# Psychologist Licensure Requirements in Washington

**Author:** Psych Degree Starter Editorial Team
**Published:** January 26, 2026
**Updated:** January 26, 2026

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Psychologist licensure in Washington requires doctoral-level education, supervised professional experience, and passage of both national and state-specific examinations. School psychology and master’s-level mental health practice are separately credentialed. 
  
 ## **Primary Licensing Authority**  
  
 The [Washington State Department of Health (DOH) — Examining Board of Psychology] (https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/psychologist/examining-board-psychology)  is responsible for psychologist licensure in Washington. 
  
 ## **Licensed Psychologist Requirements**  
  
 ### **Education Requirements**  
    
- Doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-accredited or board-approved equivalent program is required.
    
- Continuing education: 60 hours every 3 years, including at least 4 hours in ethics.
    
 ### **Supervised Experience Requirements**  
    
- 3,000 total hours of supervised professional experience, including:
  
-- 1,500 hours of doctoral-level internship meeting APA or equivalent standards
    
-- 1,500 hours of post-doctoral supervised experience
      
 ### **Examination Requirements**  
    
- Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
    
- Washington State Jurisprudence Exam (online test covering ethics, law, and administrative regulations)
    
 ## **Other Psychology Licenses in Washington**  
  
 ### **School Psychologist**  
  
 Certification for school psychologists is administered by the [Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)] (https://ospi.k12.wa.us/) , not the Department of Health. OSPI issues the [Educational Staff Associate (ESA)] (https://ospi.k12.wa.us/educator-support/education-staff-associate-esa)  – School Psychologist Certificate. 
  
 #### **Credentialing Requirements**  
    
- Master’s degree or higher in school psychology from a NASP-accredited or state-approved program
    
- 1,200-hour supervised internship (at least 600 hours in a school setting)
    
- Passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist (5403) examination
    
- Fingerprint-based background checks (WSP/FBI)
    
- Application through OSPI’s eCertification system
    
 #### **Scope of Practice**  
    
- ESA-certified school psychologists may provide psychological and educational services in PK–12 educational environments, including:
  
-- Psychoeducational and behavioral assessment
    
-- Consultation, counseling, and intervention
    
-- Support for IEP and special education processes
    
-- Social-emotional and behavioral programming
    
-- Crisis response and mental health promotion
      
- Practice under this credential is limited to educational settings. Independent clinical practice requires separate psychologist licensure from the Department of Health.
    
 ### **Master’s-Level License**  
    
- Washington does not issue an independent master’s-level psychologist license.
    
- Related mental health pathways (e.g., Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist) are regulated separately under the Department of Health.
    
 ## **Other Roles**  
    
- The Department of Health oversees psychologists, psychology associates (in training), and other behavioral health professions.
    
- The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction manages all ESA credentials, including those for school psychologists, counselors, and social workers.
    
 ## **Scope of Practice Considerations**  
    
- Only doctoral-level licensed psychologists may independently practice psychology outside of educational settings.
    
- ESA-certified school psychologists are limited to school-based psychological services.
    
- No independent psychology license is available at the master’s level.
    
 ## **PSYPACT Status in Washington**  
  
 Washington is a **participating PSYPACT state** . [PSYPACT] (https://psypact.gov/)  is an interstate compact that allows licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person psychological services across state lines among participating states. 
  
 ## **Key Takeaways**  
    
- Psychologist licensure in Washington requires a doctoral degree, 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and state jurisprudence exam.
    
- Sixty hours of continuing education are required every 3 years, including ethics.
    
- ESA school psychologist certification is managed by OSPI for educational settings only.
    
- Washington does not issue an independent psychologist license at the master’s level; other mental health credentials are separately regulated.
    
- Washington participates in PSYPACT, permitting eligible psychologists to practice across state lines under the Compact.
    
- The Department of Health and OSPI are the authorities for psychologist and school psychologist credentials in Washington. Consult these agencies for current requirements.
    
 
**Important Note:**  Licensure requirements can change over time and may vary based on individual circumstances. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and current information, prospective psychologists should always consult the appropriate state licensing board and education agency for the most up-to-date licensure and certification requirements.