Applied Behavior Analysis Licensing Information

February Credentialing Freeze: All licensing and credentialing systems for health professionals and facilities will be unavailable on Friday, February 14 from 5 p.m. until the morning of Wednesday, February 19, 2025, to complete system upgrades. Please complete your applications and renewals now to avoid delays.

Apply for a license online

Certified Behavior Technician

The Washington State Department of Health requires that only the applicant or licensee may complete an attestation for an application, or for continuing education. This is a legal attestation. Completion of the attestation by anyone other than the applicant may constitute a reportable felony offense. The Department of Health can take action against people for perjury or for making a false statement they know to be false.

For further information please see:

Washington State law authorizes the Department of Health to obtain fingerprint-based background checks for licensing purposes. This check may be through the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We may require this if you have lived in another state or if you have a criminal record in Washington State. This would be at your own expense.

You must pay the application fee at the time you apply. You may use a credit or debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo, or pay by ACH/E-Check. Please make sure your address on the payment information screen matches the address your financial institution has on file for you. This fee is non-refundable. There is a convenience fee to apply online.

If we need additional documentation, we'll notify you by email.

There are additional items you may need, in addition to your application:

If you have questions, contact our Customer Service staff members at 360-236-4700.

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Online applications are accessed through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) security portal. You'll need to add the Department of Health Online Application Portal - Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) Portal service to access the online applications. The first time you add the service, you'll be prompted to answer several questions to verify your identity. The questions will match the name and address you provide with the existing public record information. Because the questions come from public record, you need to provide a complete address and your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license or birth certificate. You may find you have to enter a former address, especially if your address has changed recently (within the past one or two years) to get the right questions that pertain to your identity. If you don't have sufficient information in the public record to verify your identity and aren't currently credentialed by the Department of Health, then you'll need to submit a paper application, as you won't be able to access the Online Application Portal.

Once you have completed the process, and submitted your application, you will receive an email with your pending credential number, or you may look on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Licensed Behavior Analyst

The Washington State Department of Health requires that only the applicant or licensee may complete an attestation for an application, or for continuing education. This is a legal attestation. Completion of the attestation by anyone other than the applicant may constitute a reportable felony offense. The Department of Health can take action against people for perjury or for making a false statement they know to be false.

For further information please see:

Washington State law authorizes the Department of Health to obtain fingerprint-based background checks for licensing purposes. This check may be through the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We may require this if you have lived in another state or if you have a criminal record in Washington state. This would be at your own expense.

You must pay the application fee at the time you apply. You may use a credit or debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo, or pay by ACH/E-Check. Please make sure your address on the payment information screen matches the address your financial institution has on file for you. This fee is non-refundable. There is a convenience fee to apply online.

If we need additional documentation, we'll notify you by email.

There are additional items you may need, in addition to your application:

If you have questions, contact our Customer Service staff members at 360-236-4700.

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Online applications are accessed through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) security portal. You'll need to add the Department of Health Online Application Portal - Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) Portal service to access the online applications. The first time you add the service, you'll be prompted to answer several questions to verify your identity. The questions will match the name and address you provide with the existing public record information. Because the questions come from public record, you need to provide a complete address and your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license or birth certificate. You may find you have to enter a former address, especially if your address has changed recently (within the past one or two years) to get the right questions that pertain to your identity. If you don't have sufficient information in the public record to verify your identity and aren't currently credentialed by the Department of Health, then you'll need to submit a paper application, as you won't be able to access the Online Application Portal.

Once you have completed the process, and submitted your application, you will receive an email with your pending credential number, or you may look on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst

The Washington State Department of Health requires that only the applicant or licensee may complete an attestation for an application, or for continuing education. This is a legal attestation. Completion of the attestation by anyone other than the applicant may constitute a reportable felony offense. The Department of Health can take action against people for perjury or for making a false statement they know to be false.

For further information please see:

Washington State law authorizes the Department of Health to obtain fingerprint-based background checks for licensing purposes. This check may be through the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We may require this if you have lived in another state or if you have a criminal record in Washington State. This would be at your own expense.

You must pay the application fee at the time you apply. You may use a credit or debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo, or pay by ACH/E-Check. Please make sure your address on the payment information screen matches the address your financial institution has on file for you. This fee is non-refundable. There is a convenience fee to apply online.

If we need additional documentation, we'll notify you by email.

There are additional items you may need, in addition to your application:

If you have questions, contact our Customer Service staff members at 360-236-4700.

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

Online application instructions are on our website.

Online applications are accessed through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) security portal. You'll need to add the Department of Health Online Application Portal - Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) Portal service to access the online applications. The first time you add the service, you'll be prompted to answer several questions to verify your identity. The questions will match the name and address you provide with the existing public record information. Because the questions come from public record, you need to provide a complete address and your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license or birth certificate. You may find you have to enter a former address, especially if your address has changed recently (within the past one or two years) to get the right questions that pertain to your identity. If you don't have sufficient information in the public record to verify your identity and aren't currently credentialed by the Department of Health, then you'll need to submit a paper application, as you won't be able to access the Online Application Portal.

