Primary Source Verification Letter (PDF)
- Credentialing requirements
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Applicants must:
- Have an associate degree including a supervised internship in a counseling-related field
- Pass the Washington State Certified Adviser Examination in risk assessment, ethics and appropriate screening using the global assessment of functioning scale, client referral and Washington State law
- Have a written supervisory agreement
Official transcript with degree and date posted, received directly from applicant's program. Transcripts not in English must have an official translation.
Applicants will be scheduled for the examination when they apply for the credential with the department. The department will reach out to determine the date and time you wish to take the examination.
- State license verification
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Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form (PDF). The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.
- Personal data questions
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Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. If there is a positive answer to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition. If the case is pending, applicant must indicate status.
- Additional information/documents required
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- Note: A certified counselor may treat clients with a global assessment of functioning of 60 or less if conditions in RCW 18.19 and WAC 246-810 are met. A certified counselor must not be the sole treatment provider for a client with a global assessment of functioning score less than 50.