Resources · Path to Licensure

Step-by-step licensure pathways in Washington.

Washington licenses and certifies its behavioral health professions through the Department of Health (DOH) rather than independent boards. Counseling and marriage & family therapy each use a two-tier ladder — a pre-licensure Associate credential (LMHCA, LMFTA) followed by the full clinical license (LMHC, LMFT). Social work runs two parallel ladders under one chapter: the clinical track (LSWAIC associate → LICSW) and the advanced track (LSWAA associate → LASW). Substance use disorder counseling is a DOH credential, not a voluntary certificate — the Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT) leads to the Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP). Psychology is a single doctoral Licensed Psychologist credential examined via the EPPP, and as of 2022–2023 Washington licenses behavior analysts (the Licensed Behavior Analyst, LBA, under chapter 18.380 RCW). Washington also requires a one-time AIDS/infectious-disease education for these health professions (WAC 246-12-270).

Want the one-line summary instead? See the Washington licensure overview →
Open the profession + state finder →

Jump to a profession

Professional CounselingAddiction & Substance Use CounselingSocial WorkMarriage & Family TherapyPsychologyBehavior Analysis

Professional Counseling

Prep for the NCMHCE / NCE →
LMHCA

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate

Required exam: No examination is required to obtain the Associate credential; the NCE or NCMHCE is taken on the path to full LMHC licensure.

Scope: Pre-licensure associate credential for a graduate-degreed counselor gaining supervised experience toward the LMHC; an associate may not independently provide mental health counseling for a fee and must practice under an approved supervisor (chapter 18.225 RCW, chapter 246-809 WAC).
  1. EducationMaster’s or doctoral degree in mental health counseling, or a behavioral science master’s/doctoral degree in a field relating to mental health counseling, from an approved school. The degree must have a core of study in counseling theory/philosophy with a counseling practicum and/or internship and cover seven of the 17 content areas listed in WAC 246-809-220 (at least five from the first eight).
  2. Supervision / experienceNone required to obtain the Associate; the LMHCA credential is the vehicle for accruing the supervised experience needed for the LMHC.
  3. ExamNot required for the Associate. Applicants register directly through the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE)/NBCC for the NCE or NCMHCE when pursuing the LMHC.
  4. ApplicationApply to DOH with an official transcript sent directly from the program, a signed declaration that you are working toward full licensure, personal-data questions, and out-of-state credential verification (if applicable).
LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Required exam: Either the NBCC National Counselor Examination (NCE) OR the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) — Washington accepts either.

Scope: Full, independent-practice clinical counseling license authorizing the autonomous practice of mental health counseling, including assessment and diagnosis (chapter 18.225 RCW).
  1. EducationSame master’s/doctoral degree as the LMHCA (mental health counseling, or behavioral science in a related field, meeting the WAC 246-809-220 content areas), with official transcripts sent directly from the program.
  2. Supervision / experienceA minimum of 36 months of full-time counseling or 3,000 hours of postgraduate mental health counseling under an approved LMHC supervisor (or equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner) in an approved setting; at least 100 hours must be in immediate supervision and at least 1,200 hours must be direct counseling with individuals, couples, groups, or families (RCW 18.225.090). Three years as an SUDP within the past ten reduces the requirement by 10% (to 2,700 hours).
  3. ExamPass the NCE or the NCMHCE; register directly through CCE/NBCC and have official scores sent directly to DOH.
  4. ApplicationApply to DOH with transcripts, supervisor verification of supervised experience (LMHCAs submit their accrued hours), out-of-state verification, personal-data questions, and attestation of the one-time AIDS education.

Official Professional Counseling resources

Addiction & Substance Use Counseling

Prep for the MAC / NCAC exam →
SUDPT

Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee

Required exam: No examination is required for the Trainee credential.

