Loading...
Loading...
Teacher / Substitute Teacher · Iowa
Everything you need to become a certified teacher or substitute teacher in Iowa. Education, exams, fees, and application steps — verified against Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE).
Last verified: 2026-03-21
Degree Required
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Primary Exam
Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT)
Total Gov Fees
$227-$373
Initial Cert
2 years
| Requirement | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Bachelor's degree | Verified |
| Degree Required | Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution | Verified |
| Teacher Prep Program | Required | Verified |
| Student Teaching | Required | Verified |
| Background Check | Required | Verified |
| Fingerprinting | Required | |
| GPA Requirement | 2.5 | Verified |
| Minimum Age | 21 | Verified |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. | Verified |
Not sure if you need a teacher license? Check whether your state requires one.
Iowa does not require standardized exams for teacher certification.
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the Praxis.
Overall licensing difficulty: 23/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
Praxis Teacher Certification Exams
Browse study guides
Teacher Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic Praxis Teacher Certification Exams practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT)
Passing Score
Varies
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $90-$236Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT).
Matched study materials
Study Materials & Exam Prep — Praxis Core Academic Skills
Prepare for your Praxis Core Academic Skills with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Issued to beginning teachers who have completed an approved preparation program and passed required Praxis exams. Valid for 2 years. The holder must complete a mentoring and induction program during this period.
Issued after successful completion of the Initial License period, including the Iowa mentoring and induction program. Valid for 5 years and renewable.
Available for educators who hold National Board Certification. Valid for 5 years.
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree (for a Substitute Teaching License); or a valid Iowa teaching license
Certificate Required
Substitute Teaching License or Substitute Authorization
Background Check
Required
Permit Fee
$85
Validity
5 years
Iowa requires a Substitute Teaching License or Substitute Authorization from the BoEE to serve as a substitute teacher. The standard substitute license requires a bachelor's degree. A Substitute Authorization may be available for individuals with fewer qualifications in certain circumstances. All applicants must pass a background check and complete a substitute training course provided by the hiring district.
| Fee | Amount | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Application FeeLicense application fee | $85 | Verified |
| Fingerprint FeeDCI and FBI fingerprint processing | $52 | Verified |
| Exam Fees (Total)Varies by endorsement: FoRT ($90) for elementary; PLT ($146) for secondary; some candidates may need both | $90-$236 | Verified |
| Initial Certificate | $85 | Verified |
| Renewal FeeStandard license renewal | $85 | Verified |
| Substitute PermitSubstitute Teaching License fee | $85 | Verified |
| Total Government FeesIncludes application ($85), fingerprinting ($52), and applicable exam fees | $227-$373 | Verified |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Graduate from an Iowa-approved or state-approved teacher preparation program at an accredited institution.
Since 2022, Praxis content exams are no longer required for Iowa preparation program graduates. However, the FoRT is required for elementary/early childhood endorsements (since July 2024), and the PLT is required for secondary endorsements.
Fee: $90-$236
Submit fingerprints for Iowa DCI and FBI criminal background checks.
Fee: $52
Submit the Initial License application through the BoEE online portal with official transcripts, test scores, and institutional recommendation.
Fee: $85
During the 2-year Initial License period, complete Iowa's mentoring and induction program to advance to the Standard License.
The mentoring and induction program is provided by the employing school district.
Iowa offers alternative certification through the Teacher Intern License for individuals with a bachelor's degree and content expertise. The intern must be employed by a school district and complete an approved intern program within 2 years. The Iowa Alternative Licensure pathway also allows career changers to earn certification while teaching under supervision.
Available Programs:
CE Required
Yes
Hours per Cycle
6
Renewal Cycle
5 years
Iowa requires 6 semester hours of renewal credit (or equivalents) for renewal of the Standard License every 5 years. Approved renewal activities include college coursework, professional development, and other BoEE-approved activities. One renewal credit equals 15 contact hours of approved professional development.
Browse Teacher study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Reciprocity Type
Case-by-case
Interstate Agreement
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Iowa evaluates out-of-state licenses on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with a valid license from another state may receive an Iowa license if they meet comparable requirements.
Additional requirements: Out-of-state applicants must submit official transcripts, verification of licensure from the issuing state, pass required Praxis exams if not previously completed, and complete an Iowa background check.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Iowa with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Unique to Iowa: Iowa is one of the few states requiring a minimum age of 21 for teacher licensure. Notably, Iowa eliminated the Praxis content exam requirement in 2022 for graduates of state-approved preparation programs, making it one of the states with the fewest testing requirements. However, the Foundations of Reading Test was added in 2024 for elementary and early childhood endorsements. The state's licensing is managed by the Board of Educational Examiners, which operates independently from the Iowa Department of Education.
Teacher requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Iowa
See how Iowa compares: Teacher License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare teacher requirements across all states →
Teacher licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure teacher is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Iowa compare to other states for teacher? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your teacher license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Iowa.
Teacher Schools in Iowa
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
Teacher requirements in Iowa verified against Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE), March 2026.
Moving to Iowa? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Teacher license to Iowa →
Transfer your Teacher license from Iowa to: Illinois → | Minnesota → | Missouri → | Nebraska → | South Dakota → | Wisconsin →
Study guides for Praxis Core and subject-specific teacher exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.