Iowa LPN Licensing Guide
- Compact State
- Participates in NURSYS
- Renewal every 3 years
Overview
Iowa nurses are governed by the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON), which issues Iowa nursing licenses by endorsement and exam. The IBON’s mission is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by regulating nursing education, continuing education, and the practice of nurses.
About
The preferred method for applying for an Iowa nursing license is completing an application online through IBON Online Services. Once an applicant begins a new application, they must complete it within 12 months, or the application is archived, and all required documents submitted may be destroyed. Once an application has been archived, the applicants must begin a new application, repay the application fee, and potentially resubmit all documents. When the IBON approves new applications for Iowa LPN licenses, it may issue licenses by endorsement or examination for a 24-month to 36-month period. When LPNs renew their initial licenses, they’re placed on a three-year renewal cycle.
Prospective nurses must complete nursing education programs approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. IBON approves nursing programs with a physical presence in Iowa to ensure nursing students receive a quality education that prepares them to pass the nurse licensure exam and earn their Iowa LPN license. The Board has the authority to regulate both pre-licensure and post-licensure nursing programs. It doesn’t approve out-of-state nursing programs, but it will accept these programs if they’re in good standing with the regulatory agency and approved by the State BON or agency that regulates nursing programs in the state it’s in.
Renewal
Iowa LPN licenses must be renewed every three years. Licensees should check the Online Verification System to determine their license expiration date. Nurses may renew LPN licenses up to 60 days before their expiration date. To renew online using IBON Online Services, click on “Renew an Existing License” and follow the directions.
Iowa law requires that nursing license renewals be completed 30 days before the current license expires. However, IBON considers renewals on time if completed on or before the 15th day of the licensee’s birth month, the standard expiration date. Renewals completed on or after the 16th day of the licensee’s birth month are considered late and incur a $50 late fee. IBON automatically audits continuing education (CE) credits of any licensee who renews late.
Continuing Education Requirements
Continuing education is a mandatory prerequisite to renewing an Iowa LPN license. LPNs must earn 36 contact hours of CE during each three-year licensure period. LPNs who regularly examine, counsel, or treat dependent adults or children must complete mandatory training on abuse identification and reporting offered by the Iowa Department of Human Services. Mandatory training counts as 2 CE contact hours. Options to complete CE requirements include:
Informal offerings by:
Board-approved providers
Approved providers from state BONs with mandatory CE requirements
American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
National League for Nursing
National Commission for Certifying Agencies
Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
American Medical Association Continuing Medical Education
International Association for Continuing Education and Training
National Commission for Health Education Credentialing
National Board of Public Health Examiners
American Psychological Association
National Council for Behavioral Health
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
Commission for Case Manager Certification
Current national certification or recertification related to the practice of nursing (counts as 36 CE contact hours)
Completion of an IBON-approved nurse refresher course
Participation as a one-on-one preceptor for nursing students or employees transitioning into a new clinical practice area for at least 120 hours (counts as 12 CE contact hours)
Completion of a nurse residency program (counts as 36 CE contact hours)
Academic offerings from:
Public and private colleges and universities
Community colleges
Governmental academies
Informal offerings from nonapproved providers when specially approved by IBON for individual licensees
Academic credits for courses taken toward a nursing degree beyond the degree attained for original licensure (each semester hour equivalent to 15 CE contact hours / each quarter hour equivalent to 10 CE contact hours)
IBON conducts random CE audits each month to determine whether CE requirements have been met. LPNs may receive a notification when renewing online that they’ve been randomly selected for an audit at the end of the renewal process. Late renewals are automatically audited. When selected for an audit, LPNs must submit documentation of completion of CE requirements as part of the renewal process. Failing to comply with an audit may result in disciplinary action. Licensees with questions regarding CE audits may email IBON staff at [email protected] or call 515-281-8258.
Requirements
Fingerprinting Requirements
All Iowa LPN license applicants must complete two fingerprint cards used for obtaining state and national criminal background checks. They receive these cards from IBON in their application packet. IBON won’t accept any other fingerprint cards. Applicants must obtain fingerprint impressions through an authorized technician only. They should contact their local police department or sheriff’s office through a non-emergency number to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. There’s usually a charge for this service. Steps for completing fingerprinting include:
Arriving at the authorized fingerprinting agency for instructions on how to proceed
Typing or writing legibly in blue or black ink all required information on the cards
Confirming all blanks on fingerprint cards are filled to ensure they’re not returned
Having fingerprints carefully and legibly rolled in all the appropriate boxes
Signing the waiver allowing IBON access to all criminal history convictions
Sending completed fingerprint cards, a signed waiver, and a check or money order made payable to the Iowa Board of Nursing to the IBON office
Some authorized technicians electronically scan fingerprints, which is acceptable but only when they print the actual fingerprint cards for hardcopy submission. Electronic fingerprint submission isn’t available. Applicants must not fold, bend, staple, tape, or modify the fingerprint cards in any way, or they risk having their fingerprints rejected and delaying the application process. IBON won’t issue an Iowa nursing license until the completed fingerprint packet and fee are received.