Scope: DOH credential (not a voluntary certificate) allowing a person enrolled in an approved SUDP education program to earn supervised SUD-counseling experience under an approved SUDP supervisor while working toward full SUDP certification (chapter 18.205 RCW, chapter 246-811 WAC).
  1. EducationSubmit a signed declaration of current enrollment in an approved SUDP education program (the trainee accrues the SUD education and experience required for the SUDP).
  2. Supervision / experienceNone required to obtain the Trainee credential; the SUDPT is the vehicle for gaining supervised SUD-counseling hours under an approved supervisor.
  3. ExamNot required for the Trainee credential.
  4. ApplicationApply to DOH with the enrollment declaration naming the education program and either the approved SUDP supervisor (with credential number) or the behavioral health agency / practicum site, plus out-of-state verification and personal-data questions.
SUDP

Substance Use Disorder Professional

Required exam: NAADAC examination (Level I / NCAC-I or higher) OR an IC&RC ADC or AADC examination. The IC&RC exam is not administered in Washington but is accepted from other states; a current NAADAC (NCAC-I+) or IC&RC (ADC+) certification is deemed to meet WA’s education, experience, and exam requirements.

Scope: Full DOH credential authorizing independent practice of substance use disorder counseling (clinical evaluation, treatment planning, individual/group/family SUD counseling) within licensed or certified service providers (chapter 18.205 RCW).
  1. EducationAn associate degree in human services or a related field, OR 90 quarter / 60 semester college credits from an approved school, with at least 45 quarter / 30 semester credits in SUD-specific coursework covering the topics in WAC 246-811-030 — including understanding addiction, ASAM criteria, SUD clinical evaluation, HIV/AIDS brief risk intervention, counseling (individual, group, family), law/ethics, and relapse prevention. An SUD Counseling or Addiction Studies degree is deemed to meet the education requirement; an alternative track exists for already-licensed professionals (e.g., LMHC, LICSW, psychologist) via 15 quarter / 10 semester credits in seven addiction topics (WAC 246-811-076).
  2. Supervision / experienceSupervised SUD-counseling hours scaled to formal education: 2,500 hours (associate degree / qualifying coursework), 2,000 hours (baccalaureate), 1,500 hours (master’s or doctoral), 1,000 hours (alternative-track licensed professionals), or 4,000 hours (registered SUDP apprenticeship). Of these, 850 structured hours are required — 200 hours of clinical evaluation (100 face-to-face), 600 hours of face-to-face counseling, and 50 hours of professional/ethical responsibilities — the first 50 hours of patient contact under direct observation of an approved supervisor (WAC 246-811-046/047).
  3. ExamMeet all certification requirements, then pass the NAADAC (Level I+) exam; or transfer a passing NAADAC/IC&RC score. National NAADAC (NCAC-I+) or IC&RC (ADC+) certification waives the education, experience, and exam documentation.
  4. ApplicationApply to DOH with official transcripts (and the course-topic identification form if the degree is not in Addiction Studies/SUD Counseling), supervisor verification, exam/certification verification sent directly from NAADAC or IC&RC, out-of-state verification, and personal-data questions.

Official Addiction & Substance Use Counseling resources

Social Work

Prep for the ASWB exam →
LSWAIC

Licensed Social Worker Associate Independent Clinical

Required exam: No examination is required to obtain the associate credential; the ASWB Clinical exam is taken on the path to LICSW.

Scope: Pre-licensure associate credential on the clinical track for a graduate-degreed social worker gaining supervised experience toward the LICSW; practice is limited to supervised settings and the associate may not provide independent clinical social work for a fee (chapter 18.225 RCW, chapter 246-809 WAC).
  1. EducationA graduate social work degree (master’s or doctoral) consistent with the clinical-track requirements of chapter 246-809 WAC; official transcripts sent directly from the program.
  2. Supervision / experienceNone required to obtain the associate; the LSWAIC is the vehicle for accruing the LICSW’s supervised clinical hours.
  3. ExamNot required for the associate; the ASWB Clinical examination is required for the LICSW.
  4. ApplicationApply to DOH selecting the clinical track, with transcripts, a declaration of working toward full licensure, out-of-state verification, and personal-data questions.
LICSW

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Required exam: ASWB Clinical examination.

