Certification through Examination
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Certification through Examination
The reciprocity program in Iowa is called Certification through Examination, most often referred to as CTE. An officer certified in another state can become certified in the state of Iowa if the law enforcement officer meets the requirements as outlined in Iowa Administrative Code [501] 3.8.
ILEECP Application
Previous EMS training
CTE Preliminary Applications
Pending Academy Council approval
Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
Useful Links
Iowa 501-3.8 – Certification through examination
Chapter 80B– Law Enforcement Academy
IADLEST– Int. Association of Law Enforcement Standards and Training
BJA– Bureau of Justice Assistance
CTE Program Specifications
The reciprocity program in Iowa is called Certification through Examination, most often referred to as CTE. An officer certified in another state can become certified in the state of Iowa pursuant to Iowa Code 80B.11F. Encompassed in the CTE program is verification of previous certification(s), a comprehensive written exam and the successful completion of a ‘CTE Course Week’.
The CTE process starts with the submission of a preliminary application. Upon approval by the Academy Council the applicant becomes eligible for hire. Any offers prior to the approval of the preliminary application by the Academy Council are considered conditional.
Hiring involves the submission of an ILEA Report of Hire with medical form and the meeting of all minimum hiring requirements.
Once minimum hiring requirements are met, ILEA will provide a link to self-paced online exam study material via a learning management system. These materials cover common law enforcement practices and law enforcement rules in Iowa. A CTE will either take a long exam or short exam depending on the length of time they have served as a certified law enforcement officer. A long exam consisting of 33 short tests is administered to those with less than five (5) years as a certified officer in another state. A short exam consisting of 17 short tests is administered to those with five (5) or more years as a certified officer in another state. These exams are administered in-person at ILEA and taken electronically. Testing dates are tentatively scheduled the first Wednesday of every month and are by invitation.
In addition to the written exam, CTE’s will attend a CTE Course Week, where they will be expected to show proficiency in Iowa specific training, qualify with their firearm and may complete written exam retesting (as needed). These courses involve a combination of online pre-requisite work along with in-person proficiency. CTE Course Weeks are held over a one week timeframe, 3 times per year, at ILEA in Johnston, Iowa. Upcoming dates and online registration is on the ILEA website.
CTE Program Costs
Associated costs are…
| CTE Course Week-short path-for CTE | $2,350.00 |
| Written Exam | $1,500.00 |
| Firearms Qualification | $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-for CTE |
$2,850.00 |
|
Written Exam |
$2,000.00 |
|
Firearms Qualification |
$75.00 |
|
ILEECP for CTE |
$150.00 |
|
EVO for CTE |
$150.00 |
|
OWI for CTE |
$250.00 |
|
PIT |
$225.00 |
Additional information to note: A period of 120 days is allotted from the date of academy council approval to the date of hire by an agency. Beyond 120 days an application will need to be resubmitted to the academy council for reconsideration. Once hired, a person has 1-year from their date of hire to complete the CTE program.
Those enrolled in the CTE program have two (2) opportunities to pass the CTE exam. If one fails to pass, they will be required to 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.