Anyone interested in becoming a certified handler between January and March 2026 must pass the new Iowa Core exam using the revised Iowa Core Manual (CS 445). During this time, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will not administer any certified handler exams. The revised Certified Handlers Manual (CS500) is expected to be available mid-March 2026, with new certified handler exams tentatively scheduled to start April 1, 2026.