Apply for a license
- Apply online
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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
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The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms.
Fee Schedule
- See certification fees below
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Non-Refundable Fee Type Current Fee Amount Initial certification $680 Exam or reexam $85 Renewal $800 Late renewal penalty $300 Expired certification reissuance $100 Duplicate credential $10 Certification verification letter $25
Certification Requirements
Primary Source Verification Letter (PDF)
- See certification requirements below
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Applicants must:
- Have a bachelor's degree 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
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
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.
Exam information
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.
The department is using a new provider, Examsoft, to administer the examination. This will allow candidates to take their examination on their home computer and not travel to a testing location. Further information will be provided upon scheduling the exam. The exam fee will be paid directly to the Department of Health.
See the Exam Information Frequently Asked Question webpage.
Additional information/documents required
- Note: A certified counselor may treat clients with a global assessment of functioning of sixty or less if conditions in RCW 18.19.200(3) and WAC 246-810-0201(3) 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.
Process for approving/denying applications
We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter 18.19 RCW and chapter 246-810 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted 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.
Renewal and continuing education requirements
Certified counselors must renew their license every year on or before their birthday. They're required to submit the appropriate fee and renewal card. Certified counselors are required to complete 36 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, six hours must be in ethics and three hours must be in suicide assessment, including screening and referral every six years.