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Certification Through Examination
The reciprocity program in Iowa is Certification through Examination, referred to as CTE. An officer already certified by another State may become certified in Iowa if the law enforcement officer meets requirements outlined in Iowa Administrative Code [501] 3.8.
Back to topProgram Specifications
Encompassed in the program is;
Verification of previous certification.
Successful completion of skills proficiencies.
Passing a comprehensive written exam.
The process starts with the submission of a preliminary application. Approved applications deem the applicant eligible for the CTE path. The application process is to occur before hire.
Hiring involves meeting all minimum hiring requirements. A complete Report of Hire approved by ILEA is required before an officer can work a single day in Iowa.
Back to topCurriculum
Upon hire, ILEA will provide a link to self-paced online exam study material. These materials cover common law enforcement practices and law enforcement rules in Iowa. CTE's will either take a long exam or short exam depending on the length of time they have served as a certified law enforcement officer. Those with less than five years of service as a certified officer in another state will take a long exam consisting of 21 short tests. Those with five or more years as a certified officer in another state will take a short exam consisting of 15 short tests. These exams are in-person at ILEA and taken online. Testing is tentatively the first Wednesday of every month and is by invitation.
Prior to the written exam, CTE's attend a CTE Course Week. CTE course week involves a combination of online pre-requisite work, training of in-person skills proficiencies and a review of Iowa laws. Course Weeks occur, 3 times per year, at ILEA in Johnston, Iowa. Upcoming dates and online registration is via the Acadis portal.
Back to topReciprocity Program Costs
Associated costs are:
| CTE Course Week - Short Path | $2,350.00 |
|---|---|
| Written Exam | $1,500.00 |
| Firearms for CTE | $75.00 |
| ILEECP for CTE | $150.00 |
| EVO for CTE | $150.00 |
| OWI for CTE | $250.00 |
| PIT | $225.00 |
| CTE Course Week - Long Path | $2,850.00 |
|---|---|
| Written Exam | $2,000.00 |
| Firearms for CTE | $75.00 |
| ILEECP for CTE | $150.00 |
| EVO for CTE | $150.00 |
| OWI for CTE | $250.00 |
| PIT | $225.00 |
Program Notes
Other information to note:
The approval of a CTE preliminary application is valid for 120 days. If a person is not hired within 120 days of approval, an application will need resubmitted to the academy council for reconsideration. Once hired, a person has 1-year from their date of hire to complete the CTE path.
Those enrolled in the CTE path have two (2) opportunities to pass the CTE exam. If one fails to pass, they must attend and pass the course(s) failed in-person at ILEA in order to obtain Iowa certification.
Iowa certification will not be granted if an out of state certification has been revoked, suspended or is under current disciplinary review.
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