Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Iowa Board of Certification (IBC) do?
The Iowa Board of Certification (IBC) establishes and maintains professional standards for individuals providing substance use and behavioral health services. IBC reviews applications, administers certifications, and ensures ethical and professional practice.

What certifications does IBC offer?
IBC offers multiple credentials for professionals in substance use and related fields. A full list of certifications and requirements can be found on our Credentials page.

How do I know which certification is right for me?
Each certification has specific education, experience, and training requirements. We recommend reviewing the handbook for each credential to determine which best fits your qualifications and career goals.

How do I change my name on my certification?

To process a name change, we will need either:

• • A copy of a valid, updated photo ID showing the correct name or
  • A copy of the legal documentation reflecting the name change.

Once this information is received and the name is updated in our system, you will receive an email with your updated certificate.

How do I apply for certification?
Applications must be completed using the appropriate forms found on our website and submitted according to the instructions provided (typically by mail).

What is included in a complete application?
A complete application includes all required forms, documentation, fees, and supporting materials as outlined in the certification handbook.

When does processing time begin?
Processing time begins once all required documentation and payment has been received.

How long does it take to process an application?
Current processing time is approximately 20 business days for complete applications.

Will I be notified when my application is received?
Yes. You will receive email confirmation once your application has been received and entered into our system.

Can I check the status of my application?
Due to processing volume, individual status updates are not provided during the standard processing timeframe. If additional information is needed, we will contact you directly.

What happens after I submit my application?
Once payment is received, applications are reviewed in the order received. If additional information is required, you will be contacted. Once the review is complete, you will be notified of next steps.

What happens if my application is incomplete?
You will be notified of missing items, and your application will remain on hold until all required materials are received.

Do application materials expire?
Yes. Application materials must be completed within the timeframe outlined in the certification handbook—typically one year from the date of submission. If the application is not completed within this timeframe, it will expire and a new application and fee may be required.

What is an official transcript?
An official transcript is issued directly from an educational institution and sent to IBC either electronically or by mail.

How should transcripts be submitted?
Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to IBC. Transcripts submitted by applicants are not considered official.

Can I send my own transcript?
No. Only transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution are accepted as official.

How do I request a transcript review?
To request a transcript review, you must complete the Transcript Review Request Form available on our website.

How long does a transcript review take?
Transcript reviews are completed within approximately 20–30 business days.

Will I be notified when my transcript is received?
Transcript receipt may not be individually confirmed. You will be contacted once your review is complete or if additional information is needed.

What happens if you receive my transcript without my contact information?
Transcripts typically only include your name, institution, and grades—they do not include contact information. They also do not indicate which certification you are applying for. If we receive a transcript without a completed transcript review form, we are unable to identify you, determine the certification being requested, or contact you. As a result, the transcript cannot be processed until the form is submitted and matched to the transcript.

Are transcript reviews final?
No. Transcript reviews are preliminary. Final determination is made during the full application review process.

What are the application fees?
Application fees vary by certification. Please refer to the specific certification handbook for current fee information.

Are fees refundable?
No. All fees submitted to IBC are non-refundable.

What payment methods are accepted?
Accepted payment methods online card or check by mail. We do not accept payment over the phone and prefer to not accept cash.

Do I need to take an exam for certification?
Most certifications require passing an exam. Requirements vary by credential.

When am I eligible to take the exam?
You will be notified of your eligibility once your application has been reviewed and approved.

How do I register for the exam?
Instructions for exam registration will be provided once eligibility has been confirmed.

How often do I need to renew my certification?
Certifications must be renewed according to the schedule outlined for your credential.

How many CEUs are required?
Continuing education requirements vary by certification. Please refer to your certification handbook for specific requirements.

In general, IBC requires that at least 50% of CEU hours be completed “in person,” which includes live, in-person trainings or live virtual (real-time) trainings.

Trainings not listed on the IBC approved training calendar are not pre-approved. A $15.00 fee per training will be assessed for review of non-listed trainings.

IBC does not approve online, non-live (self-paced) trainings.

When in doubt, please refer to the IBC approved training calendar. If a training is not listed, it is not pre-approved and will be subject to the review fee:
https://iowabc.org/education/

Does IBC track my CEUs?
No. It is the responsibility of the credential holder to maintain records of all continuing education.

It is strongly recommended that you keep certificates of completion for each training completed during your recertification period. Maintaining these records will make the recertification process easier and ensure you are prepared in the event of an audit.

Please do not send certificates of completion to IBC unless specifically requested. IBC is not responsible for maintaining copies of these records on your behalf.

What is your late recertification policy?

If your application and payment are submitted on or before your expiration date, you will be granted a 45-day grace period following the expiration date to submit any remaining required materials.

If your application and payment are submitted after the expiration date, a $50 late fee will apply; however, you will still be granted the same 45-day grace period to complete all required materials.

How do I upgrade my certification?
Upgrade applications must be submitted with the required documentation outlined in the certification handbook. Upgrade applications must be submitted via mail, original copies only, nothing electronic will be accepted.

What is reciprocity?
Reciprocity allows individuals certified in another state to apply for equivalent certification in Iowa.

How do I transfer my certification from another state?
To start the reciprocity process you will be need contact your HOME board first. They will determine if you qualify for reciprocity and then send you the correlating paperwork.

What is the IBC Code of Ethics?
The Code of Ethics outlines the professional standards expected of all IBC-certified individuals.

How do I file an ethics complaint?
Complaints must be submitted in writing according to IBC procedures.

Am I required to respond to an investigation?
Yes. All certified individuals agree to cooperate with investigations as part of their certification.

What are your office hours?
IBC is generally open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, we operate by appointment only and do not accept walk-ins.

We also have designated phone hours during which all voicemails are returned. Please leave a detailed message, and a member of our team will follow up with you during that time.

For the fastest response, email is recommended for general inquiries. Please note that we are unable to provide application status updates prior to the standard processing timeframe.

When can I call the office?
To best manage our workflow, we return all voicemails during designated phone hours. Please leave a detailed message, and we will follow up with you as soon as possible during that time.

How long does it take to receive a response?
Response times vary based on volume, but all inquiries are addressed within standard processing timelines.

Will I receive updates on my application?
Yes. For new and/or upgrade applications, you will receive a confirmation once your application has been received. When your application moves into the review phase, you will be provided with information on next steps.

Please do not call or email for status updates until 20 business days after submission, as additional inquiries may extend overall response times.

For recertification applications, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your submission. We will contact you shortly thereafter if additional information is needed before the recertification can be processed.

What is the best way to contact IBC?
Email is the most efficient way to contact our office. Phone support is available during designated hours.

How do I submit additional documents for my application?
Submission methods vary by application type.

New and upgrade applications are NOT accepted electronically. We require original signatures on most forms. All new and upgrade application materials must be mailed to:

IBC
2600 Grand Ave, Ste 114
Des Moines, IA 50312

Please do not send certified mail, as it may delay delivery.

Recertification applications must be submitted through the website. We do not accept recertification materials by mail or email.

Please follow the instructions provided in your application materials to ensure documents are submitted correctly.

What information should I include when submitting documents?
Please include your full name and certification type to ensure proper processing.

What happens after I submit additional materials?
Once all required materials are received, your application will continue through the review process.