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Speech Language Pathologist Licensure in Washington

  • Timeline 6-9 weeks
  • Initial Costs $195
  • Renewal Costs $61
  • CE Requirements 30 Hours
  • Compact No

How to apply

To secure your Travel Speech Language Pathologist license in Washington, you'll be working with the Washington State Board of Hearing and Speech. You will submit your application through the Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Create Your SAW Account: Head over to the Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal and create an account. Once logged in, add the "Department of Health Online Licensing" service to your dashboard to access the application.
  2. Hit Submit on the Application: Complete the online application for a Speech-Language Pathologist license. You'll pay the application fee here.
  3. Take the Jurisprudence Exam: You are required to pass a jurisprudence exam covering state laws and rules. This is typically an open-book exam that you will complete as part of the licensure process.
  4. Request Official Transcripts: Contact your university registrar to send your official Master's degree transcripts directly to the Department of Health. These must come straight from the source.
  5. Send Praxis Scores: Request your official Praxis exam scores from ETS to be sent directly to the Washington Board.
  6. Complete the Background Check: You will need to undergo a fingerprint-based background check. The Department of Health will send you instructions and a fingerprint card (if needed) once your application is processed, or you may be able to use an electronic fingerprinting service like IdentoGO if you are in-state.
  7. Verify Other Licenses: If you hold or have held licenses in other states, request verification from each state board to be sent directly to Washington.

What You'll Need & Key Details

  • Documents to Have Ready: Driver's License, Social Security Number, and employment history for the past few years.
  • Items to Request: Official Transcripts (Master's degree), Praxis Exam Scores (from ETS), and License Verifications from other states.
  • Exams: Washington State Jurisprudence Exam.

Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Washington:

  • Application Fee: $161
  • Background Check / Fingerprinting: $34 (approximate)
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $0 (if applicable)
  • Verifications: $0 (if the board charges to verify other licenses)
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $195

Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!

When to Renew: Washington Speech Language Pathologist renewal happens annually and is due by your birthday.

Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $61.

Note: Watch out—licenses expire immediately on your birthday, so there is no grace period for practicing if you miss the deadline.

30 Hours required every 3 years.

Deadline: On or before your birthday every three years.

Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: Washington allows all 30 hours to be completed through online, self-study, or recorded webinars!

Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the profession. ASHA-approved providers and general portals like MedBridge are accepted.

Mandatory Topics

  • Health Equity (2 hours): Required every 4 years.
  • Suicide Prevention (3 hours): A one-time requirement for initial licensure or first renewal.
  • Infection Control (1 hour): Required every 3-year cycle.

Excluded Topics: Business management, office administration, marketing, and basic CPR or first aid.

New Licensee Rule: You are exempt from CE requirements for your first renewal period after initial licensure.

Reporting: Washington is audit-based. You must attest to completion during renewal and maintain your certificates for at least 4 years.

Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Board of Hearing and Speech:


Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.

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How to Apply

To secure your Travel Speech Language Pathologist license in Washington, you'll be working with the Washington State Board of Hearing and Speech. You will submit your application through the Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Create Your SAW Account: Head over to the Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal and create an account. Once logged in, add the "Department of Health Online Licensing" service to your dashboard to access the application.
  2. Hit Submit on the Application: Complete the online application for a Speech-Language Pathologist license. You'll pay the application fee here.
  3. Take the Jurisprudence Exam: You are required to pass a jurisprudence exam covering state laws and rules. This is typically an open-book exam that you will complete as part of the licensure process.
  4. Request Official Transcripts: Contact your university registrar to send your official Master's degree transcripts directly to the Department of Health. These must come straight from the source.
  5. Send Praxis Scores: Request your official Praxis exam scores from ETS to be sent directly to the Washington Board.
  6. Complete the Background Check: You will need to undergo a fingerprint-based background check. The Department of Health will send you instructions and a fingerprint card (if needed) once your application is processed, or you may be able to use an electronic fingerprinting service like IdentoGO if you are in-state.
  7. Verify Other Licenses: If you hold or have held licenses in other states, request verification from each state board to be sent directly to Washington.

What You'll Need & Key Details

  • Documents to Have Ready: Driver's License, Social Security Number, and employment history for the past few years.
  • Items to Request: Official Transcripts (Master's degree), Praxis Exam Scores (from ETS), and License Verifications from other states.
  • Exams: Washington State Jurisprudence Exam.

Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Washington:

  • Application Fee: $161
  • Background Check / Fingerprinting: $34 (approximate)
  • Jurisprudence Exam: $0 (if applicable)
  • Verifications: $0 (if the board charges to verify other licenses)
  • Total Estimated Initial Cost: $195

Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!

When to Renew: Washington Speech Language Pathologist renewal happens annually and is due by your birthday.

Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $61.

Note: Watch out—licenses expire immediately on your birthday, so there is no grace period for practicing if you miss the deadline.

30 Hours required every 3 years.

Deadline: On or before your birthday every three years.

Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Speech Language Pathologist CEUs: Washington allows all 30 hours to be completed through online, self-study, or recorded webinars!

Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the profession. ASHA-approved providers and general portals like MedBridge are accepted.

Mandatory Topics

  • Health Equity (2 hours): Required every 4 years.
  • Suicide Prevention (3 hours): A one-time requirement for initial licensure or first renewal.
  • Infection Control (1 hour): Required every 3-year cycle.

Excluded Topics: Business management, office administration, marketing, and basic CPR or first aid.

New Licensee Rule: You are exempt from CE requirements for your first renewal period after initial licensure.

Reporting: Washington is audit-based. You must attest to completion during renewal and maintain your certificates for at least 4 years.

Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Board of Hearing and Speech:


Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.

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