Professional Licenses in Iowa
Iowa requires licenses for 87 professions tracked by LicenseCompass. Browse requirements, estimated costs, and timelines below.
Acupuncturist, Licensed
licenseAdvanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
registration 3-6 months after MSN/DNP graduation
Architect, Licensed
license 7-10 years (education + experience + exam)
Asbestos Inspector
licenseAsbestos Management Planner
license Est. $500 2-4 months
Athletic Trainer
licenseAudiologist
license 3-6 months after AuD graduation
Bail Enforcement Agent
licenseBarber Instructor
license Est. $275 9-12 months (including barber school)
Boiler Inspector (Special Inspector)
licenseBoiler Inspector (Special Inspector)
licenseCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA) (Nurse's Aide)
certificationCertified Public Accountant (CPA)
certification Est. $2,175 5-7 years (including degree)
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
certification 2-4 weeks
Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR)
certificationChiropractor
license 3-6 months after DC graduation
Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
license 2-6 weeks
Cosmetologist License
license Est. $250 12-18 months
Dental Assistants
license 1-6 months depending on pathway
Dental Hygienist
license 2-3 years (education) + 2-4 months (licensing)
Dentist
license 4-8 years (dental school) + 3-6 months (licensing)
Dietitian
license 3-6 months
Electrician and Electrical Contractor Licenses
license Est. $275 4-5 years
Elevator Special Inspector
licenseEmergency Medical Technician (EMT)
license 3-6 months
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
licenseEngineer, Licensed Professional
license 6-8 years (4-year degree + 4 years experience)
Esthetician
license 4-8 months
Farm Bulk Milk Hauler/Sampler
licenseFuneral Director
licenseHearing Aid Specialist
licenseHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
licenseInsurance Producer (Agent)
license 2-4 weeks
Insurance Producer (Agent)
license Est. $225 4-8 weeks
Interior Designer
licenseLand Surveyor
licenseLand Surveyor
license 6-8 years (education + experience + exams)
Landscape Architect
licenseLead Inspector/Risk Assessor
licenseLicensed Independent Social Worker
license Est. $450 4-6 years (education) + 2-6 months (licensing)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
license 12-18 months
Marital and Family Therapist
license 4-6 years (master's degree + supervised experience)
Massage Therapist
license Est. $300 2-4 months
Massage Therapist
licenseMental Health Counselor
license 2-4 years (including supervised experience)
Mental Health Counselor
licenseMental Health Counselor
licenseMental Health Counselor
license 4-6 years (master's degree + supervised experience)
Mortgage Banker/Broker License/Mortgage Loan Originator
license 1-3 months
Nail Technologist/Nail Technician
license 3-6 months
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
licenseNursing Home Activity Director
licenseOccupational Therapist
license 3-6 months
Occupational Therapy Assistant
licenseOccupational Therapy Assistant
licenseOptometrist
license 3-6 months after O.D. graduation
Paramedic
license 12-18 months
Pharmacist
license Est. $1,180 3-6 months after PharmD graduation
Pharmacy Support Person
license 2-4 weeks
Physical Therapist
license 3-6 months after DPT graduation
Physician Assistant (PA)
license 3-6 months after residency completion
Physician Assistant (PA)
license 3-6 months after PA program graduation
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
license 4-5 years apprenticeship + licensing
Podiatrist
licensePrivate Investigative Business
license 4-8 weeks
Private Security Agent (Security Guard)
licensePsychologist
license 2-3 years post-doctorate
Radiographer - General or Limited Diagnostic
licenseReal Estate Appraiser
license 6-18 months depending on tier
Real Estate Appraiser
license Varies by level
Real Estate Broker
licenseReal Estate Broker
license 3-6 months
Real Estate Broker
license Est. $500 2-4 months
Real Estate Salesperson
license Est. $325 2-3 months
Registered Nurse (RN)
registration Est. $400 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
Respiratory Care Practitioner
license 2-4 months after program completion
School Teacher
licenseSchool Teacher
license Est. $320 4-5 years (including degree)
Securities Agent
licenseSpeech Pathologist
license 3-6 months after master's graduation
Tattoo Artist
licenseVeterinarian
license 4-8 years (veterinary school) + 3-6 months (licensing)
Well Contractor - Provisional Well Contractor
licenseWell Contractor - Provisional Well Contractor
licenseWildlife Control Operator
licenseWildlife Control Operator
license 1-3 months