Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the accredited college or university conferring the Master's degree.
ASHA CCC Verification — Official verification of ASHA certification sent directly to the Board. This typically waives the need for separate Praxis and clinical hour documentation.
Praxis Exam Scores — Required if applying without ASHA CCCs; scores must be sent directly from ETS. Praxis Requirements
Supervised Clinical Experience Plan — Required for applicants seeking a temporary clinical license while completing their fellowship year.
Fingerprint Cards and Waiver — Completed fingerprint cards and a signed criminal history background check waiver.
How to Apply
Create a Portal Account
▾
Register for a new user account on the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) Professional Licensure Portal.
Submit Online Application
▾
Complete the online application for a permanent Speech-Language Pathologist license and pay the non-refundable $120 application fee.
Complete Background Check
▾
Iowa requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Follow the instructions provided in the portal or via email to schedule fingerprinting and submit the required waiver.
Request Official Transcripts
▾
Arrange for official transcripts showing your Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology to be sent directly from your university to the Board.
Verify Clinical Competence
▾
Submit an official copy of your ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). If you do not have CCCs, you must submit Praxis scores and verification of 400 clinical hours and 9 months of post-graduate experience.
Submit License Verifications
▾
If you hold or have held licenses in other states, request official license verifications to be sent directly to the Iowa Board from each jurisdiction.
Total Fee
$60
Processing Time
2 to 4 weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Iowa is a member of the ASLP Interstate Compact. SLPs from other compact member states can practice in Iowa through a compact privilege.
Steps
Portal Application
▾
Select 'License by Endorsement' in the DIAL portal and pay the $120 fee.
ASHA Verification
▾
Provide proof of current ASHA CCCs to satisfy education and exam requirements.
Out-of-State Verifications
▾
Request official verification of all professional licenses held in other jurisdictions to be sent directly to the Iowa Board.
Background Check
▾
Complete the mandatory fingerprint-based criminal history check as required for all new Iowa applicants.
Total Fee
$120
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology
Keeping Your License Active
Iowa Speech-Language Pathologist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
Item
Amount
Application
$60
Endorsement application
$60
Fingerprint check
$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permit
See board
Renewal
120.0
Slow Downs
Third-Party Document Delays
▾
Waiting for transcripts, Praxis scores, or license verifications from other states is the most common cause of delay. Request these early.
Fingerprint Rejection
▾
Poor quality fingerprint impressions can lead to FBI rejection. Ensure prints are taken by an authorized professional technician.
Incomplete Clinical Plan
▾
For temporary licenses, failing to have the Supervised Clinical Experience Plan approved before starting work will result in hours not being counted.
Questions
How long does the application process take?
▾
The typical processing time is approximately 30 days once all required documentation and background check results have been received.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Licensed SLPs must complete 30 hours of approved CE every two years. The biennium ends on December 31 of odd-numbered years.
Is Iowa a member of the SLP Interstate Compact?
▾
Yes, Iowa is a member of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC).
Can I practice while my application is pending?
▾
No, you must have an active Iowa license or a temporary clinical license before you begin practicing in the state.