Colorado professional licenses are valid for seven years. To stay active, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) requires 90 contact hours of professional development. Upward courses carry official graduate-level university credit from UMass Global and are the most efficient way to maintain your credentials while maximizing your career earnings.

The CDE recognizes university credit at a guaranteed rate of 1 semester credit = 15 contact hours. This makes the math simple:

• Two 3-credit courses = 90 contact hours (100% of your renewal).

With Upward, you satisfy the state's renewal requirements in a fraction of the time it takes to track individual 1-hour workshops.

Meeting State-Mandated Requirements

Colorado has introduced specific PD mandates that must be met within your renewal cycle. Our curriculum is specifically mapped to these needs:

• English Learner (EL) Training (45 Hours): For teachers with elementary, ELA, math, science, or social studies endorsements, a one-time 45-hour (3-credit) requirement is mandatory. Choose one course from our TESOL Collection, and complete the CDE ELPD Standards Matrix when submitting your renewal application.
• Behavioral Health & Special Education (10 Hours): Effective July 1, 2025, all educators must complete 10 hours in these areas (including at least 1 hour of Behavioral Health and 1 hour of Special Education/Child Find) during every renewal cycle. Review our Diverse Learner Collection, and select the course that's right for you.

Verified Documentation

Your official university transcript is the gold-standard documentation accepted by the CDE eLicensure system and school district HR departments across the state.