Washington Physical Therapist License
Washington DOH — Physical Therapy
Total Fee
$135
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / WSP
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the accredited educational institution to the DOH.
- NPTE Score Report — Scores must be transferred directly from FSBPT to the Washington Board. Transfer Scores
- Jurisprudence Exam Completion — Proof of passing the 18-question online exam with a 100% score.
- Suicide Prevention Certificate — Certificate of completion for a one-time 3-hour approved suicide prevention course.
- Health Equity Certificate — Certificate of completion for 2 hours of health equity training.
How to Apply
-
Create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) Account ▾Register for a SAW account to access the Health Professional and Facility Licensing (HELMS) portal.
Register for SAW -
Add HELMS Service ▾Log into SAW, select 'Add a New Service,' and search for 'Health Professional and Facility Licensing (HELMS)' to access the application portal.
-
Submit Application and Fee ▾Complete the online application for Physical Therapist and pay the $80 non-refundable application fee.
Licensing Info -
Request Official Transcripts ▾Contact your DPT program to have official transcripts sent directly to the Washington Department of Health.
-
Register for and Pass the NPTE ▾Register with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to take the National Physical Therapy Examination.
NPTE Registration -
Complete the Jurisprudence Exam ▾Take the online Washington State Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Exam. A score of 100% is required for licensure.
-
Complete Required Training ▾Complete 3 hours of suicide prevention training and 2 hours of health equity training as required by state law.
Approved Training List
Total Fee
$135
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Physical Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Apply via the SAW/HELMS portal and select 'Licensure by Endorsement.'
Apply Online -
Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾Request verification of all current and past healthcare licenses from every state where you have been credentialed.
-
Transfer NPTE Scores ▾Request a score transfer from FSBPT to Washington.
FSBPT Score Transfer -
Complete Washington Jurisprudence Exam ▾Pass the online state-specific law exam with a 100% score.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Washington DOH — Physical Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
Washington Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Washington DOH — Physical Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35.50 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Transcript Delivery Issues
▾
Transcripts must be sent directly from the school. Student-submitted copies are not accepted and will delay the process.
Jurisprudence Exam Score
▾
Failure to achieve a 100% score on the jurisprudence exam prevents application approval. Review the reference materials thoroughly.
Background Check/Fingerprinting
▾
Out-of-state applicants are often required to undergo fingerprinting. Delays occur if the applicant does not respond promptly to the DOH notification email.
Incomplete Personal Data Explanations
▾
Answering 'Yes' to personal data questions (criminal history, disciplinary action) without providing a detailed written explanation and supporting court documents.
Questions
How often do I need to renew my Washington PT license?
▾
Licenses must be renewed every year on or before your birthday.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Physical Therapists must complete 32 hours of CE and 200 hours of employment every two years. This includes 2 hours of health equity training.
Is there a one-time training requirement for suicide prevention?
▾
Yes, all PTs must complete a one-time, 3-hour suicide prevention training during their first full CE reporting period.
Can I practice while my application is pending?
▾
New graduates may apply for an Interim Permit to practice under graduate supervision while waiting for exam results. Otherwise, you cannot practice until your license is 'Active' in the Provider Credential Search.
Does Washington participate in the PT Compact?
▾
Yes, Washington is a member of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. Qualified individuals can apply for a compact privilege to practice in Washington.
Board Info
Washington DOH — Physical Therapy
Phone(360) 236-4700