Licensing · Washington
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Washington
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: NBCOT state board list, OT Compact Commission, state board websites
To practice as an OT or OTA in Washington you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board (Department of Health). Washington is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
Washington licensing board
- Agency
- Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board (Department of Health)
- Location
- Olympia
- Phone
- (360) 236-4883
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Washington OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board (Department of Health) website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a Washington license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Washington license
- Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited program. OT: an entry-level master’s or OTD with at least 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork. OTA: an associate or bachelor’s with at least 16 weeks. See OT programs and OTA programs in Washington.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board (Department of Health) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Washington-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
What the Washington board says
- Washington’s published OT fees include $166 for the application and initial license and $55 for a limited permit (WAC 246-847-990).
Quote from the board’s website
“WAC 246-847-990 – Fees Application and initial license - $166* License renewal - $157** Limited permit - $55”
Quoted from the board’s website, checked October 9, 2026.
OT Licensure Compact in Washington
Washington is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked. The compact lets an OT or OTA licensed in their home member state get a “privilege to practice” in other member states once both are issuing privileges. See the OT Compact map and every state’s status.
| Accepting compact applications | Not yet |
|---|---|
| Jurisprudence requirement (compact) | Not required |
| Washington privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $150 / $150 |
| Compact fee | $75 |
Source: OT Compact Commission, otcompact.gov (updated October 5, 2026). States issuing privileges at that date: AR, IN, MD, MN, MS, OH, TN, VA, WV, WI.
Pay in Washington
U.S. median for occupational therapists: $100,330. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Compare all states.
Frequently asked questions
How do I look up an occupational therapy license in Washington?
Use the license verification page on the Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board (Department of Health) website (doh.wa.gov).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Washington?
The Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board (Department of Health) (Olympia). Official website: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/occupational-therapist-and-occupational-therapy-assistant
What do I need for an OT license in Washington?
In every state the core requirements are a degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy (or OTA) program, completed fieldwork, and a passing score on the NBCOT certification exam, plus the state’s application and fee. Check the Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board (Department of Health) for Washington-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Washington participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Washington is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in Washington?
The median wage for OTs in Washington was $107,670 a year, and $77,590 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Washington?
Yes: 6 OT programs and 4 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.