2026 data Iowa board official source

Iowa Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License Requirements

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

Provides accounting and auditing services. Requires Uniform CPA Exam.

What the Iowa data shows for Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s

Becoming a licensed certified public accountant (cpa) in Iowa means clearing a defined set of hurdles: board-approved training, a passing score on Uniform CPA Examination, and 1 year of supervised work experience, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Iowa regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours".

Budget $135 to get started, plus $116 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 80 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For certified public accountant (cpa)s, the reciprocity picture is: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions.

Licensing Requirements in Iowa

Education / Training Hours
Bachelors Degree with 150 credit hours
Not specified
Exam Requirement
Uniform CPA Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$135
Renewal Fee
$116
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
80 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Iowa licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Iowa?
In Iowa, the license path calls for, a passing score on Uniform CPA Examination, and a $135 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Iowa?
Certification as a certified public accountant (cpa) in Iowa means clearing the state's checklist plus 1 year of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Iowa licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license to Iowa from another state?
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for certified public accountant (cpa)s: CPA mobility: practice rights in all 55 US jurisdictions. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Iowa licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Iowa require a background check for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensing?
A criminal background check is mandatory for certified public accountant (cpa) licensing in Iowa. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Iowa?
Licensed certified public accountant (cpa)s in Iowa must complete 80 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $116.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites