I am a teacher outside of Iowa

Steps to becoming a teacher in Iowa

• Iowa Teacher Certification Procedure:
The following are requirements and materials you will need to complete and send to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners:
• Download and complete section I of the out-of-state application
• Enclose Official Transcripts of all college credits you have received.
• Provide a processing fee of $85 and an issuance fee of $60. Made payable to the "Iowa Board of Educational Examiners"
• Enclose a photocopy of a valid teaching license
• Request a fingerprint card by calling (515)281-3245 and leaving your name and address. A fingerprint packet will the sent the same or following business day.
  • Send completed fingerprint cards, waiver and a $52 background check fee.
• Verify Teaching Experience:
  • None is required for the Initial Iowa License
  • 3 years is required for the Standard Teacher License
  • 5 years and a Master's degree is required for the Master Teacher License
  • You may use the form attached to the out-of-state application form or enclose a letter from an administrator from your employing school district.
• If you have fewer than 3 years of teaching experience, you will need to provide verification of passing the Iowa state mandated tests (A copy of your test scores is fine).


Send materials to this address:
Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
Grimes State Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0146
Or call for more information at (515) 281-3245.

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