Occupational licensing · Iowa · burden rank #39 of 51
Iowa Occupational Licensing Requirements
Iowa's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Iowa sits in the low-burden band (#39 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Professional Geologist; Veterinarian; Psychologist; Mortgage Loan Originator. Nearest burden-rank peers: South Carolina; Oklahoma; Kansas; Nebraska. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Compare a named license or a peer state rather than reading the rank alone.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #39 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,686
- Avg initial fee
- $94
Iowa vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
58 Among the freest more restrictive than 20% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Professional Geologist; Veterinarian; Psychologist; Mortgage Loan Originator. Nearest burden-rank peers: South Carolina; Oklahoma; Kansas; Nebraska. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Iowa, Psychologist lists 5,378 education hours with an exam and a $176 initial fee. Compare the same license in South Carolina on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Iowa, Electrician lists 4,757 education hours with an exam and a $72 initial fee. Compare the same license in South Carolina on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Professional Geologist
Professional Geologist is among Iowa's higher initial fees at $200 . Open Oklahoma for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Iowa's higher initial fees at $176 after 4,378 education hours. Open Oklahoma for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Iowa against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Iowa already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Iowa: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#39 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Kansas · burden #40/51
- Oklahoma · burden #38/51
- Nebraska · burden #41/51
- South Carolina · burden #37/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($94 here).
- Kansas · avg $92 initial fee
- Nebraska · avg $91 initial fee
- Oklahoma · avg $99 initial fee
- South Carolina · avg $101 initial fee
Agriculture in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
Animal Care in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 4,378 | Yes | $176 | $157 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 1,689 | Yes | $88 | $78 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
Construction in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 4,757 | Yes | $72 | $58 | 1 yr | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| 4,757 | Yes | $107 | $97 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $155 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 2,757 | Yes | $58 | $49 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maryland |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 8 | Yes | $58 | $53 | 3 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 4,757 | Yes | $81 | $72 | 1 yr | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
Cosmetology in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,095 | Yes | $59 | $35 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 1,114 | Yes | $63 | $37 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 305 | Yes | $58 | $49 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Michigan.
| 400 | Yes | $51 | $34 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Michigan |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 457 | Yes | $70 | $43 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 254 | Yes | $48 | $29 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
Design in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $136 | $118 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Education in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 23 | No | $58 | $49 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $76 | $57 | 5 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $85 | $66 | 5 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $76 | $57 | 5 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
Engineering in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | Yes | $155 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
Finance in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $135 | $116 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 31 | Yes | $64 | $54 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 20 | Yes | $166 | $119 | 1 yr | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
Food & Hospitality in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
Healthcare in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 2,689 | Yes | $88 | $78 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 2,689 | Yes | $127 | $78 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 135 | Yes | $53 | $49 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,095 | Yes | $99 | $69 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| 3,189 | Yes | $118 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 4,189 | Yes | $155 | $136 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kentucky.
| 1,351 | Yes | $88 | $78 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kentucky |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 4,284 | Yes | $147 | $138 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 3,189 | Yes | $127 | $118 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 3,284 | Yes | $157 | $147 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,932 | Yes | $88 | $78 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $97 | $88 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 2,189 | Yes | $108 | $74 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 1,689 | Yes | $88 | $78 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 3,189 | Yes | $127 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
Legal & Security in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 22 | No | $68 | $45 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 1,168 | Yes | $116 | $107 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
Mental Health in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 3,189 | Yes | $108 | $99 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| 2,689 | Yes | $96 | $86 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 2,689 | Yes | $118 | $108 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 5,378 | Yes | $176 | $157 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
Miscellaneous in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Massachusetts.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Massachusetts |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Maine.
| 103 | Yes | $77 | $58 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Maine |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
Real Estate in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 66 | Yes | $81 | $71 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 100 | Yes | $116 | $102 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
Transportation in Iowa
| IA profession | IA edu hrs | IA exam | IA initial $ | IA renew $ | IA cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 8 | Yes | $45 | $35 | 4 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 190 | Yes | $54 | $35 | 4 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Kansas.
| 55 | Yes | $45 | $35 | 4 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Kansas |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Louisiana |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Iowa ranks #39 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Bottom quartile, lowest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Iowa directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Iowa
NCSL and state-board extracts for Iowa. Burden peers on this ladder include South Carolina, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Iowa render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.