Whether you’re drawn to Iowa’s thriving agricultural sector or its growing technology and healthcare industries, becoming a CPA opens doors to rewarding career opportunities across the Hawkeye State. This comprehensive guide walks you through every requirement, exam detail, and licensing step to launch your CPA career in Iowa.
Making a living from the land is woven into the culture here in Iowa. The state generates almost $30 billion in cash receipts from agricultural commodities every year. Accounting practice here is global, too. The state exports agriproducts all over the world, from Canada to Germany to China. Sorting through multinational export and accounting rules is no job for lightweight bookkeepers; it takes skilled CPAs to get it done.
Decades of lobbying have made the tax code around farms and farming industries highly specialized, and only CPAs have the qualifications to sort it all out. To that end, the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants puts on a presentation every year dedicated to farm taxation updates.
Even as technology, healthcare, and the business service sector come to represent a bigger piece of the economic pie around here, big ag still intersects with those industries and remains a key contributor to the state’s economy. And CPAs are involved in all of it.
Quick Navigation
- Education Requirements
- CPA Exam Process
- Experience Requirements
- License Application
- Continuing Education
- CPA Salary in Iowa
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Get Your Education – Meet Iowa’s CPA Degree Requirements
Iowa requires all CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college credit with specific coursework in accounting and business. Here’s your roadmap to meeting these educational requirements:
Educational Pathways to 150 Credit Hours
The Iowa Accountancy Examining Board requires all CPAs to have at least a bachelor’s degree and 150 semester hours of college credit. Since a standard bachelor’s degree consists of just 120 semester hours, you’ll need an additional 30 credits. Here are your options:
- Master’s in Accounting (MAcc): The most common path, typically 30-36 credit hours
- MBA with Accounting Concentration: Combines business strategy with accounting expertise
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: Focused accounting coursework for career changers
- Five-Year CPA Track Programs: Integrated bachelor’s and master’s curriculum
Accreditation Requirements
The Iowa State Board of Accountancy recognizes accounting and business degrees from schools accredited by:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission
- Other regional or national accreditation agencies recognized by the Department of Education or CHEA
International Credentials: If you earned your degree outside the U.S., your credentials must be evaluated by Foreign Academic Credential Services, Inc. (FACS) or NASBA International Evaluation Services.
Specific Coursework Requirements
Your 150 semester hours must include:
Important Notes:
- Courses must be above elementary or principles level
- Internship or life experience doesn’t count toward the 24-hour requirements
- Online, CLEP, and correspondence courses count if you receive credit from an accredited institution
- Commercial CPA review courses do NOT count for credit
- Community college courses DO count for credit
2. Take The Uniform CPA Exam
You’re eligible to take the CPA exam once you’ve completed all educational requirements. Iowa requires all education to be finished before you can test.
CPA Exam Application Process
- Apply through NASBA: Submit your application through NASBA’s CPA Examination Services
- Submit Official Transcripts: Send sealed transcripts or have your school submit them electronically to [email protected]
- Pay Exam Fees: Submit payment via certified check, money order, or credit card
- Mail Application:
CPA Examination Services, Iowa Coordinator
P.O. Box 198469
Nashville, TN 37219-8469
Scheduling Your Exam
Once approved, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) valid for six months. Schedule your exam at Prometric testing centers in:
- Bettendorf
- Coralville
- West Des Moines
- Sioux City
Exam Format and Scoring
The CPA exam consists of four sections, each requiring a minimum score of 75%:
Need special accommodations? Submit an ADA Modification Form with your application.
For detailed exam preparation strategies, explore our Uniform CPA Exam guide.
3. Gain The Necessary Experience
After passing the CPA exam, you’ll need professional experience to qualify for licensure.
Ethics Requirement
Before starting your experience, complete the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct self-study course with a minimum score of 90%.
Experience Requirements
Iowa requires:
- Duration: Minimum 12 months (doesn’t need to be consecutive)
- Hours: At least 2,000 hours of practical accounting experience
- Supervision: Direct supervision by a licensed CPA
- Attestation: If you plan to perform attestation services, you need 2 years total (1 year attestation + 1 year general accounting)
Qualifying Experience Types
Your experience can be in:
- Public accounting firms
- Private industry
- Government agencies
- Academia (teaching minimum 24 semester hours of accounting)
Required Competencies
Your experience must demonstrate competency in:
- Compilation and review of financial statements
- Management advisory functions
- Taxation, budgeting, cost analysis, and asset management
- Preparing financial statements and budgets
- Understanding accounting information systems
- Projection and forecast of standards and procedures
Your supervising CPA must complete the Verification of Experience form (and Attest Qualification form if applicable) to submit with your license application.
