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The Initial Professional Service license is the most common pathway. The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners requires applicants to hold a master’s degree in school counseling, aligning with specific requirements set by the state. Experience requirements include two (2) years of successful service as a school counselor in an Iowa public school or three (3) years in an accredited Iowa private school or an out-of-state education setting.
As of January 2020, there are no examination requirements for Iowa School Counseling endorsements. A criminal background check is mandatory for all applicants, conducted by the Iowa State Division of Criminal Investigations and the FBI. The application process is completed online through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, requiring a profile, transcripts, proof of completed Mandatory Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporter Training, an FBI fingerprint card, and a $40 application fee.
Tips for success include thorough research on program accreditation and alignment with state standards before enrollment.
The school counselor exhibits proficiency in delivering classroom sessions for elementary students, with a focus on either elementary or middle school certification, OR for both middle and secondary school students in the case of secondary certification.
During the practicum, which entails a minimum of 500 contact hours, the aspiring counselor, under the guidance of a licensed professional school counselor, is exposed to diverse activities mirroring the responsibilities of a regularly employed school counselor. These activities encompass but are not restricted to individual counseling, group interventions, developmental classroom guidance, and consultation.
As of January 2020, there are no examination requirements for Iowa School Counseling endorsements. No specific exams need to be taken for this licensure pathway.
A background check is required for certification to ensure that individuals applying for licensure meet certain standards and do not have a history that could compromise their suitability for the position. It helps assess an applicant’s criminal history, potential involvement in child abuse, or any association with sex offenses.
For first-time applicants in Iowa since June 5, 2023, the Bureau of Educational Examiners utilizes Fieldprint for the federal portion of background checks. The process involves:
Individuals applying from outside Iowa have two (2) options:
In all cases, the remaining fee for the background check ($35.00) is paid to the Board of Educational Examiners in the online application. The Fieldprint process is preferred for its convenience, faster processing times, and lower individual applicant costs. The goal is to ensure the integrity and suitability of individuals seeking educational licensure.
The application process is completed online through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Steps include:
The Educator License Fees include a first license/authorization fee of $120, renewals/conversions fee of $95, extensions (advanced degree and 10 years experience), coaching extension fee of $40, initial license extension of $25, Behind the Wheel paraeducator fee of $40, transcript evaluation fee of $60, endorsement fee of $50, printed/mailed license fee of $15, and late fees of $25/month for licensees and $100/month for non-licensed licenses.
For assistance regarding your application, please reach out to the Iowa Department of Education or contact Dr. Linda Espey, the designated specialist for Iowa’s counseling endorsement. You can connect with her via phone at (515) 281-3245 or through email at Linda.Espey@Iowa.gov.