Iowa School Counselor Certification Reciprocity
AKA: Professional Service Exchange License
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Certification Reciprocity Process for School Counselors – Professional Service Exchange License
Iowa does not offer full reciprocity for out-of-state applicants seeking school counselor certification. However, applicants may be eligible for the Professional Service Exchange License, valid for two (2) years, with institutional recommendations.
The Iowa Professional Service Exchange License allows applicants with out-of-state preparation to apply for a two (2)-year nonrenewable exchange license if they meet at least 75% of the minimum coursework requirements but have some deficiencies (see Iowa Admin Code for the IA professional service exchange license). They can apply for full licensure at any time during the exchange license term. If the applicant provides a valid or expired equivalent license in good standing from another state without pending disciplinary action, they will not be subject to coursework deficiencies. Endorsements are granted based on comparable Iowa endorsements, and requirements may be waived to grant the most comparable endorsement.
If you wish to apply for an Iowa School Counseling endorsement and possess a valid license from another state, submit your application materials through the online licensing system. Required documents include a completed profile, application, and a $40 initial payment. Additionally, provide an FBI fingerprint card with a $75 processing fee, official transcripts from all attended institutions, proof of completed Mandatory Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporter Training (available online for free through the Iowa Department of Human Services), and a copy of your current valid license.
Professional Service Exchange License (Specifically for School Counseling Endorsement)
Overview
- Issued to out-of-state applicants under rule 282—27.1(272).
- Two (2)-year nonrenewable license.
- Granted if the applicant meets 75% of minimum coursework requirements with some deficiencies.
- Applicant can apply for full licensure at any time during the exchange license term upon completing all requirements.
- Iowa professional service license granted; no coursework deficiencies if the applicant holds a valid or expired equivalent license in good standing from another state without pending disciplinary action (excluding temporary, emergency, or substitute licenses).
- Endorsements are granted based on comparable Iowa endorsements; endorsement requirements may be waived for the most comparable endorsement.
Application Materials
- Completed profile, application, and $40 initial payment through the online licensing system.
- FBI fingerprint card and $75 fingerprinting processing fee.
- Official transcripts for all institutions attended.
- Proof of completed Mandatory Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporter Training.
- Copy of the current, valid license.
Endorsement Specifics
- The application materials should be submitted online for those interested in a School Counseling endorsement.
- You can apply for the endorsement if you hold a valid license in another state.
For assistance with out-of-state applications, contact Dr. Linda Espey at the Board of Educational Examiners at (515) 725-2146 or via email.