Apply for a License

Apply online

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply on paper

Renewal requirements

Behavioral health support specialists must renew their certification every year on or before their birthday. They are required to submit the appropriate fee and renewal card. Behavioral health support specialists must complete 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, as required in chapter 18.227.050 RCW. See Continuing Education page for more detailed information.

Fee Schedule

See licensing fees below

WAC 246-821-990 – Fees

Application and initial certification - $285
Active renewal - $285
Active late renewal penalty - $145
Expired certification reissuance - $145
Duplicate certificate - $10
Verification of certificate - $25

Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are non-refundable, per WAC 246-12-340.

Understanding your Application

All professions within the Department of Health (DOH) are unique. While the sections identified below can often be found on most applications, it is important to be aware of the requirements and rules of your specific credential(s).

After you submit your application, please watch for email communication from DOH. Throughout the application process promptly reply to all questions and requests. Delayed responses cause a longer wait for your credential to be issued. We highly encourage using our online application services.

Contact information

Demographic Information

Demographic data is used to create an account within the DOH database, verify your identity, and collect contact information. Please carefully provide accurate and complete answers to all applicable demographic questions.

Military

It is valuable to indicate your military or spouse status on your DOH application. Appropriate documentation is necessary for all military related applications, and it is important to be aware of documents you need to provide to DOH. In some cases, military education, training, and experience may count towards attaining certain health care professional credentials. As a spouse or registered domestic partner of a service member, you may be eligible to have the processing time of your application expedited.

To find information and resources for military personnel and their spouses visit the Military Resources website.

Personal Data Questions

All applicants must respond to the personal data questions, which focus on their ability to demonstrate the essential skills required for their profession.

Carefully review all questions. Please note that “yes” answers require an explanation and additional documentation as outlined on your application. If applicable, please be aware of the necessary documentation and provide it to DOH as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your application.

Other Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

DOH must verify all other credentials. List all states, including Washington State, where credentials are or were held. If you have applicable credentials to list, you may be required to provide an Out-of-State Credential Verification form. This form can be found in the paper application packet or on the Apply for License page. The form must be sent to each state listed and returned to DOH.

Please remember to provide all in-state and out-of-state credentials, including active, expired, and in-renewal. Individual states may require a fee for sending your verification to us, please check in advance to help expedite this process.

Education

To verify your qualifications, we must review all educational preparation and post-graduate training. Applicants must request official transcripts from the school(s) attended and the school needs to send them directly to DOH .

Exam

In some cases, passing an exam may be required to receive your credential. It is important to be aware of whether this applies to your credential. Exam scores must be sent from the exam host to the department. For more information on exams that may apply to your credential, visit your profession page.

Supervised Experience

Supervised experience may be necessary to receive your credential or maintain it as you practice. Supervision rules and requirements vary from profession to profession, please visit your professions page to learn more about supervision requirements for your credential.

Important Reminders

Fees

Fees must be paid when an application is submitted. You can pay online while using the online application portal, or by sending a check or money order to the appropriate PO Box as listed on your application.

Applications with unpaid fees cannot be processed until payment is received.

Background Check

A background check is processed for every applicant. DOH may need to obtain a fingerprint-based background check with Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If this is required for your application, you will be contacted by DOH and it is your responsibility to complete the required steps to submit this background check.

Process for Approving/Denying Applications

We finish the final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete and that it complies with the requirements in chapter 18.227 RCW and chapter 246-821 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted the required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Behavioral Health Support Specialist Clinical Training Program

Detailed requirements for BHSS Clinical Training Programs is on the Education Programs webpage.

Apply Online

At this time, the department is only accepting paper applications for BHSS Education Program Approval. Education institutions interested in developing a BHSS program should collaborate with the University of Washington BHSS Clinical Training Program via email (bhsswa@uw.edu). For more information, review the BHSS Implementation Guide and Gap Analysis Tools on the UW BHSS website.

BHSS Clinical Training Program applicants must submit a completed application packet to the Department of Health.

BHSS Clinical Training Program Application (PDF)

There is no fee for BHSS Clinical Training Program applications.

Email DOH BHSS program staff members with questions about BHSS Clinical Training Program Application and credentialing process (BHSS@doh.wa.gov).