Iowa Teacher PD Requirements (2026)

90 hours every 5 years for teachers

Source

Source: https://educate.iowa.gov/educator-licensure/applyrenewconvert/more-renewal-information
Last verified: May 25, 2026

Primary source: Iowa Department of Education BoEE. IA's prohibition on PDUs/CEUs/contact hours is unusual — most states accept multiple credit types. IA effectively forces teachers into formal coursework or the IPDP track. The IPDP option caps at 3 of 6 credits, so at least 3 must come from college courses. This makes IA renewal more expensive in dollars than most states.

Teachers

Annual hours: —
Cycle hours: 90
Cycle years: 5

Iowa Standard Teaching License renews every 5 years. Required: 6 renewal credits per 5-year cycle. IMPORTANT: Iowa BoEE accepts ONLY college credit (regionally accredited) or BoEE-approved provider credit. Professional Development Units (PDUs), CEUs, contact hours, workshop certificates, and district-issued PD credits do NOT count toward Iowa renewal — this is unusually strict. One completed IPDP (Individual Professional Development Plan) can satisfy up to 3 of the 6 required credits if completed in an Iowa school setting, signed by teacher + evaluator, with specific goals/activities/data/reflection. National Board cert, Cooperating Teacher Experience, and Micro-Externships also qualify. 6 credits × 15 contact hours = 90 contact hour equivalent.

Counselors

Annual hours: —
Cycle hours: 90
Cycle years: 5

School counselors hold an Iowa Statement of Professional Recognition or BoEE-issued license, same 6-credit / 5-year framework with same college-credit-only restriction.

Administrators

Annual hours: —
Cycle hours: 90
Cycle years: 5

Administrators hold an Iowa BoEE-issued administrator license, same 6-credit / 5-year framework.

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Information current as of May 25, 2026. Verify with your state Department of Education for official licensure decisions.