Scope: Full, independent-practice clinical social work license authorizing diagnosis and treatment of emotional and mental disorders and psychotherapy with individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations (chapter 18.225 RCW).
  1. EducationA graduate (master’s or doctoral) social work degree; official transcripts sent directly from the program.
  2. Supervision / experienceA minimum of 4,000 hours of supervised postgraduate experience over at least three years under an approved supervisor (WAC 246-809-330/334) — including 1,000 hours of direct client contact supervised by a LICSW, and 130 hours of direct supervision, of which 70 hours must be by a LICSW (one-to-one or group) and 60 hours by a LICSW or equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner (one-to-one). Five+ years of out-of-state social work licensure in good standing can deem the experience met.
  3. ExamPass the ASWB Clinical examination; have the score verified directly to DOH. (Board Certified Diplomate / DCSW / QCSW credentials can satisfy the education and experience prerequisites under WAC 246-809-321.)
  4. ApplicationApply to DOH selecting Independent Clinical, with transcripts, supervisor verification of postgraduate experience, ASWB exam verification, out-of-state verification, and the one-time AIDS education attestation.
LSWAA

Licensed Social Worker Associate Advanced

Required exam: No examination is required to obtain the associate credential; the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam is taken on the path to LASW.

Scope: Pre-licensure associate credential on the advanced (non-clinical) track for a graduate-degreed social worker gaining supervised experience toward the LASW; practice is limited to supervised settings (chapter 18.225 RCW, chapter 246-809 WAC).
  1. EducationA graduate social work degree (master’s or doctoral) consistent with chapter 246-809 WAC; official transcripts sent directly from the program.
  2. Supervision / experienceNone required to obtain the associate; the LSWAA is the vehicle for accruing the LASW’s supervised advanced-practice hours.
  3. ExamNot required for the associate; the ASWB Advanced Generalist examination is required for the LASW.
  4. ApplicationApply to DOH selecting the advanced track, with transcripts, a declaration of working toward full licensure, out-of-state verification, and personal-data questions.
LASW

Licensed Advanced Social Worker

Required exam: ASWB Advanced Generalist examination.

Scope: Advanced-practice social work license for non-clinical advanced practice (biopsychosocial assessment, and psychotherapy under the supervision of a LICSW, psychiatrist, or psychiatric ARNP); designed for practice in agencies, hospitals, and schools (chapter 18.225 RCW).
  1. EducationA graduate (master’s or doctoral) social work degree; official transcripts sent directly from the program.
  2. Supervision / experienceA minimum of 3,200 hours of supervised postgraduate experience under an approved supervisor (WAC 246-809-330/334) — including 800 hours of direct client contact, and 90 hours of direct supervision, of which 50 hours must be by a licensed social worker (LASW or LICSW; one-to-one or group) and 40 hours by an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner (one-to-one). Five+ years of out-of-state social work licensure in good standing can deem the experience met.
  3. ExamPass the ASWB Advanced Generalist examination; have the score verified directly to DOH.
  4. ApplicationApply to DOH selecting Advanced, with transcripts, supervisor verification, ASWB exam verification, out-of-state verification, and the one-time AIDS education attestation. (An LASW must reapply for the LICSW to practice independently.)

Official Social Work resources

Marriage & Family Therapy

Prep for the National MFT Exam →
LMFTA

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

Required exam: No examination is required to obtain the Associate credential; the AMFTRB exam is taken on the path to full LMFT licensure.

Scope: Pre-licensure associate credential for a graduate-degreed marriage and family therapist gaining supervised experience toward the LMFT; the associate may not independently provide marriage and family therapy for a fee and must practice under an approved supervisor (chapter 18.225 RCW, chapter 246-809 WAC).
  1. EducationA master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, or a behavioral science master’s/doctoral degree with equivalent coursework, from an approved school. Non-COAMFTE programs must show 45 semester / 60 quarter credits across nine areas (with at least 27 semester / 36 quarter credits in the first six: marital & family systems, MFT, individual development, psychopathology, human sexuality, and research).
  2. Supervision / experienceNone required to obtain the Associate; the LMFTA is the vehicle for accruing the LMFT’s supervised experience.
  3. ExamNot required for the Associate; the AMFTRB National MFT Examination is required for the LMFT.
  4. ApplicationApply to DOH with official transcripts (or AAMFT clinical membership), a declaration of working toward full licensure, out-of-state verification, and personal-data questions.
LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Required exam: AMFTRB Examination in Marital and Family Therapy (administered by Professional Testing Corporation / PTC).

