LicenseCompass

Engineer, Licensed Professional License in Iowa

Quick Answer

To become a Licensed Professional Engineer in Iowa, you must hold an engineering degree, gain work experience, pass the NCEES FE and PE exams, and maintain continuing education for renewal.

Exam
NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)
Timeline
6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience)
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

Engineer, Licensed Professional license in Iowa

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Both state and third-party exams required
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Exam Fee
$550

Licensing Agency

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Engineer, Licensed Professional license in Iowa. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Exam FeeEst.$550
Total Estimated Cost$550

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Iowa licensing board.

Engineer, Licensed Professional Salary in Iowa

Entry Level

$63,860

Median

$94,500

Experienced

$134,230

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Engineer, Licensed Professional in Iowa.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Pass the Required Exam

    Both state and third-party exams required — NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering)

  3. 3

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  4. 4

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience).

Engineer, Licensed Professional Licensing in Iowa: What to Know

Iowa licenses Professional Engineers through the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing under the Professional Licensing and Regulation Bureau. A degree is required along with passing both state and third-party NCEES examinations and completing qualifying work experience. Iowa requires continuing education for license renewal. Engineers in Iowa may specialize across more than 25 recognized specialties, and the state follows standard NCEES requirements for comity applications from engineers licensed in other jurisdictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Engineer, Licensed Professional license in Iowa?
The process typically takes 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Engineer, Licensed Professional license in Iowa?
You need to pass the NCEES FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Principles and Practice of Engineering). Both state and third-party exams required

Considering another state?

Compare Engineer, Licensed Professional requirements across states.

View all states →

Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.