This page contains information for students of The University of Iowa who have completed a professional service program such as School Counseling, School Psychology, School Speech-Language Pathology, School Audiology, or School Social Work, but who are not already licensed teachers to apply for an initial professional service license.

Licensed teachers who have completed a professional service program should follow directions to add endorsements.

Application Steps

See below for details on completing the online application.

STEP 1: Complete online application to Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE)

  • Visit the How Do I Apply Renew or Convert a License? web page.
    • Scroll to the bottom and Create a new account or log into an existing account.
  • Click "New Application or Renew"
  • Please select the type of application you would like to begin: Select "Apply for a new license"
  • Please Select the Professional Area in which you are applying: Select "Teacher". [You are not applying for a license for teaching, but this is the correct path to the application you need.]
  • Please Select Application: Select "First Iowa Teaching, Counseling, or Class G license (Iowa Institution)" [Even if you are not applying for a license for counseling, this is the correct path to the application you need.]
  • You are About to Create the Following Application: Application: First Iowa Teaching, Counseling, or Class G license (Iowa Institution): "Continue" should be selected; click "Next," then "Finish" to go on to the next part of the application.
  • Complete Checklist: Click the "Complete Checklist" button to start.
  • Pay Fees: Click the "Pay Fees" button to start.
  • Review Application: Click the "Review Application" button to start.

STEP 2: Fingerprinting

STEP 3: Complete the following form

  • Program Guide (Check with your advisor; they may be submitting this form on your behalf. If you are submitting, for each course requirement, indicate the semester/session of completion, or indicate substitute course, get signature of faculty advisor). 

STEP 4: Return completed form from Step 3.

Please email documents as PDF files and direct questions to:

Email documents to: educ-licensure@uiowa.edu
DIrect questions to: Betsy Justis (319-467-4285) or David Tingwald (319-335-5360)

Office of Student Services
The University of Iowa
N201 Lindquist Center
Iowa City, IA  52242-1529
319-335-5360
fax: 319-335-5364

Requirements to Complete Separately

  • Application for Degree (Students who are completing a degree must apply for degree through MyUI by a deadline set by the Office of the Registrar.)

Strongly Recommended to Apply

You are strongly encouraged to apply for an Iowa professional service license upon completion of your program, even if you don't intend to practice in Iowa. Application for this license validates completion of our current University of Iowa approved program. The program you have just completed is currently on file and approved by the Iowa Department of Education.

Apply as soon as you are eligible. As programs or licensure requirements change, you will eventually become ineligible for the initial Iowa professional service license. It is much easier to renew than to meet a new set of program requirements. It is not usually necessary to renew this license unless you are practicing in this State. Holding an Iowa license is frequently beneficial when making application for licensure in another state.

Notes on completing forms

Online Application for Licensure

  • Web Browser: Parts of the online application may not work with all web browsers. If you get a message that your browser is not supported, please try a different browser (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari).
  • Complete Checklist: Click the "Complete Checklist" button to start.
    • Screening and Criminal History: Answer questions, and provide explanations as required. "When in doubt, disclose." Upload supporting documents as required.
    • Eligibility and Background See Fingerprinting options. 
  • Pay Fees: Click the "Pay Fees" button to start. For most applicants, total fees should be $123: $85 for the license application, $35 for the background check, and a $3 "convenience fee." For applicants who do not need a background check (those with a substitute or coaching authorization or paraeducator certificate), the total fee will be $88. There is no additional fee for additional endorsements; all endorsements awarded with the initial license are included with the $123 or $88 fee.
  • Review Application: Click the "Review Application" button to start. In the drop-down menu, select "University of Iowa."
    • "Applicant comments for signer": You can use this field to tell The University of Iowa's recommending official the endorsements for which you are applying.
    • Click "Finish" to submit the application.

Last updated: 11/30/23