Iowa Teacher Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

The information below is collected from state regulatory agencies responsible for regulating school based speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.

Audiologist

Option 1: School Audiologist Professional Service License

Initial Professional Service License

1. Master's degree in audiology
2. Completion of requirements in audiology and the professional education sequence—20 semester hours, including student teaching/internship as a school audiologist, and courses in the following areas: curriculum courses, Foundations, Educational Measurements, Educational Psychology, Special Education, Child Development, and general education courses
3. Completion of an approved human relations course
4. The program must also include preparation that contributes to the education of individuals with disabilities as well as the gifted and talented

Standard Professional Service License

1. Meets Initial Professional Service License requirements
2. Successful completion of a state-approved mentoring and induction program as determined by a comprehensive evaluation and two years successful service experience in an Iowa public school.

Option 2: Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR)

If a person has completed a master's in audiology but has not completed the education sequence or chooses not to be certified, a license must be obtained from the Iowa State Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology Examiners. In addition, the person is required to obtain a Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR) from the Board of Educational Examiners.

Procedure for Acquiring the Statement of Professional Recognition

The special education director (or designee) of the area education agency must submit a letter requesting that the authorization be issued. The following documents must be included:

1. A copy of a temporary or regular license issued from the Iowa State Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology Examiners
2. An official transcript reflecting the master's degree in audiology

A temporary SPR will then be issued for one school year. After completion of an approved human relations course, the SPR will be valid for five years.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Option 1: Speech-Language Pathologist Professional Service License

Initial Professional Service License

1. Master's degree in speech-language pathology
2. Completion of requirements in speech pathology and the professional education sequence—20 semester hours, including student teaching/internship as a school speech-language pathologist, and courses in the following areas: curriculum courses, Foundations, Educational Measurements, Educational Psychology, Special Education, Child Development, and general education courses
3. Completion of an approved human relations course
4. The program must also include preparation that contributes to the education of individuals with disabilities as well as the gifted and talented

Standard Professional Service License

1. Meets Initial Service License requirements
2. Successful completion of a state-approved mentoring and induction program as determined by a comprehensive evaluation and two years successful service experience in an Iowa public school, or evidence of three years successful experience in a nonpublic or out-of-state K–12 educational setting

Option 2: Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR)

If a person has completed a master's in speech-language pathology but has not completed the education sequence, or chooses not to be certified; a license must be obtained from the Iowa State Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology Examiners. Additionally, the person is required to obtain a Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR) from the Board of Educational Examiners.

Procedure for Acquiring the Statement of Professional Recognition

The special education director or designee of the area education agency must submit a letter requesting that the authorization be issued. The following documents must be included:

1. A copy of a temporary or regular license from the State Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology Examiners
2. An official transcript reflecting the master's degree in speech-language pathology

A temporary SPR will then be issued for one school year. After completion of an approved human relations course, the SPR will be valid for five years.

Continuing Education Requirement

Renewal of the Professional Service License requires four credits every 5 years and the mandatory reporter training for child and dependent adult abuse. Holders of the SPR are required to maintain current licensure through the Department of Health.

Regulatory Oversight

• Iowa Board of Education Examiners 
• Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology 

Resources

For further information on laws and regulations for school based speech-language pathologists and audiologists, please visit these websites:

• Iowa Administrative Code – Issuance of Professional Services Licenses [PDF]
• Iowa Department of Education

Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.