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Steps to becoming a teacher in Iowa:

• Route 1: Iowa Initial Teaching License/Certification


For certification applicants who have completed formal teacher education training, the proper Iowa Certification type to be applied for will be the Initial Iowa Teacher Certification. This certification is valid for 2 years and is renewable. Below are the steps that must be taken in order to qualify for this initial teacher certification in Iowa:


• Step 1:
  
  
  You must have completed a teacher preparation program from an accredited institution. Iowa Teacher Preparation Programs.
  
  Or request information from the accredited universities below:


• University of Phoenix
• Walden University
• Capella University
• Ashford University


• Step 2:
  
  
  You will need to pass the following examinations:
  • The Praxis I Test of Basic Skills or the CAAP Exam
  • The Praxis II Content Test related to your subject area if required
  • Find information on Praxis testing locations and dates here.


• Step 3:
  
  
  You will need to meet endorsement requirements that may differ depending on what subject and grade level you wish to teach. Find Iowa certification endorsement requirements here.


• Step 4:
  
  
  You must meet recency requirements under the class A Iowa Licensure:

  • Have less than 160 days of teaching experience over the last 5 years.

  
  
• Step 5:
  
  
  Order a fingerprint packet from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
  
  
  Call this number for further information
  Iowa Board of Educational Examiners:
  (515) 281-3245


• Step 6:
  
  
  The following contents should be included with your Iowa Teacher Certification Application:
  • First, Download the application.
  • Include $85 processing fee and $50 for additional endorsements. (make checks and money orders out to "Bd. of Educational Examiners")
  • Include official transcripts of all college credits
  
  
  Call this number for further information
  Iowa Board of Educational Examiners:
  (515) 281-3245


• Step 7:
  Send application to your Teacher Preparation Institution. Have the institution fill out section II and instruct them to send the application packet to the Board of Educational Examiners.
  Send to this address:
  Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
  Grimes State Office Building
  Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0146

  
  If you have more Questions, Call (515) 281-3245


• Step 8:
  Sit Back and Relax!

• Route 2: Iowa Alternative Certification


The Iowa Alternative Certification is also referred to as the Teacher Intern License. This Iowa Certification allows the holder to begin teaching in an Iowa High School prior to the completion of an accredited teacher education program.


Alternative route to Certification Program:


To apply for certification under the alternative certification program, you will need to satisfy the following requirements:
• Have at least a Bachelor's degree in the field you wish to teach.
• Have 3 or more years of experience in an occupation related to the field you wish to teach.
• Meet subject matter course work requirements.
• Complete an introductory teacher intern program at a 4-year college or university. Kaplan University's Iowa Teacher Intern Certificate
• Find employment in a school district where teachers are in shortage.


For more information about the Iowa Teacher Intern Certificate:



Contact:
Kaplan University

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.