Fire Protection System Licensing

Fire Protection System Licensing Requirements:

The state of Iowa requires licensing for all fire extinguishing systems as defined in Iowa Code 100C and Iowa Code 100D and Administrative Rules Chapter 275 and Administrative Rules Chapter 276.  A company installing and/or testing such systems and their employees must be licensed as fire protection system contractors and technicians.

Fire protection licensing is not required for a company or technicians doing hood cleaning only (no maintenance or repairs).

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The state of Iowa does not regulate portable fire extinguisher inspections or testing. Please check with the local jurisdictions regarding any requirements.

Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Registration is the responsibility of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Bureau of Environmental Health Services.  

Home Base Iowa Act - Connecting Veterans to Careers and Resources

Companies:

• All contractors who intend to work in Iowa are required to obtain a contractor license.  
• Contractors must list at least one responsible managing employee (RME) and provide a copy of their current qualifying certification as specified in the matrix below.
• Contractors shall obtain and maintain current registration (or obtain a written exemption) as a "construction contractor" with the Labor Services Division in compliance with Iowa Code chapter 91C and Iowa Administrative Code 875-Chapter 150.  Visit the Iowa Division of Labor - Contractor Registration for more information. 
• Contractors must provide a copy of the most current certificate of liability insurance on the ACORD form. The ACORD form must show coverage amounts of $1M per occurrence, $1M property damage, and $500K per person.

Technicians:

• All technicians who intend to work in Iowa are required to obtain a technician license under a licensed contractor.  They must provide a copy of their current qualifying certifications as specified in the matrix below.
• All technician trainees who intend to work in Iowa are required to obtain a technician trainee license under a licensed contractor and be supervised 100% of the time on the job site by a licensed responsible managing employee or licensed technician licensed under the scope of work authorized by the license.  There must be one licensed RME or technician for every 3 technician trainees or apprentices.

Licensing Fees:

Fee Structure for Contractor License

• $400 license fee
• $50 for each endorsement
• $50 for each responsible managing employee (RME)

Fee Structure for Technician License

• $175 license fee
• $25 for each endorsement

Fee Structure for Technician Trainee License

• $100 license fee

Payments can be made online by debit/credit card or eCheck/ACH or by mailing a check or money order payable to the Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing or State of Iowa and mailed to the Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, Attention: Alarm Licensing Administration, 215 E 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0047.