Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE): Translation Requirements for Documents in Another Language

Worth knowing about Iowa BOEE

Iowa BOEE requirements in detail

"Translated (course by course)": what Iowa means

Iowa's FAQ says applicants prepared in another country first need their transcripts "translated (course by course)" through a NACES or AICE provider (Licensure frequently asked questions).

The Board's rule describes the same step as a course-by-course credential evaluation report from a board-approved provider, used in place of a valid or expired teaching license (Iowa Administrative Code 282, chapter 13: issuance of teacher licenses).

It is an evaluation: a US-equivalency report on each course, not a word-for-word translation.

The provider still has to read your records, and it applies its own translation rule. WES asks for an exact, word-for-word translation by a professional translator (WES); ECE accepts a complete, literal translation from anyone or translates internally for an $85 waiver (ECE).

The report replaces the license Iowa would otherwise read

For applicants from other states, Iowa looks at the out-of-state license.

For applicants from foreign institutions, the rule asks for the evaluation report showing completion of a teacher preparation program in lieu of a license (Iowa Administrative Code 282, chapter 13: issuance of teacher licenses).

That makes the translation of your program records the base of the whole file: the title of the program, the practice teaching and each education course have to be legible to the provider so they appear in the report.

Documents applicants usually translate

• University transcripts and mark sheets from your teacher preparation program
• Degree certificates and diplomas
• Records of practice teaching or practicum, when listed separately
• Your teaching license or certificate from another country

What an eVerbary translation includes

• A complete English translation of every page, stamps, seals and handwritten notes included, laid out like the original so each line can be matched.
• Grades, hours and credits exactly as recorded, with the grading scale the document prints. We never convert marks to a US GPA or equivalency.
• A signed certificate of translation accuracy on letterhead, with our contact details, delivered as a PDF you can upload or print.
• $24.95 per page of up to 250 words, certification included; 24 hours for one to three pages as standard. Regular clients who need it can get delivery in as little as 30 minutes, on request.
• Notarization added at checkout ($34.90 per order) when the office asks for a notarized translation.

Submitting the translation to Iowa BOEE

• The translation goes to the NACES or AICE provider with your records, following that provider's instructions; you then submit the provider's course-by-course report with your Iowa application (Licensure frequently asked questions, rule).

• Iowa takes license applications through its online application system; ask the Board how it wants the evaluation report delivered before you order it.

How to order

1. Scan or photograph every page of the document, front and back, including any stamps on the reverse.
2. Upload it, choose the language and "certified", and see the price before paying.
3. Receive the PDF, usually within 24 hours for one to three pages, and submit it with the copy of the original wherever the office asks for it.

Frequently asked questions