Iowa School Counselor Certification Renewal

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: December 3rd, 2024

Certification Renewal Process for School Counselors

The renewal process for Iowa School Counselor Certification spans five (5) years and involves submitting an online application (see Iowa Ed Dept Renewal Information webpage). This application requires official transcripts from colleges/universities, accompanied by a renewal fee of $85 and an additional $10 for a brief background check.

Renewal credits, provided by approved Iowa entities, must be earned within the current license’s valid period, i.e., within the previous five (5) years. A concise background check, encompassing child abuse, sex offender, and dependent adult abuse registries, is mandatory.

The IAC Ch 27, p.1 282—27.4(272) outlines specific renewal requirements for the initial professional service license. The license can be renewed upon written request if the holder meets all requirements except for paragraph 27.2(2) “b”. If the holder has not met the requirements in paragraph 27.2(2) “b” and can provide evidence of employment acceptable for the experience requirement, a second renewal may be granted. This rule is effective from 04/14/2010.

According to IAC Ch 27, p.1 282—27.5(272), specific requirements for renewing the standard professional service license involve acquiring four (4) units. If an applicant possesses a specialist’s or doctor’s degree, two (2) units suffice for renewal. These units can be earned through various means: One (1) unit for each graduate credit hour towards a planned master’s, specialist’s, or doctor’s degree; one (1) unit for each graduate or undergraduate credit hour enhancing existing endorsements; one (1) unit for each credit hour leading to the completion of requirements for a new endorsement; one (1) unit for each licensure renewal course or approved activity; and two (2) units for completing an individualized professional development plan, as confirmed by the supervising licensed evaluator.

Renewal Requirements for Standard Professional Service License

General Requirements:

  • Meet the general requirements outlined in rule 282—20.3(272).
  • Earn a specific number of renewal units.

Renewal Units:

  • Four (4) units are needed for renewal.
  • For an applicant holding a specialists or doctors degree, two (2) units are needed for renewal.

Validity Period:

  • The Iowa school counselor license is valid for five (5) years from the date of issue.

Renewal Application Materials:

  • Official college/university transcripts are required for each license renewal.
  • A renewal application fee of $85, plus $10 for the abbreviated background check, is required.
  • Renewal credits must be earned from approved Iowa providers. Out-of-state renewal credits must be college semester hour credits earned within the previous five (5) years of the license’s validity.
  • Abbreviated background checks with checks against the child abuse registry, sex offender registry, and the dependent adult background abuse registry are required.

Conversion to Standard Professional Service License

To convert to a Standard Professional Service License, counselors need to fulfill the renewal requirements mentioned above and also meet the specific requirements outlined by the Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) Chapter 27.5(272):

  • Four (4) units are needed for renewal. If the applicant holds a specialists or doctors degree, two (2) units are needed for renewal.

Units for renewal can be earned in various ways

  • Semester hours of graduate credit leading toward the completion of a planned masters, specialists, or doctors degree program.
  • Semester hours of graduate or undergraduate credit adding greater depth/breadth to present endorsements held.
  • Semester hours of credit leading to completion of requirements for an endorsement not currently held.
  • Completion of licensure renewal courses or activities approved by the board of educational examiners.
  • Successful completion of an individualized professional development plan, verified by the supervising licensed evaluator.

It’s essential for counselors seeking to convert to a Standard Professional Service License to adhere to these specific requirements outlined in the Iowa Administrative Code. Additionally, counselors can contact specialists at (515) 725-2146 for more information on the renewal process and conversion to the Standard Professional Service License.