Contact Information
Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing6200 Park Avenue, Suite 100Des Moines, IA 50321[email protected](515) 281-3255
Multistate
IBON voted to initiate the Original Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) on July 17, 1998, which took effect in 2000. On January 19, 2018, IBON withdrew from the NLC to fully implement the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), and the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrator Rules took effect.
Nurses who live in a Compact state, including Iowa, can apply for a multistate license in the state they declare as their primary state of residence (PSOR). Applicants must provide proof of their PSOR with a driver’s license, voter registration card, or federal income tax return showing their permanent home address. LPNs with a multistate license in another Compact state who move to Iowa must establish Iowa as their PSOR and provide an Iowa address on their application for a new multistate license. They may practice nursing on their previous multistate license while awaiting their new Iowa multistate nursing license.
Licensure by Endorsement
LPNs licensed in another state can apply for licensure by endorsement in Iowa if their PSOR is in a non-Compact state or they hold a single-state license in a Compact state. To qualify for an Iowa LPN license by endorsement, applicants must:
Have graduated from a Board-approved LPN nursing education program
Have passed the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
Hold an LPN license in another state
Disclose any past criminal convictions or disciplinary actions for the IBON to review and approve
Applicants can access an online application through IBON Online Services by clicking on the “License by Endorsement” link. They must provide a mailing address where IBON can send additional licensing information. Applicants receive a packet of required materials and instructions via ground mail after completing the online application and paying the appropriate fees. Steps required for obtaining an Iowa nursing license by endorsement include:
Submitting two completed fingerprint cards obtained from the IBON office
Completing and signing the Criminal History Background Waiver
Reporting all criminal convictions and out-of-state disciplinary actions received
Requesting the nursing education program to send a hard copy of official transcripts directly to the IBON
The Board won’t accept transcripts submitted by the applicant or that are faxed or electronically transmitted
Transcripts must show the degree conferred and graduation date
Sending a request for verification of the original license only
Apply online at Nursys for original license verification
States that don’t participate in Nursys require completion of a Verification of Original License form contained in the licensing packet
Submitting active military or federal government employee identification, if applicable
Applicants with questions about the paperwork or application process may email the Iowa nursing license endorsement staff at [email protected] or call 515-281-4827.
Licensure by Exam
Graduate nurses who’ve never been licensed may apply for Iowa nurse licensure by examination if they graduated from an IBON-approved LPN nursing program. Applying for licensure is a two-part process. Applicants must complete the IBON application for the exam and NCLEX registration to receive an Authorization to Test (ATT). They start by completing an online application from the “License Examination” link and paying the application fee. The IBON will send the applicant a packet of additional materials and instructions via ground mail. Applicants must return all the required documents, including:
Two completed fingerprint cards obtained from the IBON office
Completed and signed Criminal History Background Waiver
Signed and dated Applicant Information Form
Documentation of all criminal convictions and out-of-state disciplinary actions received
Official nursing transcripts sent directly from the nursing school via ground mail that show the date of graduation and degree conferred
Pearson VUE administers the NCLEX. Applicants can complete NCLEX registration and pay the $200 fee online or contact Pearson VUE by phone at 866-496-2539. They must use the same name, address, and email as they did on the IBON application. Once IBON makes the applicant eligible for testing, Pearson VUE sends them an ATT email. The IBON application and NCLEX registration expire 90 days after receipt of the ATT. If these expire, applicants must resubmit both applications and both fees.
Applicants who pass the NCLEX receive an email informing them that IBON has issued their Iowa nursing license. For those who fail the exam, IBON sends them notifications through the mail along with re-examination instructions. License numbers aren’t released by phone. Applicants can also verify their new Iowa LPN license on IBON Online Services by clicking on “Secured Access” and searching for their license information or using the “QuickConfirm” license verification option on Nursys.
