There are two type of permit in Iowa for residents:  Professional and Non-Professional.

A Professional permit is issued to those who need to carry a weapon in the course of their employment.  A Professional Permit to Carry authorizes the permit holder to carry weapons in connection with their employment.  A Professional permit is only valid while going to and from work and while actually engaged in the employment for which it was issued.

A Non-Professional permit is issued to anyone who wishes to carry a weapon and is not required to do so as a requirement of employment.

A valid professional or nonprofessional permit to carry weapons authorizes an Iowa resident to acquire firearms in the same manner as a permit to acquire.

In addition, Iowa does offer a non-resident permit.  A non-resident permit is applied for and issued by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.