Washington Psychology License: Requirements and Steps to Get Licensed
To get a psychology license in Washington, you need a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program, 3,300 hours of supervised experience, and passing scores on two exams: the national EPPP and Washington’s state jurisprudence exam. The full process typically takes 8 to 12 years from undergraduate education through licensure.
Washington has a real and growing need for licensed psychologists. The state has faced a documented shortage of mental health professionals, and psychologists are central to addressing it, whether they’re working in hospital systems in Seattle, running independent practices in Spokane, or providing school-based services in rural districts across the state. If you’re serious about becoming a licensed psychologist here, the path is clear, though it’s not short. Here’s what it involves.
Overview: How Long Does This Take?
Plan for 8 to 12 years from the start of your undergraduate education to licensure. That includes four years for a bachelor’s degree, another four to six years for a doctoral program (which incorporates your practicum and internship), and additional time for postdoctoral hours if needed. The licensing process itself (application review, exam scheduling, and final approval) typically takes 60 to 90 days once your supervised hours are complete.
Education Requirements for Washington Psychology Licensure
Washington requires a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution. Most candidates earn either a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or a Psy. D. (Doctor of Psychology). (Doctor of Psychology). If your doctoral program was not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), or the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), Washington requires that it include at least 51 semester hours (or 85 quarter hours) of graduate coursework across specific curriculum areas, plus at least one year completed in residency.
A master’s degree alone won’t qualify you for licensure in Washington. That said, a master’s-level psychology degree still opens doors to roles in counseling, case management, and human services work, and it’s a natural stepping stone toward your doctorate if you eventually want full licensure.
Supervised Experience: The 3,300-Hour Requirement
Before you can apply for your Washington psychology license, you need to document 3,300 total hours of supervised professional experience. Those hours are divided across several phases of your training.
| Experience Type | Required Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Practicum (doctoral program) | Minimum 300 hours | Completed as part of your doctoral degree. Up to 1,800 hours may count |
| Doctoral Internship | Minimum 1,500 hours | APA- or CPA-accredited, or an APPIC-member internship that meets Washington requirements. Completed within 12 to 24 months |
| Postdoctoral Supervised Experience | Up to 1,500 hours | Only required if you haven’t reached 3,300 hours through practicum and internship |
| Total Required | 3,300 hours | At least 60% must be direct client contact. Supervision ratios apply |
Your supervision must be provided primarily by a licensed psychologist meeting Washington requirements. At least 75% of your required supervision hours must come from a licensed psychologist who meets state experience requirements. The remaining 25% may be provided by an experienced psychiatrist, clinical social worker, mental health counselor, or marriage and family therapist.
The Licensing Exams
Washington requires passing scores on two separate examinations before your license is issued.
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
The EPPP is the national standard for psychology licensure and is required in every state. It consists of 225 total questions (175 scored items plus 50 unscored pretest items), administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers. Washington requires a scaled score of at least 500. Plan for approximately $700 in total exam costs, covering the $600 ASPPB exam fee plus Pearson VUE testing center fees. You won’t be authorized to schedule the exam until the Department of Health has verified that you’ve met all other licensure requirements.
Washington State Jurisprudence Examination
Typically completed after the EPPP, depending on application timing, Washington’s state-specific jurisprudence exam is a 25-question, open-book test covering Washington statutes and rules governing the practice of psychology. It’s administered online so that you can take it from home or your office. The passing score is 90%, which is high for an open-book format. Most candidates who prepare by reviewing the Department of Health’s study materials pass on their first attempt.
Applying for Your Washington Psychology License
Once your supervised hours are complete, you can submit your application to the Washington State Department of Health. Applications are accepted online or by mail. You’ll need to provide official transcripts sent directly from your institution, verification of supervised experience documented by your supervisors, and an application fee of $206. The Department of Health will notify you when your application has been reviewed, and you’re cleared to schedule the EPPP.
If you’re already licensed in another state and want to practice in Washington, you may qualify for licensure by endorsement. Washington offers a transfer pathway for psychologists who have been licensed in another state for at least two years, provided that state’s credentialing standards are equivalent to Washington’s. A temporary permit is available while your endorsement application is being reviewed.
License Renewal
Washington psychology licenses renew every year on or before your birthday. Renewal requires payment of the appropriate fee and completion of continuing education. Washington also requires licensed psychologists to complete training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management at least once every six years. If you let your license lapse, contact the Department of Health about reinstatement requirements before practicing again.
Career Outlook for Washington Psychologists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $125,270 for clinical and counseling psychologists in Washington. The state projects steady job growth in psychology positions over the next decade, driven in part by ongoing shortages in behavioral health services. Psychologists work across a wide range of settings here, including hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, private practice, and corrections. If you’re also considering a related path, Washington’s mental health counseling license (LMHC) is a separate credential worth exploring for those drawn to counseling work at the master’s level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a master’s degree before applying for a psychology license in Washington?
Not as a separate step. Washington requires a doctoral degree for licensure, and most doctoral programs in psychology include master’s-level training along the way. You don’t need to earn a standalone master’s degree first, though some candidates do complete one before entering a doctoral program.
What’s the difference between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D. for Washington licensure?
Both degrees qualify you for licensure in Washington as long as the program meets state requirements. Ph.D. programs tend to emphasize research and take slightly longer. Psy.D. programs are more clinically focused and often completed in less time. Neither credential gives you an advantage in the licensure process itself. Choose based on your career goals and preferred learning approach.
Can I practice psychology in Washington while my license application is pending?
Not independently. Washington doesn’t allow the unlicensed practice of psychology. If you’re completing postdoctoral hours, you can continue working under the supervision of a licensed psychologist while your application is being reviewed. You cannot open a private practice or practice independently until your license is issued.
What happens if I fail the EPPP?
Retake policies are set by ASPPB and the Washington Department of Health, and candidates must wait a designated period between attempts. Check current guidelines directly with the DOH and ASPPB before scheduling a retake, as policies can change.
Does Washington participate in psychology license reciprocity with other states?
Washington offers licensure by endorsement for psychologists licensed in other states for at least two years, provided the originating state’s requirements are equivalent to Washington’s. It’s not automatic reciprocity, but the endorsement pathway is available. Contact the Washington Department of Health to confirm whether your current state qualifies before applying.
Key Takeaways
- Doctoral degree required. Washington requires a Ph.D. or Psy.D. from a regionally accredited institution. A master’s degree alone doesn’t qualify you for licensure.
- 3,300 hours of supervised experience. Hours are accumulated across your practicum, doctoral internship, and postdoctoral experience. At least 60% must be direct client contact.
- Two exams to pass. The national EPPP (minimum score of 500) and Washington’s 25-question jurisprudence exam (90% passing score, open book, administered online).
- Plan for 8 to 12 years. From undergraduate enrollment through licensure, the full path is a long-term commitment. Starting with a clear plan makes a real difference.
- License renewal is annual. Renew by your birthday each year. Suicide assessment continuing education is required at least once every six years.
Ready to explore your path to psychology licensure? Browse accredited programs in Washington and find options that fit your background and career goals.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024. Salary figures for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists. Salaries based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.