Licensed Psychologist CE Requirements in Iowa
This page summarizes the current CE requirements for the Licensed Psychologist license in Iowa — renewal model, mandated topics, live/interactive rules, and home-study limits — with links to the official regulator.
Licensed Psychologist
- Ethics / Iowa MH laws / Federal MH laws / Risk Management (mandated 6-hour block) — 6 hAt the SECOND renewal: 6 hrs in Iowa mental health laws/regulations OR risk management. At each renewal AFTER the second: 6 hrs in ethical issues, federal MH laws/regulations, Iowa MH laws/regulations, or risk management (licensee's choice). Iowa psychology has NO separate standalone ethics requirement; ethics is only an option within this block after the 2nd renewal (481-881.2(11)(a)-(b)).
- Mandatory Reporter - Child Abuse — 2 hRequired if examining/attending/treating children; per 481-880.10(3); reported hours counted but not exceeding hours required to maintain compliance.
- Mandatory Reporter - Dependent Adult Abuse — 2 hRequired if examining/attending/treating dependent adults; per 481-880.10(3); reported hours counted but not exceeding hours required to maintain compliance.
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How many CE hours does a Licensed Psychologist need in Iowa?
A Licensed Psychologist must complete 40 CE / continuing-education hours every 2 years in Iowa. That total includes 6 hours of ethics.
Are there required CE topics for Licensed Psychologist in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa requires the following CE topics for Licensed Psychologist: Ethics / Iowa MH laws / Federal MH laws / Risk Management (mandated 6-hour block) (6 h); Mandatory Reporter - Child Abuse (2 h); Mandatory Reporter - Dependent Adult Abuse (2 h).
Can Licensed Psychologist CE be completed online in Iowa?
Generally yes — Iowa does not require live or interactive hours for Licensed Psychologist, so approved online / home-study CE can typically satisfy the requirement. Home-study note: No cap on home-study or electronically transmitted courses (certificate of completion required). Sub-cap: combined maximum 30 hours per biennium for scholarly research, preparation of new courses, and presentations. Up to 50% of hours may carry over..
What else should Licensed Psychologist renewals know in Iowa?
Psychology is now under the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals (consolidated 2025; formerly Board of Psychology), IAC 481-881.2(11). Two-year cycle runs July 1 of even years to June 30. First-time licensees are exempt from CE for their first renewal. The 6-hour requirement is tied to renewal NUMBER (second vs. subsequent), not a flat every-cycle rule. No standalone 3-hour ethics mandate. No live/in-person minimum.