Washington Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Washington PT License Overview

Washington is a PT Compact member. A PT or PTA licensed in another compact state can work in Washington on a compact privilege instead of a Washington license, but must first pass the Washington jurisprudence exam with a score of 100%, the same exam every Washington license applicant takes.

For travelers, this means you may be able to work in Washington on a PT Compact privilege instead of a Washington license, provided your home-state license is in another PT Compact state that is also issuing privileges. A compact privilege is something you apply for through the compact before you start; it is not automatic.

How to Get a Washington PT License by Endorsement

Washington uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for Physical Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $80 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application by mail
2. Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Pass state jurisprudence examination (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through FSBPT or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Washington State Department of Health - Physical Therapy. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Washington State Department of Health - Physical Therapy website for status updates on your application.

Washington PT License Fees

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

Physical Therapist Assistants: renewal is $95 (figures above are for Physical Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Washington Temporary PT License

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

Eligibility requirements:

• Completed endorsement application submitted to Washington board
• License in good standing from current state
• Not be subject to denial of a license or issuance of a conditional or restricted license

Issuance timeline:

• Endorsement application received and date-stamped by board
• Jurisprudence exam scheduled or completed

Denial risks:

• You have a criminal record in Washington
• You do not hold an unrestricted, active license in another state or jurisdiction whose licensing standards are substantially equivalent to Washington's

Important for travelers: Temporary license automatically revokes if permanent license is denied. Failure to complete jurisprudence exam within specified timeframe may result in revocation. The permit will not be renewed, reissued, or extended; it expires when the license is granted, when a notice of decision on your application is mailed (unless that notice extends the permit), or 180 days after it is issued.

Washington PT License Processing Time

Washington Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 8-12 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 6 weeks.

Common sources of delay:

• Mail-only application submission required; no online portal available for endorsement applications
• Jurisprudence exam must be completed before board review; exam scheduling delays can add 2-4 weeks
• License verification from source state via FSBPT or direct board contact can experience delays if prior state board has processing backlog

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Washington State Department of Health - Physical Therapy'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 PT Continuing Education

Washington requires 32 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Physical Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Mandatory topics: suicide prevention — 3 hours (one-time)
• Physical Therapist Assistants: 24 contact hours every 2 years (vs 32 for Physical Therapists)

Washington PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $100 via Washington DOH portal
• Renewal timing: Last day of birth month.
• CE topics: suicide prevention — 3 hours (one-time)
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License becomes expired, and must pay late fee and reinstate

Washington Licensing Board and Resources

Washington State Department of Health - Physical Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification