Verified October 9, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What BCBAs miss in Washington
- Washington certifies behavior technicians separately from the BACB, and an RBT must hold the state certification before working with clients.
- Washington renewals fall on your birthday every two years, not on a fixed statewide date.
- A temporary license lasts 180 days and cannot be extended, so the full application should go in at the same time.
Does Washington license behavior analysts?
Practicing ABA in Washington requires a license or temporary license. Applicants qualify through current certification equivalent to a licensed behavior analyst, verified directly by the certifying body, or by meeting the state's degree, 225 classroom hours, 1,500 supervised hours and exam requirements.
- Licenses behavior analysts
- Licensed Behavior Analyst
- Licensure law enacted 2015
Citation: RCW 18.380; WAC 246-805
Can a BCBA licensed in another state get a Washington license by endorsement?
Washington issues a credential by reciprocity to a holder of an active, unrestricted credential from a state with substantially equivalent qualifications, with verification from every state where the applicant is or was credentialed.
- Endorsement or reciprocity route
Citation: RCW 18.380.090; WAC 246-805-510
Does Washington have a state law exam or requirement?
No state exam. The license rests on equivalent national certification or on the state's education, experience and national exam requirements.
- No state law exam
Does Washington license assistant behavior analysts?
Assistants are licensed and must prove ongoing supervision by a licensed behavior analyst. They practice ABA only under that supervision.
- Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst
Do behavior technicians need a Washington credential?
No one may practice as a behavior technician in Washington without state certification. Technicians complete an approved training program of at least 40 hours, work under close, ongoing supervision of a licensed clinical supervisor for each client, and sign a supervision agreement before starting. Renewal requires RBT certification or a supervisor competency assessment.
- Certified Behavior Technician
Can an out-of-state behavior analyst practice in Washington temporarily?
A nonresident holding an active, unrestricted behavior analyst license in another state may get a temporary license good for 180 days, after a clean Washington background check and an FBI fingerprint card. It cannot be renewed or extended. The fee is $50.
- Temporary practice allowed
Citation: RCW 18.380.080; WAC 246-805-520
How often does a Washington behavior analyst license renew?
Credentials renew every two years on the practitioner's birthday. Behavior analysts meet CE by keeping certification that requires CE, or by 32 hours including 4 in ethics, plus 2 hours of health equity CE every four years. Renewal fees are $350 for behavior analysts, $175 for assistants and $150 for technicians.
- Renews every 2 years
Licensing in Washington?
For a license, we prepare the complete application, request your verifications and BACB documentation, and track it to a decision; you review, sign and submit. License by endorsement is $599 for a BCBA.