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Verified by IA Board of Education

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for preschool teachers, except special education in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Tied to business.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Iowa Department of Education • Iowa Board of Educational Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $29,790 median (20% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #45 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Education~Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $29,790, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Iowa earn 20% below the national median of $37,120. Iowa ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$29,790

Hourly estimate

$14.32
20% below national median

Difference: -$7,330

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$26,220
  • P2525th percentile$27,970
  • P50Median$29,790
  • P7575th percentile$36,070
  • P9090th percentile$48,740

State vs National Median

State: $29,790
National: $37,120

Total employment: 5,570 | Annual openings: N/A

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Salary Ranking

#45 of 50 statesfor Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nebraska$50,270
#2New Jersey$46,570
#3California$45,880
#4New York$45,580
#5Massachusetts$45,030

Nearby States Comparison

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$29,790Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$38,650Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$34,950Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$37,220Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Missouri$35,120Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$50,270Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$33,350Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Missouri54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Iowa Department of Education • Iowa Board of Educational Examiners

400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50319

Phone: 5152813611

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$75,600Specific course requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$78,400Specific course requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$81,340Specific course requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$54,720Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Iowa?

Iowa lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations.

What education do you need to become a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Iowa?

The board typically expects Degree required for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Iowa is $29,790. Salaries range from $26,220 (10th percentile) to $48,740 (90th percentile).

How does the Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Iowa earn 20% below the national median of $37,120, with a state median of $29,790.

How many Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 5,570 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educations in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Education / Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Review agency details at https://boee.iowa.gov/.

How often do you renew a Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.