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Iowa Speech-Language Pathologist License

Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology

Total Fee
$60
Processing Time
2 to 4 weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • 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

  1. Create a Portal Account
    Register for a new user account on the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) Professional Licensure Portal.
  2. Submit Online Application
    Complete the online application for a permanent Speech-Language Pathologist license and pay the non-refundable $120 application fee.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

  1. Portal Application
    Select 'License by Endorsement' in the DIAL portal and pay the $120 fee.
  2. ASHA Verification
    Provide proof of current ASHA CCCs to satisfy education and exam requirements.
  3. Out-of-State Verifications
    Request official verification of all professional licenses held in other jurisdictions to be sent directly to the Iowa Board.
  4. 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

ItemAmount
Application$60
Endorsement application$60
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal120.0

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.

Board Info

Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology
Sources
State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25