LicenseCompass

School Teacher License in Iowa

Quick Answer

To become a licensed teacher in Iowa, you need a bachelor's degree and must pass a background check. The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners under the Department of Education handles licensing. No exam is listed as required. Estimated costs are approximately $320 (excluding degree).

Total Cost
$320 (est.)
Timeline
4-5 years (including degree)
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every 5 years

Requirements

School Teacher license in Iowa

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
No exam required
Background Check
Background check required
Continuing Education
No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$85
Renewal Fee
$85
Total Estimated Cost
$320

Licensing Agency

Iowa Department of Education~Iowa Board of Educational Examiners

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your School Teacher license in Iowa. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$85
Total Estimated Cost$85

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

School Teacher Salary in Iowa

Entry Level

$38,340

Median

$55,540

Experienced

$75,960

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

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed School Teacher in Iowa.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Background check required

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    No exam required

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$85.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 4-5 years (including degree).

School Teacher Licensing in Iowa: What to Know

Iowa requires a degree but no exam is listed in the COS data. A background check is required. No CE is required for renewal according to COS, though the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners may have additional professional development requirements. Teachers facilitate all aspects of teaching and learning including curriculum design, instruction, assessment, communication with stakeholders, and professional development. The Iowa Department of Education oversees licensing. Iowa consistently ranks among the top states for education quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a School Teacher license cost in Iowa?
The estimated total cost is $320, including application fees, and education costs.
How long does it take to get a School Teacher license in Iowa?
The process typically takes 4-5 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.

Considering another state?

Compare School Teacher requirements across states.

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