Once you have completed the process, and submitted your application, you will receive an email with your pending credential number, or you may look on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply for a license on paper

Applications and forms

The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms.

Applications must be completed either by hand or typed via type writer. Completing forms in Adobe or other PDF maker will be considered modified and deficient.

Email HSQAReview6@doh.wa.gov for additional documentation.

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst

Certified Behavior Technician

Additional Forms

Please keep in mind the following when submitting applications:

The Department of Health is a primary source verification. This means the department requires certain documents to be sent from the originating source.

Education or training documents must be sent directly from the source (i.e., school or training supervisor).

Mail your application with initial documentation and your check or money order payable to:

Department of Health
P.O. Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98507-1099

For certified behavior technicians (CBT) and licensed assistant behavior analyst applicants:

  • The training program form is to be sent from the training supervisor who is attesting to the training.
  • Please ensure the declaration form is in a sealed envelope or sent separate from your application.

Send other documents not sent with initial application to:

Applied Behavior Analyst
Credentialing
P.O. Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7877

Any application questions please call 360-236-4700 or send an email to customer service.

Fee Schedule

See licensing fees below

WAC 246-805-990 – Fees

Licensed behavior analyst

Non-refundable fee type Fee amount
Application and initial license $250
Active license renewal $350
Late renewal penalty $175
Expired license reissuance $175
Temporary license $50
Duplicate license $10
Verification of license $25

Licensed assistant behavior analyst

Non-refundable fee type Fee amount
Application and initial license $160
Active license renewal $175
Late renewal penalty $90
Expired license reissuance $90
Duplicate license $10
Verification of license $25

Certified behavior technician

Non-refundable fee type Fee amount
Original application and initial license $95
Active license renewal $150
Late renewal penalty $75
Expired license reissuance $75
Duplicate license $10
Verification of license $25

Definitions and License Requirements

Primary Source Verification Letter (PDF)

Please see definitions and license requirements for specific applied behavior analyst professions below.

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Definition

Licensed behavior analyst" means an individual who is licensed under this chapter to engage in the practice of applied behavior analysis.

  • Current BACB certification as a BCBA.
    or
  • A master's or doctorate degree in behavior analysis or other natural science, education, human services, engineering, medicine, or field related to behavior analysis approved by the secretary. An official transcript must be provided as evidence of the degree required;
  • Successful completion of a minimum of two hundred twenty-five classroom hours of graduate level instruction in behavior analysis topics. An official transcript must be provided as evidence of the course work required;
  • Successful completion of a supervised experience requirement, consisting of a minimum of one thousand five hundred hours; and
  • Successful completion of the national BCBA examination.
Renewal requirements

The initial credential will expire on your birthday. Initial credentials issued within ninety days of your birthday do not expire until your next birthday.

Your credential must be renewed every two years on or before your birthday. Renewals postmarked or presented to the department after midnight on the expiration date is late, and subject to a late renewal penalty.

WAC 246-12-030 How to renew a credential.

Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst

Definition

"Licensed assistant behavior analyst" means an individual who is licensed to engage in the practice of applied behavior analysis under the supervision of a licensed behavior analyst.

Current certification as a BCaBA from the BACB.; orProof of ongoing supervision

  • Graduation from a recognized bachelor's degree program under WAC 246-805-210. An official transcript must be provided as evidence of the degree required;
  • Successful completion of a minimum of one hundred thirty-five classroom hours of instruction in behavior analysis topics described in WAC 246-805-220. An official transcript must be provided as evidence of the course work required; and
  • Successful completion of a supervised experience requirement under WAC 246-805-230.

Additional information/documents required.

  • Proof of ongoing supervision
Renewal requirements

The initial credential will expire on your birthday. Initial credentials issued within ninety days of your birthday do not expire until your next birthday.

Your credential must be renewed every two years on or before your birthday. Renewals postmarked or presented to the department after midnight on the expiration date is late, and subject to a late renewal penalty.

WAC 246-12-030 - How to renew a credential.

Certified Behavior Technician

Definition

Paraprofessional who implements a behavior analysis treatment plan under the close, ongoing supervision of a licensed behavior analyst or a licensed assistant behavior analyst, but who doesn't design or supervise the implementation of a behavior analysis treatment plan.

Credentialing requirements
  • At least 18 years of age
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Current registration as a RBT from the BACB;

or

Successful completion of a 40-hour behavior technician training program outlined in WAC 246-805-310 to include:

  • Classroom, online, or supervisor-led instruction
  • Experiential learning
  • Evaluation and assessment
Renewal requirements

The initial credential will expire on your birthday. Initial credentials issued within ninety days of your birthday do not expire until your next birthday.

Your credential must be renewed every two years on or before your birthday. Renewals postmarked or presented to the department after midnight on the expiration date is late, and subject to a late renewal penalty.

WAC 246-12-030 – How to renew a credential.

List of National Accredited Professional Credentialing Entities

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) accepted toward the Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) credential.
  • Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) accepted toward the Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA) credential.
  • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) accepted toward the Certified Behavior Technician (CBT) credential.

Additional Licensing Information