Scope: Full, independent-practice license authorizing the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders within a relational and family-systems framework (chapter 18.225 RCW).
  1. EducationThe same graduate MFT (or equivalent behavioral science) degree as the LMFTA, meeting the nine areas of study and credit minimums; official transcripts sent directly from the program. A COAMFTE-accredited master’s can be credited 500 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of formal supervision.
  2. Supervision / experienceA minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised experience over at least 24 months — including 1,000 hours of direct client contact (at least 500 of those in diagnosing and treating couples and families) and 200 hours of supervision, of which 100 hours must be with a LMFT having at least five years of clinical experience and 100 hours may be with an equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner (RCW 18.225.090, WAC 246-809-130). Five+ years of out-of-state MFT licensure in good standing can deem the experience met.
  3. ExamPass the AMFTRB examination; submit the request to sit at least 45 days before the testing window and have AMFTRB send official scores directly to DOH.
  4. ApplicationApply to DOH with transcripts (or AAMFT clinical membership), supervisor verification of supervised experience, AMFTRB exam verification, out-of-state verification, and the one-time AIDS education attestation.

Official Marriage & Family Therapy resources

Psychology

Prep for the EPPP →
Licensed Psychologist

Licensed Psychologist

Required exam: EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology), passing score 500; the Board also administers Washington jurisprudence/ethics review as part of licensure.

Scope: Doctoral-level, independent-practice license authorizing the full scope of psychological services — assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy — under the Examining Board of Psychology (chapter 18.83 RCW, chapter 246-924 WAC).
  1. EducationA doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution earned through an integrated program of graduate study in psychology (APA-, CPA-, or PCSAS-accredited, or meeting equivalent coursework in the content areas of WAC 246-924-046); official transcripts required.
  2. Supervision / experienceA minimum of 3,300 hours of supervised experience (WAC 246-924-043): a practicum of at least nine months and 300 hours; an organized internship of at least 1,500 hours completed within 12–24 months (APA/CPA-accredited or APPIC-member, or meeting WAC 246-924-057); plus 1,500 additional hours from extra practicum (max 1,800 total practicum), extra internship (max 3,000 total internship), and/or up to 1,500 postdoctoral hours.
  3. ExamPass the EPPP. The Examining Board of Psychology approves applicants to register only after verifying education and supervised experience; a passing score is 500 or higher (score transfer accepted from prior EPPP passes).
  4. ApplicationApply to DOH / Board of Psychology selecting New Examination or EPPP Score Transfer, with official transcripts, Professional Reference Request forms verifying all 3,300 hours, syllabi for non-APA/CPA/PCSAS coursework, a wet-ink signature, and the one-time AIDS education.

Official Psychology resources

Behavior Analysis

Prep for the BCBA exam →
LBA

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Required exam: BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) Certification Examination of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB); current BACB certification as a BCBA is accepted in lieu of separately documenting education, experience, and exam.

Scope: Washington state license (chapter 18.380 RCW, chapter 246-805 WAC; credentialing began under DOH in 2022–2023) authorizing independent practice of applied behavior analysis. A Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA) is the parallel assistant-level credential.
  1. EducationA master’s or doctoral degree in behavior analysis or another natural science, education, human services, engineering, medicine, or a field related to behavior analysis approved by the secretary, PLUS a minimum of 225 classroom hours of graduate-level instruction in behavior analysis topics meeting the content-area minimums of WAC 246-805-120 (ethics, principles/concepts, experimental evaluation, behavioral assessment, behavior-change procedures, and discretionary content); official transcripts sent directly from the school.
  2. Supervision / experienceA minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised experience in behavior analysis (WAC 246-805-130), completed within five years at 10–30 hours per week, under a qualified supervisor who holds an active LBA or equivalent certification and has practiced at least 1,500 hours.
  3. ExamPass the BACB BCBA Certification Examination (or hold current BCBA certification from an approved credentialing entity, which is accepted toward the LBA).
  4. ApplicationApply to DOH selecting Certification from an Approved Credentialing Entity OR Graduate of an Approved Program with Required ABA Training; submit verification of current BCBA certification, or transcripts plus the 225-hour course-topic listing and supervised-experience form, plus out-of-state verification and personal-data questions.

Official Behavior Analysis resources

All licenses

Washington licensing portals & background checks.

How to use this page. Each card shows the education, supervised experience, exam, and application steps for one Washington license, plus its scope of practice. Licensing rules change — always confirm current requirements with the official board before you apply. Verified against the official state boards in June 2026.

Pass the exam on your path.

Triad’s AATBS brand prepares candidates for the EPPP, ASWB, NCE/NCMHCE, MFT, BCBA, and addictions exams — backed by a pass guarantee.

Find your exam prep →