Washington Occupational Therapist Licensing Guide

Washington OT License Overview

Washington has joined the OT Compact, but the state is not yet issuing or honoring compact privileges. Until Washington begins processing privileges, travelers must obtain a Washington-specific license through the endorsement process before practicing here.

How to Get a Washington OT License by Endorsement

Washington uses an online portal endorsement process for Occupational Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $166 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Washington board portal
2. Request direct written verification of current licensure from the state whose licensing standards are substantially equivalent to Washington's (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification: Out-of-state credential verification: applicant lists all states held; the originating jurisdiction completes and mails a verification form directly to DOH. (NBCOT verifies the certification/exam, not the state license.) Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: Background check processed for every applicant; fingerprint-based WSP + FBI check obtained when required. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board website for status updates on your application.

Washington OT License Fees

Endorsement application and renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Occupational Therapy Assistants: renewal is $137 (figures above are for Occupational Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Washington Temporary OT License

Washington issues temporary occupational therapy licenses, allowing Occupational Therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed.

Eligibility requirements:

• Completed Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant application on which the applicant indicates they wish to receive a temporary practice permit, with payment of the application fee and temporary practice permit fee
• Currently licensed in a jurisdiction considered by the board to have licensing standards substantially equivalent to Washington's

Issuance timeline:

• Department of health receives a completed application requesting a temporary practice permit, payment of the application fee and temporary practice permit fee, and direct written verification of current licensure
• Direct written verification of current licensure from a state whose licensing standards are substantially equivalent to Washington's

Denial risks:

• The board finds a basis for denial of an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant license
• Application contains material false statements or omissions
• Applicant is not currently licensed in a jurisdiction considered by the board to have licensing standards substantially equivalent to Washington's

Important for travelers: Temporary practice permit expires upon issuance of a license by the board, initiation of an investigation by the board, or 180 days, whichever occurs first. Violation of Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Act during temp license period can trigger immediate revocation. Failure to progress permanent application (e.g., not completing required jurisprudence exam) may result in temp license expiration without conversion.

Washington OT License Processing Time

Washington Occupational Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-12 weeks to process.

Common sources of delay:

• Jurisprudence exam must be completed before board review; if candidate delays exam submission, processing stalls until exam results are received and verified
• Board processes applications in batches; applications submitted after monthly cutoff may wait 4-6 weeks before next review cycle
• License verification from originating state via NBCOT or direct board contact can take 2-3 weeks if source state has backlog; missing verification halts application progress

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board's site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

Washington OT Continuing Education

Washington requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Occupational Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Washington OT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $157
• Renewal timing: Prior to licensee's birth date.
• Late penalty: Late renewal fee: $65 for OT, and $55 for OTA

Washington Licensing Board and Resources

Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: 360-236-4700