Washington Audiologist License
Washington Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Total Fee
$135
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / WSP
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the DOH.
- Praxis Exam Scores — Official scores sent directly from ETS.
- Professional Reference Request — Form completed by your postgraduate supervisor verifying 36 weeks of full-time experience (waived for AuD holders from board-approved programs). Download Form
- Surety Bond Documentation — Proof of a $10,000 surety bond or security in lieu of a bond for hearing instrument fitting/dispensing.
- Out-of-State Verification — Verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held a credential, sent directly from that state's board. Verification Form
How to Apply
-
Create a SAW Account ▾Register for a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account to access the Health Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS).
Register for SAW -
Submit Online Application ▾Log into HELMS via SAW, add the 'Health Professional and Facility Licensing' service, and complete the Audiologist application.
Apply Online -
Complete Jurisprudence Exam ▾Review the RCW 18.35 and WAC 246-828 references and complete the open-book jurisprudence exam included in the application packet.
Jurisprudence References -
Request Official Transcripts ▾Have your university send official transcripts directly to the Washington Department of Health showing your AuD or Master's degree.
-
Send Praxis Scores ▾Request that ETS send your national audiology examination (Praxis) scores directly to the Washington Department of Health.
ETS Praxis Scores -
Obtain Surety Bond ▾If you will be fitting or dispensing hearing instruments, you must obtain a $10,000 surety bond and submit proof or a declaration of compliance.
Surety Bond Statute -
Background Check and Fingerprinting ▾Wait for the DOH to notify you if a fingerprint-based background check is required (typically for out-of-state applicants). Do not schedule until notified.
Fingerprint Info
Total Fee
$135
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Audiologists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Verify Equivalent Standards ▾Ensure your current out-of-state license was issued based on standards equivalent to Washington's requirements.
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the standard Audiologist application and check the 'Endorsement' box.
Application PDF -
Provide License Verifications ▾Request official license verifications from all states where you are or were licensed to be sent directly to WA DOH.
-
Complete WA Jurisprudence Exam ▾All endorsement applicants must still pass the Washington-specific jurisprudence exam.
Exam References
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Washington Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Keeping Your License Active
Washington Audiologist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Washington Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35.50 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Transcripts or Scores
▾
Applications cannot be processed until official transcripts and Praxis scores are received directly from the source.
Premature Fingerprinting
▾
Scheduling fingerprints before receiving a DOH notification can lead to non-refundable fees and processing errors.
Surety Bond Omission
▾
Failure to provide bond information if you intend to dispense hearing aids will stall the application.
Incomplete Out-of-State Verifications
▾
Waiting for other state boards to send verifications is a frequent cause of delay; follow up with those boards early.
Questions
Does Washington accept the ASHA CCC-A for licensure?
▾
Yes, the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-A) is accepted as proof of meeting the academic, practicum, and national exam requirements.
How many continuing education hours are required?
▾
Audiologists must complete 30 hours of CE every three years, including 1 hour of infection control and 2 hours of health equity training.
Is a surety bond required for all audiologists?
▾
A $10,000 surety bond is required only for those engaged in the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments.
How often must I renew my license?
▾
Licenses must be renewed annually on or before the licensee's birthday.
Can I practice while my application is pending?
▾
No, you may not practice until your license status is 'Active' in the Provider Credential Search, unless you hold a valid interim permit.
Board Info
Washington Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Phone(360) 236-4700