LicenseCompass

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License in Iowa

Quick Answer

To become a CPA in Iowa, you must earn a degree, pass both state and Uniform CPA exams, and meet experience requirements. CE is required for renewal. The Iowa Accountancy Examining Board oversees licensing. Estimated total costs are approximately $2,175.

Exam
Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
Total Cost
$2,175 (est.)
Timeline
5-7 years (including degree)
Renewal
Every 3 years

Requirements

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification in Iowa

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Both state and third-party exams required
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$100
Exam Fee
$1,000
Renewal Fee
$75
Total Estimated Cost
$2,175

Licensing Agency

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Iowa Accountancy Examining Board

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in Iowa. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$100
Exam FeeEst.$1,000
Total Estimated Cost$1,100

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Iowa licensing board.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Salary in Iowa

Entry Level

$48,300

Median

$74,290

Experienced

$121,940

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Iowa.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Pass the Required Exam

    Both state and third-party exams required — Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)

  3. 3

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.

  4. 4

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 5-7 years (including degree).

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensing in Iowa: What to Know

Iowa requires a degree, CE for renewal, and both state and third-party exams. CPAs work in four major fields: public accounting, management/industry, government, and education. The Iowa Accountancy Examining Board under the Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing oversees licensing. Iowa's strong agricultural and insurance industries (particularly in Des Moines) create diverse CPA career paths including ag accounting and insurance sector auditing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license cost in Iowa?
The estimated total cost is $2,175, including application fees, exam fees ($1,000), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in Iowa?
The process typically takes 5-7 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in Iowa?
You need to pass the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA). Both state and third-party exams required

Considering another state?

Compare Certified Public Accountant (CPA) requirements across states.

View all states →

Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.