Substantially Equivalent States/Countries
RCW 18.83.082 – Temporary Permit
Temporary permits are available only to people who:
- are licensed in a state that has been deemed substantially equivalent or;
- can demonstrate proof of graduating from an APA/CPA accredited doctoral program and successful completion of an APA/CPA/APPIC internship as outlined in WAC 246-924-480(2) or;
- are a member of an organization listed in WAC 246-924-100(3).
RCW 18.83.170 – License without oral examination "Endorsement"
Washington state may issue credentials to applicants with credentials in another state based upon the other state's qualifications. The other state's licensing standards must be substantially equivalent to Washington state's licensing qualifications.
New legislative changes due to SHB 1724 will apply new criteria to out of state applicants starting July 23, 2023. To qualify:
- applicant must come from a state that has been deemed substantially equivalent (see list below),
- has been credentialed for at least 2 years in that state, and
- has not been subject to disciplinary action.
To apply, applicants should use the endorsement application until further notice. We are working on updating our applications to reflect the new changes.
If your state is blank, then it has not been evaluated yet for substantial equivalency. You may submit an application and the review of your state will be completed once we receive your application.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria for licensure by endorsement must: 1) fill out the application by examination; 2) have supervisors complete professional reference forms; and 3) graduates from hybrid/online programs must also provide documentation of meeting the residency requirement in WAC 246-924-046(5).
A C D F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W
Other jurisdictions
| Jurisdiction for review | Date of review | Equivalent? |
| British Columbia | November 15, 2013 | Not equivalent unless applicants can show that they have completed an internship that meets the requirements as listed in WAC 246-924-056. |
| Colegio Oficial de la Psicologia de la Palmas, Spain | January 30, 2015 |
No, the Colegio Oficial de la Psicologia de la Palmas, Spain isn't equivalent. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the following:
|
| Germany | September 23, 2016 | Not equivalent unless applicant can demonstrate completion of a residency and education requirements. |
| Guam | July 19, 2013 | Not equivalent unless applicant can demonstrate completion of a residency and education requirements. |
| Mexico | July 24, 2015 | Not equivalent unless applicant can demonstrate completion of a residency and educational requirements. |
| Puerto Rico | January 26, 2018 | Not equivalent unless applicant can demonstrate completion of a residency and educational requirements. |
| Saskatchewan, Canada | January 29, 2016 | Not equivalent unless applicant can demonstrate completion of an internship that meets the requirements as listed in WAC 246-924-056. |
| United Kingdom | July 25, 2015 | Not equivalent unless applicant can demonstrate completion of a residency and educational requirements. |