Reciprocity

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Certification Through Examination

An  officer already certified by another State may become certified in Iowa if the law enforcement officer meets requirements outlined in Iowa Code 80B.11F and Iowa Administrative Code [501] 3.8. 

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Program Specifications

Encompassed in the program is;

  • Verification of previous certification and work history.
  • 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. Applications determine eligibility for CTE as an acceptable path to certification in Iowa. The Academy Council or the hiring agency may choose to consider a LII academy as a path to certification, as well.

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Military Law Enforcement Officer Reciprocity

Military veterans who meet certain criteria may become certified in Iowa via the CTE path to certification if they meet the requirement outlined in Iowa House File 901. 
The process starts with the submission of a Reciprocity Application: Military. The application process is to occur before hire. The Academy Council or the hiring agency may choose to consider a LII academy as a path to certification, as well.
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Federal Law Enforcement Officer Reciprocity 

Federal officers who meet certain criteria may become certified in Iowa via the CTE path to certification if they meet the requirement outlined in Iowa House File 901. 
The process starts with the submission of a Reciprocity Application: Federal Law Enforcement. The application process is to occur before hire. The Academy Council or the hiring agency may choose to consider a LII academy as a path to certification, as well.
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Curriculum

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 prerequisite 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. 

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Reciprocity Program Costs

Associated costs are:

Short Path
CTE Course Week - Short Path$2,350.00
Written Exam$1,500.00
Firearms for CTE  $125.00
ILEECP for CTE  $150.00
EVO for CTE  $150.00
OWI for CTE  $250.00
PIT $225.00
Long Path
CTE Course Week - Long Path$2,850.00
Written Exam$2,000.00
Firearms for CTE $125.00
ILEECP for CTE  $150.00
EVO for CTE  $150.00
OWI for CTE  $250.00
PIT $225.00
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Program Notes

Other information to note:

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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