Sources for Renewal Credits for your Generalist Certification
(The Generalist paraeducator certificate is the only certificate that requires renewal. The Area of Concentration does not require renewal.)
In order to renew your Generalist certificate, you will need verification of coursework totaling three units of credit. One unit of credit equals 15 hours of seat time in a college level course or course from an Area Education Agency (AEA) (licensure renewal credit or graduate credit).
A second option would be to take courses from an organization/college/university/that is accredited by the state of Iowa. To verify accreditation, visit the BOEE website.
A third option would be to take courses through the Statewide AEA PD Online System. The same requirements apply here in that courses need to have either licensure renewal credit or graduate credit attached to them.
- The Statewide AEA Online Learning System
- At the top left under the symbol of the house, click on ALL MODULES AND COURSES
- One course that might be of interest that is designed specifically for Paraeducators is called: Para-Educator Roles and Responsibilities– (License Renewal)
- Other courses are also available
NOTE: Taking the 3 courses that we offer at Central Rivers AEA to get your Early Childhood Area of Concentration or obtaining your Special Needs Area of Concentration COUNTS toward renewing your Generalist Certificate!
Renewing Your Generalist Certificate
Generalist Certificates must be renewed every 5 years. You may start the application process anytime up to a year before it is actually due. However, you will want to start the coursework to renew anytime after you have your initial certificate.