Iowa OT and OTA CEU requirements

What occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants need to renew a Iowa license, summarized from the board's own rules. Last checked October 24, 2026.

30 hoursfor occupational therapists

15 hoursfor OT assistants

Every 2 years (16th of your birth month to the 15th, two years later)CE cycle

15th of your birth month, every 2 yearslicense renewal deadline

Required topics

If Iowa law makes you a mandatory reporter (for example, in your job), training in identifying and reporting child abuse or dependent adult abuse within the previous 3 years. You confirm it on your renewal application. (child abuse recognition and reporting by state)

Rules to know

Courses must be approved under the board's standards and relate to your professional competency. Independent study must include a post-test.
Your first renewal needs no hours. Hours from your first license until your second renewal count toward the second.
OTs may carry up to 15 extra hours into the next period, OTAs up to 7.5.
Supervising students counts for at most 8 hours (OTs) or 4 hours (OTAs) per biennium. Presenting counts double, for the first offering only.

Official sources

This is a plain-language summary to help you plan. Rules change and your board has the final word, so confirm with the sources above before you renew. If you also hold NBCOT certification, NBCOT has its own renewal requirements.

In-person courses open to OTs in Iowa

6 upcoming courses in Iowa list OTs in their audience (or come from providers whose courses are open to OTs). Check each course's approval for Iowa with the provider.

October 2026

Sat, Oct 24, 2026 Ergonomics Elevated: Practical Tools to Prevent Fatigue, Injury, and Burnout $300 · 6 contact hrs · Des Moines Summit EducationPractice & Documentation Details and registration

November 2026

Fri, Nov 13, 2026 Children with ADHD and Self-Regulation Challenges $300 · 6 contact hrs · Des Moines Summit Education· Hilton Garden Inn West Des MoinesPediatrics Details and registration
Sat, Nov 14, 2026 Children with ADHD and Self-Regulation Challenges $300 · 6 contact hrs · Iowa City Summit Education· The Highlander HotelPediatrics Details and registration

December 2026

Sat–Sun, Dec 5–6, 2026 · 2 days Systematic Evaluation and Treatment of the Shoulder $679 · 18 contact hrs · Cherokee IAOM-US· Cherokee Regional Medical Center |Extremity & Ortho Details and registration

January 2027

Sat–Sun, Jan 9–10, 2027 · 2 days Dry Needling: Upper Body $995 · Des Moines ICE Physio· Iowa Orthopedic CenterDry Needling Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Jan 16–17, 2027 · 2 days Iowa Vestibular Symposium 2027 Price on provider site · West Des Moines Vestibular First· Des Moines University Medicine and Health SciencesVestibular & Concussion Details and registration

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Schedules checked October 24, 2026. Dates, prices and CEU approvals come from each provider's public schedule and can change, so confirm with the provider before you register.

Common questions

How many CE hours do occupational therapists need in Iowa?

30 hours, every 2 years (16th of your birth month to the 15th, two years later), including the required topics below.

How many CE hours do OTAs need in Iowa?

15 hours, every 2 years (16th of your birth month to the 15th, two years later), including the required topics below.

When is the Iowa OT license renewal deadline?

15th of your birth month, every 2 years.

Are any courses or topics required for OTs in Iowa?

If Iowa law makes you a mandatory reporter (for example, in your job), training in identifying and reporting child abuse or dependent adult abuse within the previous 3 years. You confirm it on your renewal application.

Where can OTs take in-person courses in Iowa?

6 in-person courses open to OTs are scheduled in Iowa, in Des Moines, Iowa City, Cherokee and West Des Moines. They're listed below with dates, prices and registration links.