Licensing Requirements

Education and Supervised Fieldwork

To become qualified to apply as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, applicants must graduate from a nationally accredited, board-approved school. We must receive an official transcript with the degree and date posted, directly from the education institute. Transcripts not in English must have an official translation.

An initial applicant who graduated more than three years but less than five years from date of application and never practiced must comply with the requirements for licensure and submit proof to the department of: 

• Completion of twenty four hours of continued competency as described in WAC 246-847-065 for the previous two-year period; and
• Completion of a board-approved reentry program.
• Completion of any additional requirements as required by the board.

Initial applicants who graduated five or more years ago and never practiced must comply with the requirements for licensure and submit proof to the department of:

• Completion of twenty four hours of continued competency as described in WAC 246-847-065 for the previous two-year period; and
• Completion of a board-approved reentry program;
• In addition to these requirements, the applicant has the choice of:
  • Completion of extended course work preapproved by the board; or
  • Successfully retaking and passing the examinations specified in WAC 246-847-080.
  • Completion of any additional requirements as required by the board.

The completed academic program must consist of a minimum of six months of supervised fieldwork experience for occupational therapists (OT) or a minimum of two months of supervised fieldwork experience for occupational therapy assistants. This information is on the official transcript provided by the school/organization.

Employment History

Applicants must also provide a complete chronology of activities from graduation from OT program to date of application. Any time gaps must be accounted for.

Examination

Applicants must obtain a passing score on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

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. The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

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 a case is pending, applicant must indicate status.