Iowa Seal of Civic Excellence

A civic seal recognizes high school graduates who have demonstrated exceptional civic knowledge, skills, and engagement through coursework, assessments, service, leadership, and other civic activities.

Students must earn at least 10 points and complete at least two activities in each of two categories:

• Civic Knowledge: Examples include social studies coursework, the Iowa Civics Test, AP Government, civic projects, and We the People.
• Civic Skills and Dispositions: Examples include service learning, civic leadership, student government, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Girls State or Boys State, and other approved activities.

Students may work toward the requirements during grades 9–12. The official seal is placed on the student’s transcript at graduation.  For complete program requirements, implementation guidance, and the current Iowa Seal of Civic Excellence Guide, visit the Iowa Department of Education’s Seal of Civic Excellence webpage.

Passing the Iowa Civics Test is a graduation requirement. The Seal of Civic Excellence is a separate, voluntary distinction recognizing achievement beyond the minimum graduation requirements.

Scoring at least 90% on the Iowa Civics Test earns points toward the seal, but students must complete additional civic knowledge and engagement activities.

• Iowa Department of Education: Seal of Civic Excellence
• Iowa Seal of Civic Excellence Guide
• House File 2231

Schools should consult the Iowa Department of Education for the most current program requirements, participation procedures, and reporting guidance.

Link our page in the red box below to ACE’s US Citizenship Civics Test page