAFSA early can help secure this assistance.

Being proactive about certification expenses can help ensure a financially manageable program experience.

Questions?

Reach out to us at [email protected]