Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: How do I obtain a certified copy of my birth certificate?
   Answer: Applicants who were born in the state of Iowa can obtain a certified copy of their birth certificate by contacting or stopping by the Iowa Department of Health, Vital Records Bureau, in the Lucas State Office building located in Des Moines. A fee will be charged for the record search and will include one certified copy. The phone number for the Department of Health is (515) 281-4944.
   
   Iowa born applicants, in addition to those applicants born outside the state of Iowa, can also obtain a certified birth certificate from their county courthouse of birth.
   
   
2. Question: I was born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate. Instead, I have a Certificate of Naturalization / Certificate of Immigration. Can I send a Xerox copy of this document in place of a birth certificate?
   Answer: It is illegal to make a Xerox copy of the Naturalization/Immigration document. Please include in your application a note explaining that you were born abroad. At the time of the written examination phase, you will be required to show the Applicant Coordinator this document as proof of U.S. citizenship.
   
   
3. Question: Is a Xerox copy of a birth certificate signed by a notary public acceptable?
   Answer: Notary signed birth certificates are NOT acceptable.
   
   
4. Question: Do grade transcripts from high school and college have to be certified copies?
   Answer: Grade transcripts (high school and college) do NOT have to be certified.
   
   
5. Question: Is it necessary to forward high school grade transcripts if I have college transcripts?
   Answer: The application requires both high school grade transcripts AND college grade transcripts (if applicable). If you are currently in school, grade transcripts achieved up to this point must be submitted.
   
   
6. Question: Rather than send my high school transcripts, can I send a copy of my high school diploma?
   Answer: Applicants are required to forward grade transcripts. A copy of your high school diploma will NOT be acceptable in lieu of grade transcripts.
   
   
7. Question: My high school/college will not send my grade transcripts directly to me. They will only send these directly to the Department. Is that OK?
   Answer: You can have your grade transcripts sent directly to the Department. Be sure to indicate on your application with a note that your transcripts are being sent directly to D.P.S. by your school.
   
   
8. Question: Will you send back to me portions of my application materials, i.e., birth certificate, transcripts, application form, etc. when the process has been completed or once I am no longer in contention?
   Answer: All submitted materials become the property of the Iowa Department of Public Safety and will NOT be returned to applicants.
   
   
9. Question: When will the academy begin?
   Answer: The academy start date varies from year to year. Applicants will be notified of the academy start date as soon as the information becomes available.
   
   
10. Question: Is there anything I can do to prepare myself for the POST written test?
    Answer: The POST is a standard aptitude test. There is no study guide made available for this test.
    
    
11. Question: For the physical assessment phase, are women allowed to have their knees on the floor when doing push-ups?
    Answer: Women are not allowed to have their knees on the floor.
    
    
12. Question: Do you give veteran's preference to qualified applicants?
    Answer: Preference for eligible veterans will be considered at the Final Offer phase in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code of Iowa. To qualify for veteran's preference, you must have served during one of the following periods: August 2, 1990 through ?? (date yet to be determined by Congress) (Persian Gulf conflict) December 20, 1989 through January 31, 1990 (Panama service) August 24, 1982 through July 31, 1984 (Lebanon or Granada service) February 28, 1961 through May 7, 1975 (Viet Nam conflict)
    
    
13. Question: Should I send a copy of my military DD214?
    Answer: Yes, a Xerox copy of your DD214 should accompany your application. If you are currently in the military, this document will have to be submitted prior to the Final Offer phase.
    
    
14. Question: I have several awards, certificates, etc. while I served in the military. Can I send copies of this information?
    Answer: This information is not required for the application. If submitted, it will be added to your application packet.
    
    
15. Question: I submitted an application for a prior selection process. Am I required to send a new application, grade transcripts, birth certificate, and DD214?
    Answer: For every new selection process, new/current application forms must be submitted. You are not required to resubmit a new birth certificate, grade transcripts, or DD214. The only time you would be required to submit a new set of transcripts is in the event you attended additional college classes since the last time you applied with our department.
    
    Application packets are kept on file for two years only. If you are not certain the Department has your documents on file from a previous selection process, it is suggested that these forms be resubmitted.
    
    
16. Question: Can I send my resume?
    Answer: Resumes are not required. If one is sent with the application, it will be placed in your application packet.
    
    
17. Question: Does your Department allow applicants to have corrective surgery in order to meet Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) vision requirements?
    Answer: Prior surgery to correct vision will not be considered an automatic disqualifier. Applicants will be subject to evaluation by our medical doctors to determine if the surgery results permit unrestricted duty as a peace officer.
    D.P.S. vision policy states:
    At the time of the physical exam with the DPS doctors, the last surgical procedure on either eye (including touch up) must have been at least six weeks ago.
    
    
18. Question: Does your agency allow employees to transfer to other divisions?
    Answer: D.P.S. employees are able to request a transfer to another division after one year of service. If selected for a desired transfer, employees do not have to re-attend the academy. Training would be provided in-house.

19. Question: Does your agency accept lateral transfers from out of state?
    Answer: No, the Iowa Department of Public Safety does not accept lateral transfers from another state. Applicants would be required to attend our entire 20 week basic academy.

Main Phone Number: (515) 725-6275
Applicant Phone Number: (515) 725-6278
Toll Free Applicant Phone Line: (866) 895-2457
Fax: (515) 725-6274