Individuals with additional questions on the exam application process can email the exam staff at [email protected].
Licensure for Foreign Educated Nurses
Foreign-educated nurses can apply for Iowa LPN licensure by endorsement or licensure by exam by following the same steps as domestic nurses, with the exception of requesting their nursing school to mail official transcripts to IBON. This step is replaced by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Professional Report. They also have some additional steps required.
International applicants must provide a U.S. Social Security Number or documentation that allows them to live and work in the U.S., such as an immigrant visa. Those with an SSN can apply online and may qualify for a multistate license. Those without an SSN are issued a single-state license only and must call the IBON office at 515-281-3264 or email [email protected] to request a paper application. Additional requirements include applying with CGFNS for a CGFNS Professional Report, which must include one of the following:
Credentials Evaluation Service Report
Visa Screen certificate
Certification Program CGFNS certificate
Certificate verification letter confirming that a Visa Screen or Certification Program CGFNS certificate was issued
International graduates must also complete an English Proficiency test. Acceptable tests include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants are exempt from taking an English Proficiency test if all the following requirements are met:
Applicant’s native language is English
Instruction in the nursing program was in English
Textbooks in the nursing program were in English
Nursing program was administered at a college, university, or professional school located in Canada (except Quebec), Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa
Once foreign-educated candidates for an Iowa nursing license by exam submit all required paperwork, they must register to take the NCLEX like domestic candidates. IBON makes them eligible to take the NCLEX, and Pearson VUE sends them their ATT, which expires in 90 days.
Foreign-educated candidates seeking licensure by endorsement must submit the same additional items as those seeking licensure by exam, but they must have already passed the NCLEX. They also must have held licensure or registration as a nurse in the country or U.S. territory of origin, of residence, or where they were educated as documented by CGFNS. Foreign-educated nurses aren’t eligible for temporary licenses.
Timing
IBON processes applications in the order received after it receives a fully completed application, fee payment, and all required documents. Before calling to check the application status, applicants should check the status on IBON Online Services by selecting the “Check the Status of an Application in Process” link. When monitoring the status online, materials won’t display until they’re reviewed and processed by IBON staff. During peak licensure times, it can take 3 to 8 weeks to process applications based on the volume and when IBON receives the required documents.
Temporary Nurse License
Only LPNs licensed in another state applying for licensure by endorsement may apply for a temporary nursing license in Iowa. Applicants educated in the U.S. or internationally applying for an Iowa LPN license by exam aren’t eligible for a temporary license. Endorsement applicants may be issued a temporary license after IBON receives and accepts:
Completed application for licensure by endorsement
Two completed fingerprint cards and a signed waiver
Application and criminal history background check fees totaling $169
Verification of original license
Declaration that the applicant has no criminal convictions or current disciplinary action against their license in another state
Confirmation the applicant has sent a request for official transcripts from their school of nursing
Fees
All licensure fees are nonrefundable and due at application submission. Any overpayment made that’s less than $10 won’t be refunded. Applicants/Licensees are encouraged to apply/renew online using a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card. Unless otherwise noted, all payments should be made payable to the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Licensure by Examination: $143
$93 application fee and $50 criminal history background check fee
NCLEX Fee to National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): $200
Each attempt
Re-Examination Fee: $93
Add $50 criminal history background check fee if one year has passed since beginning the exam application
Licensure by Endorsement: $169
$119 application fee and $50 criminal history background check fee
License Renewal: $99 every three years, due 30 days prior to the 15th of the licensee's birth month
Late License Renewal: $149
$99 renewal fee plus $50 late fee
License Reactivation: $225
$175 application fee and $50 criminal history background check fee
Certified Copy of Original Documents: $20
Returned Check Charge: $15
Paid by certified check or money order only
Verification of License Status: $25
When not using Nursys
Rosters of Licensee Information may be downloaded at no charge.
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Estimated pay packageFrequently asked questions
What happens if I fail the NCLEX-PN in Iowa?
If you fail the NCLEX-PN in Iowa, the IBON will send you notifications through the mail along with re-examination instructions.
Does LPN licensure renewal in Iowa require continuing education?
Yes LPN licensure renewal in Iowa requires continuing education. LPNs must earn 36 contact hours of CE during each three-year licensure period.
Is Iowa a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes Iowa is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.
Does Iowa require fingerprinting for a background check?
Yes Iowa requires fingerprinting for a background check.
How often do you need to renew your LPN license in Iowa?
You must renew your LPN license in Iowa every three years.