4. Obtain Your Iowa CPA License
Pre-License Checklist
Before applying, ensure you’ve:
- ✓ Passed all four CPA exam sections
- ✓ Completed the AICPA ethics course (90% or higher)
- ✓ Earned 150 semester hours with required coursework
- ✓ Completed 12 months/2,000 hours of qualifying experience
- ✓ Obtained signed verification forms from your supervising CPA
License Application Process
- Download the Initial Application for Licensure from the Iowa DIAL website
- Include the completed Verification of Experience form
- Include Attest Qualification form (if applicable)
- Submit fees: $100 initial registration + $100 for attest privileges (if applicable)
- Mail to:
Iowa Accountancy Examining Board
200 E. Grand, Suite 350
Des Moines, IA 50309
Special Licensing Situations
Out-of-State Candidates: Must meet Iowa’s education and exam requirements as described above.
License by Reciprocity: If you’re a licensed CPA in another state, you may qualify through:
- State Substantial Equivalency
- Individual Substantial Equivalency
- Four-in-ten rule (4 years of experience in the last 10 years)
International Chartered Accountants: CAs from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, or Mexico have special provisions. Contact the Iowa Board at (515) 725-9022 for details.
5. Stay Current Through Continuing Professional Education
Iowa CPAs must complete ongoing education to maintain their licenses:
CPE Requirements by Year
CPE Content Requirements
- Technical Subjects (minimum 96 hours/3 years): Accounting, auditing, taxation, consulting
- Non-Technical Subjects (maximum 24 hours/3 years): Leadership, communications, marketing
- Ethics (4 hours/3 years): Professional conduct and ethics
Approved CPE Formats
- Professional development programs
- University courses (1 semester hour = 15 CPE hours)
- Webinars and distance learning
- Self-study programs (maximum 50% of total)
- Teaching/presenting (maximum 50% of total)
- Publishing articles (maximum 25% of total)
Maintain CPE records for at least three years, including certificates of completion and course details.
6. CPA Salary Expectations in Iowa
Understanding salary potential helps you make informed career decisions. Here’s what CPAs earn across Iowa:
Statewide CPA Salary Data
Top Paying Cities for CPAs in Iowa
Industry Comparison
CPA salaries vary significantly by industry sector:
- Finance and Insurance: Typically 10-15% above average
- Manufacturing: Competitive with state median
- Government: Often includes excellent benefits despite lower base pay
- Agriculture: Specialized knowledge commands premium rates
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
Investment Required to Become an Iowa CPA
Planning your CPA journey includes understanding the financial investment:
Timeline to CPA Licensure
Most candidates complete the CPA process in 5-6 years:
- Years 1-4: Bachelor’s degree (120 credits)
- Year 5: An Additional 30 credits (master’s or certificate)
- Year 5-6: CPA exam preparation and testing (6-18 months)
- Year 6-7: Complete experience requirement (12 months minimum)
Professional Organizations and Resources
After becoming a CPA, consider joining:
- American Institute of CPAs (AICPA): National organization providing resources, advocacy, and networking
- Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants: State-specific support, CPE opportunities, and local networking
With your CPA license, you can pursue specializations in:
- Financial planning
- Forensic accounting
- Business valuation
- Information technology consulting
7. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Iowa?
Most candidates complete the process in 5-6 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1 year for additional credits, 6-18 months for the CPA exam, and 12 months for experience requirements. The timeline can be shorter with accelerated programs or longer if you work while studying.
Can I become a CPA in Iowa with an online degree?
Yes, as long as the online program is from an AACSB-accredited institution or holds equivalent accreditation recognized by the Iowa Board. The same coursework requirements apply regardless of delivery method.
Do I need to live in Iowa to get an Iowa CPA license?
No residency requirement exists for the CPA exam or initial licensure. However, if your principal place of business is in Iowa, you must obtain an Iowa license. If you work outside Iowa, you may not need an Iowa license.
What’s the pass rate for the CPA exam in Iowa?
Pass rates vary by section and testing window, but nationally average around 45-60% for first-time candidates. Iowa candidates typically perform at or above the national average. Proper preparation with review courses significantly improves your chances.
Can I start working before completing all CPA requirements?
Yes! Many accounting positions don’t require a CPA license. You can work in accounting while completing your education, taking the exam, and gaining qualifying experience. Many employers support CPA candidates with study time and exam fee reimbursement.
How much does the Iowa CPA license renewal cost?
License renewal costs $120 every three years. Additionally, budget $500-$2,000 annually for required continuing professional education courses.
This guide reflects Iowa CPA requirements as of January 2025. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the Iowa Accountancy Examining Board.
