Licensing Requirements

Graduation from a nationally accredited, board-approved school. We must receive an official transcript with the degree and date posted, directly from the education institute. Transcripts not in English must have an official translation. A minimum of six months supervised fieldwork experience for occupational therapists (OT). A minimum of two months of supervised fieldwork experience for occupational therapy assistants. This information is on the official transcript. Employment history. Must have a complete chronology of activities from graduation from OT program to date of application. Any time gaps must be accounted for. Applicants must obtain a passing score on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy's (NBCOT) exam. Applicants must complete the online jurisprudence examination and pass with a score of 100 percent.

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. The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

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 a case is pending, applicant must indicate status.

To renew an occupational therapy practitioner license, you must have 30 hours of continuing competency every two years. Occupational therapy practitioners must have completed this requirement by their birth date every two years. The continuing competency must have been obtained during the preceding two years, from birth date to birth date. Continuing competency hours cannot be carried over to the next reporting period. The board does not pre-approve continuing competency courses for presenters or licensees. The 30 contact hours must be obtained through two or more of the categories listed in WAC 246-847-065.