Washington Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

The information below is collected from state licensure boards or regulatory agencies responsible for regulating the professions of speech-language pathology and/or audiology. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.

Initial Licensure

Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Master's degree or doctorate degree or equivalent from a a Board-approved institution of higher learning
Supervised clinical practicum
36 weeks full-time or part time equivalent postgraduate professional work experience
Passage of an exam

Note: All licensees are required to notify the Department of Health in writing, of the regular address of the place(s) where the licensee intents to practice more than 20 consecutive business days.

Note: Audiologists may dispense hearing aids under an audiology license.

Exemptions

Military or federal government employees
Individuals licensed in other states while appearing as clinicians of bona fide educational seminars sponsored by professional associations so long as such activities do not go beyond the scope of practice
Supervised students in a Hearing and Speech Board-approved program
Persons certified by the Washington professional educator standards board as educational staff associates practicing solely within the school setting

Reciprocity

Applicants credentialed in another state, territory, or District of Columbia with equivalent standards may be receive a temporary practice permit to practice in Washington while undergoing while the national background check is completed.

Interim Practice

Applicants who, except for the postgraduate professional experience and the exam, meet the academic and practicum requirement to practice under supervision shall obtain an interim permit. The permit is valid for one year from date of issuance.

Audiology interim permit holders may engage in the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments.

Continuing Education

Thirty hours of continuing education are required every three years, including one hour on infection control.

Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact

Washington is a member state of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. Information on the current status of the ASLP-IC can be found on the ASLP-IC website.