About PLB

The Iowa Professional Licensing & Regulation Bureau (originally a division itself created in 1986 by state reorganization) became a bureau of the Iowa Division of Banking in July 2006. The division is headed by the Superintendent of Banking who appoints and supervises staff that provides administrative support and coordinates activities for six professional licensing boards. Each board is responsible for establishing and enforcing standards for licensure, certification, or registration, and investigating complaints. The standards generally include initial education, experience, an examination, continuing education, and practice review.

The six professional licensing boards are:

• Accountancy Examining Board
• Architectural Examining Board
• Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board
• Interior Design Examining Board
• Landscape Architectural Examining Board
• Real Estate Commission

The Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board moved from PLB to the Iowa Division of Banking, Finance Bureau on January 1, 2017. The Finance Bureau also houses the Appraisal Management Companies program.

Boards are generally made up of five from the profession and two public members (not from the profession).  There are approximately 32,000 licensees located both in-state and out-of-state.

PLB: Protecting the public through licensing and regulation of defined professionals in the State of Iowa.

Mission Statement: Protect the interests of those doing business with Iowa chartered banks, licensed financial services providers, and licensed professionals through regulation that ensures safety, soundness, and adherence to applicable laws.

Vision Statement: Ensure that Iowans have access to a fair and competitive marketplace for regulated financial and professional services.

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• Bureau Administrative Rules – IAC Chapter 193
• 2021 PLB Rule Changes