Occupational Therapist Licensure in Washington
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $200
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Renewal Costs $157
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CE Requirements 30 Hours
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Occupational Therapist license in Washington, you'll be working with the Occupational Therapy Practice Board. You will submit your application through the state's central login system, Secure Access Washington (SAW). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your SAW Account: Head over to the Secure Access Washington portal to create an account. Once logged in, you'll need to "Add a Service" and select the "Department of Health Online Services" to access the actual application.
- Submit the Online Application: Fill out the application within the portal. This is where you'll enter your personal details, employment history, and hit submit on the application fee.
- Pass the Jurisprudence Exam: Washington requires you to pass an online jurisprudence exam covering state laws and rules. It is an open-book exam, but you must score 100% to pass.
- Complete the Background Check: You will need to undergo a fingerprint-based background check. The Department of Health typically uses IdentoGO for electronic fingerprinting, which is the fastest method. If you are out of state, you may need to obtain fingerprint cards from a local law enforcement agency and mail them in.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Your Social Security Number, driver's license, and a list of all states where you have held a license (active or inactive).
- Items to Request: Have your official transcripts sent directly from your school to the Board. You will also need to request your NBCOT score transfer and license verifications from any other states where you are licensed.
- Exams: You must pass the Washington State Jurisprudence Exam (online and open book).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Washington:
- Application Fee: $166
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $34 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $200
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Washington Occupational Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by your birthday.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $157.
Note: Mark your calendar carefully—your license expires on your actual birthday, not at the end of your birth month!
CE Requirements
30 Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: On or before your birth anniversary every two years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Occupational Therapist CEUs: Washington has no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 30 hours through distance learning.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. While the Board does not "pre-approve" specific providers, courses from AOTA-approved providers or major platforms like MedBridge are accepted.
Mandatory Topics
- Health Equity (2 hours): Required every renewal cycle starting in 2024.
- Suicide Prevention (3 hours): A one-time requirement that must be met during the first renewal cycle.
- Jurisprudence: No specific exam or quiz is required for renewal, though practitioners are expected to remain compliant with the Practice Act.
Excluded Topics: Business or office management, marketing, and personal development. CPR and First Aid courses generally do not count toward the professional development requirement.
New Licensee Rule: If your initial license period is less than 24 months, the 30-hour requirement is typically prorated or begins after your first full renewal cycle.
Reporting: Washington is Audit-based. You do not need to submit your certificates to the Board unless you are selected for a random audit. Maintain all records for at least 4 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board:
- Address: PO Box 47852 Olympia, WA 98504-7852
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (360) 236-4883
- Fax: (360) 236-2901
- Email: hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.
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How to Apply
To secure your Travel Occupational Therapist license in Washington, you'll be working with the Occupational Therapy Practice Board. You will submit your application through the state's central login system, Secure Access Washington (SAW). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your SAW Account: Head over to the Secure Access Washington portal to create an account. Once logged in, you'll need to "Add a Service" and select the "Department of Health Online Services" to access the actual application.
- Submit the Online Application: Fill out the application within the portal. This is where you'll enter your personal details, employment history, and hit submit on the application fee.
- Pass the Jurisprudence Exam: Washington requires you to pass an online jurisprudence exam covering state laws and rules. It is an open-book exam, but you must score 100% to pass.
- Complete the Background Check: You will need to undergo a fingerprint-based background check. The Department of Health typically uses IdentoGO for electronic fingerprinting, which is the fastest method. If you are out of state, you may need to obtain fingerprint cards from a local law enforcement agency and mail them in.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: Your Social Security Number, driver's license, and a list of all states where you have held a license (active or inactive).
- Items to Request: Have your official transcripts sent directly from your school to the Board. You will also need to request your NBCOT score transfer and license verifications from any other states where you are licensed.
- Exams: You must pass the Washington State Jurisprudence Exam (online and open book).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Washington:
- Application Fee: $166
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $34 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $200
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Washington Occupational Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by your birthday.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $157.
Note: Mark your calendar carefully—your license expires on your actual birthday, not at the end of your birth month!
CE Requirements
30 Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: On or before your birth anniversary every two years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Occupational Therapist CEUs: Washington has no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 30 hours through distance learning.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. While the Board does not "pre-approve" specific providers, courses from AOTA-approved providers or major platforms like MedBridge are accepted.
Mandatory Topics
- Health Equity (2 hours): Required every renewal cycle starting in 2024.
- Suicide Prevention (3 hours): A one-time requirement that must be met during the first renewal cycle.
- Jurisprudence: No specific exam or quiz is required for renewal, though practitioners are expected to remain compliant with the Practice Act.
Excluded Topics: Business or office management, marketing, and personal development. CPR and First Aid courses generally do not count toward the professional development requirement.
New Licensee Rule: If your initial license period is less than 24 months, the 30-hour requirement is typically prorated or begins after your first full renewal cycle.
Reporting: Washington is Audit-based. You do not need to submit your certificates to the Board unless you are selected for a random audit. Maintain all records for at least 4 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board:
- Address: PO Box 47852 Olympia, WA 98504-7852
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (360) 236-4883
- Fax: (360) 236-2901
- Email: hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.