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

See NOTES below for details on completing the online application.

• Visit the BOEE Before You Begin web page.
• Click "I Agree" to either log in or create an account.
• Click "New Application or Renew" to start a new application.
  • 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:
    In the drop-down menu, select "Teacher"
  • Please select application: In the drop-down menu, select "First Iowa Teaching, Counseling, or Class G license (Iowa Institution)
  • Continue through the application process.
• Click “Finish” button to continue the process.
• Complete Checklist: Click the "Complete Checklist" button to start.
  • There should be no optional attachments required.
• Review Application: Click the "Review Application" button to start.
  • Select The University of Iowa
  • Enter any text in the Comments for Signer box.
  • You will be the message “Waiting on recommendation from college.”
  • Click “Finish” button.
• Pay Fees: Click the "Pay Fees" button to start payment process.

STEP 2: Fingerprinting

Background checks completed earlier in the program or for other organizations will not substitute for the background check required by the BOEE for licensure. Those with a substitute or coaching authorization or paraeducator certification do not need to be fingerprinted again.

• Fingerprinting Options

STEP 3: Submit forms to Office of Student Services

Complete the following application materials.

• Program Checklist
  • You earn all the endorsement for which you are eligible when applying for the Initial License.
  • Use this form to tell Office of Student Services staff which endorsements you think you are getting
  • When in doubt, include endorsements you aren't sure about
• Record of Field Experiences (Field Experiences form)
  • This form serves as a summary for your permanent College of Education record, which may be helpful for future licensure and employment applications.
  • Complete the "Field Experiences form" provided above.

STEP 4: Return completed application materials from Step 3.

Please email documents as PDF files or drop off in N201 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)

If you prefer to mail the documents:
Office of Student Services/Licensure
The University of Iowa
N201 Lindquist Center
Iowa City, IA  52242-1529
319-335-5360
fax: 319-335-5364

Strongly Recommended to Apply

You are strongly encouraged to apply for an Iowa teaching license upon completion of your program, even if you don't intend to teach 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.

As programs or licensure requirements change, you will eventually become ineligible for the initial Iowa license. It is much easier to renew than to apply later and meet a new set of program requirements. Holding an Iowa license is frequently beneficial when making application for licensure in another state.

Other States

If you also plan to apply for a teaching license in another state, visit Iowa Graduates Applying for Licensure in Other States.

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).
• Click "New Application or Renew" to start a new application.
  • You are applying for a "First Iowa Teaching, Counseling, or Class G license (Iowa institution), not a First Intern License.
• 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 
    Background checks completed earlier in the program or for other organizations will not substitute for the background check required by the BOEE for licensure.
  • See Fingerprinting options. From the drop-down menu, select Please mail me a fingerprint packet.
  • The background check takes 4-6 weeds to process so plan accordingly.
• Pay Fees: Click the "Pay Fees" button to start. For most applicants, total fees should be $163: $85 for the license application, $75 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 $163 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": This box is a required field. You can use it to tell the University of Iowa's recommending official the endorsements for which you are applying. Click "Finish" to submit the application.
  • The message “Waiting of recommending official” is the correct message. You will be recommended upon completion of your program.
  • If you are asked to upload any documentation other than information to be provided in the screening and criminal history or name change sections, you have probably selected the incorrect application.

Fingerprint Cards

• Fingerprinting options

Updated: 3/10/2023