Verified October 9, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What SLPs and audiologists miss in Washington
- Washington renews every year on your birthday, while CE is counted over three years.
- The clinical fellowship minimum here is 1,080 hours, not ASHA's 1,260.
- New licensees must pass the jurisprudence exam within their first year, not before applying.
Can I practice in Washington on an ASLP Compact privilege?
Washington has enacted the ASLP Compact but is not issuing privileges yet. Until it does, practicing here takes a Washington license, and a Washington license does not yet give you a privilege anywhere else.
- Enacted, not issuing yet
Can an SLP or audiologist licensed elsewhere get a Washington license by endorsement?
Endorsement is open to SLPs and audiologists licensed for at least the last two years in a state with substantially equivalent standards, or to holders of the ASHA CCC or American Board of Audiology certification. Anyone licensed under two years applies for an initial license and can ask for a temporary practice permit.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: WAC 246-828-035; RCW 18.130.077
Which exams does Washington require for a license?
SLP applicants take the Praxis speech-language pathology exam and audiologists the Praxis audiology exam. Since December 31, 2025 the jurisprudence exam is no longer an application step; licensees must pass it within the first year of licensure, and it counts as one CE hour.
- Praxis exam
- State jurisprudence exam
Does Washington offer a temporary SLP or audiology license?
An applicant licensed in a substantially equivalent state who meets every other requirement can get a temporary practice permit while the fingerprint-based national background check is pending. It lasts until the license issues or 180 days, and cannot be renewed.
- Temporary or limited license available
Citation: WAC 246-828-305
How do clinical fellows get licensed in Washington?
The interim permit covers postgraduate work experience: at least 36 weeks and 1,080 hours, at 30 hours a week full time or at least 15 hours a week part time. It names the approved supervisor, lasts one year, and the board can extend it up to 24 more months. A supervisor may oversee up to four permit holders.
- Interim permit
Citation: WAC 246-828-045; 246-828-04503; 246-828-04505
Does Washington license SLP assistants?
SLPAs are certified and need an SLPA associate degree or certificate, or a speech and hearing bachelor's, plus 100 supervised hours with at least 50 under direct supervision. Participating in team meetings and assisting with evaluations require the SLP on site and in view. SLPAs may never screen for feeding or swallowing disorders.
- Speech-language pathology assistant certification
What audiologists need to know in Washington
Washington regulates audiologists and hearing aid specialists under one law, and the rules set minimum standards for audiologists who fit and dispense prescription hearing instruments under the audiology license.
- Dispensing covered by the audiology license
How often does a Washington SLP or audiology license renew?
Credentials renew every year on your birthday. CE runs on a three-year cycle: 30 hours, including 1 in infection control, 2 in health equity and at least 25 in profession-specific skills.
- Renews every year
- 30 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Washington?
For a license, we send your Praxis scores and verifications, file the application and carry the board correspondence. License by endorsement is $599 for an SLP or audiologist.