Washington Speech-Language Pathologist Licensing Guide

Washington SLP License Overview

Washington has joined the ASLP-IC, 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.

Washington has enacted ASLP-IC legislation and is a member state, but the compact is NOT yet operational for Washington. As of early 2026, only Louisiana, Ohio, and West Virginia are issuing compact privileges to practice. SLPs cannot use compact privilege to practice in Washington today; full state licensure (endorsement or by exam) is required. Monitor ASLPCompact.com for Washington go-live.

How to Get a Washington SLP License by Endorsement

Washington uses an online portal endorsement process for Speech-Language Pathologists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $191 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Washington board portal
2. Request license verification from current state (via ASHA or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

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

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Washington Board of Hearing and Speech. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Washington Board of Hearing and Speech website for status updates on your application.

Washington SLP License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Washington Temporary SLP License

Washington issues temporary speech-language pathology licenses, allowing Speech-Language Pathologists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed.

Eligibility requirements:

• Active license in good standing from another US state or ASLP-IC member state
• Completed endorsement application submitted to Washington board
• Not be subject to denial of a license or issuance of a conditional or restricted license

Issuance timeline:

• Endorsement application received and deemed complete by board
• Submit the fingerprint card and a written request for a temporary practice permit when the department notifies you that the national background check is required
• Verification request sent to prior state/ASHA

Denial risks:

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

Important for travelers: Temp license automatically terminates upon permanent license issuance or formal denial (180-day limit applies). 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. Continued practice on temp license after denial is unlicensed practice and may result in legal action.

Washington SLP License Processing Time

Washington Speech-Language Pathologist endorsement applications typically take 4-12 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3 weeks.

Common sources of delay:

• Jurisprudence exam must be completed before license issuance; exam scheduling and completion can add 2-4 weeks if applicant delays
• Board review window of 4-12 weeks is standard; applications submitted after mid-month may not be reviewed until following month cycle
• License verification from ASHA or prior state can take 1-3 weeks, especially if prior state has slow verification processes; missing or incomplete verification restarts the clock

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Washington Board of Hearing and Speech'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 SLP Continuing Education

Washington requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every year for Speech-Language Pathologist license renewal.

• Mandatory topics: health equity training (at least 2 hours)

Washington SLP License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every year — $61
• Renewal timing: Every year prior to licensee's birth date.
• CE topics: health equity training (at least 2 hours)
• Late penalty: $45 late renewal penalty, and $140 expired license reissuance

Washington Licensing Board and Resources

Washington Board of Hearing and Speech

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: 360-236-4700