Psychology in Washington: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in WA
- Licensure Requirements
- How Long Does It Take?
- Out-of-State Licensing
- Licensing Renewal
- Salary Expectations
- Professional Organizations
- FAQ
Psychologists in Washington benefit from high demand and above-average salaries. The number of psychologist jobs in the state could grow by 19% from 2020-2030, according to the federal O*NET OnLine. That’s faster than the national average for the field.
But what are the Washington psychology licensure requirements? This guide explores the degree, exam, and experience requirements to earn a psychology license in Washington.
Washington Psychology Licensure Requirements
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) oversees licensure for psychologists in the state.
Washington’s licensing requirements are more rigorous than those in other states. Prospective psychologists must take and pass two licensing exams, one nationally recognized oral exam and a 25-question online test specific to practicing in Washington.
Psychologist
Washington licensure requirements for psychologists include:
- Doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Complete a minimum of 300 practicum hours, with at least 100 supervised hours
- Complete at least 3,300 hours of supervised experience, which can include pre-internship, internship, and postdoc experience
- Passing scores on the Examination of Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP)
- Passing scores on the Washington State Psychologist Jurisprudence Examination
Washington psychologists must have an advanced degree from an accredited psychology program to be licensed by the state. Proper accreditation means that the program’s curriculum, practicum, and internship requirements meet academic and industry standards. The DOH conducts background checks, verifies out-of-state credentials, and processes fees to award psychologist licenses.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist in Washington?
It generally takes about 8-10 years to satisfy the educational requirements needed to gain licensure as a psychologist. During that time, you must earn a bachelor’s and potentially a master’s degree, and a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology.
Psychology doctoral programs incorporate internships to complete the supervised practice requirements for a license. If you do not meet Washington’s requirement of 3,300 supervised practice hours during your doctoral program, you can complete up to 1,500 hours in a postdoc.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Washington
Washington offers a reciprocity program for behavioral health professionals. If you hold a license in another state, you can apply for a probationary psychologist license in Washington. However, the reciprocity program only extends to states with similar licensure requirements to Washington. The DOH lists approved states.
The probationary license is good for one year, and you can renew it one time. While holding the probationary license, applicants can meet the full licensure requirements for a Washington psychologist license.
How to Renew a Psychology License in Washington
Psychology licenses expire every year in Washington. Licensed psychologists must renew their credentials annually by their birthday.
The renewal requirements include 60 hours of continuing education every three years. Washington requires four hours in ethics, two hours in health equity, and six hours in suicide intervention every six years. Psychologists must submit verification of their continuing education during the renewal process every three years. Washington’s renewal fee is $226 as of 2025.
Salary Expectations for Psychologists in Washington
Washington psychologists earn salaries above the national average. In the U.S., psychologists earn a median pay of $101,170, according to May 2023 BLS data. Washington’s clinical, counseling, and school psychologists all report higher than average salaries, as do other psychologists.
The earning potential for psychologists in Washington remains consistent across specialties. While school psychologists report the lowest average salary, the highest-paid specialties make around 5% more annually.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $108,650 | $52.24 |
| School Psychologists | $105,190 | $50.57 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $110,330 | $53.04 |
Professional Organizations for Psychologists in Washington
Washington State Department of Health: Psychologist
The DOH provides licensing and renewal guidance for psychologists, including resources on reciprocal licenses and the licensure process. Perspective psychologists can learn about Washington’s jurisprudence exam. The department also provides information about telehealth training requirements for psychologists.
Washington State Psychological Association
A professional association for Washington psychologists and psychology students, WSPA provides resources on licensure, clinical training, and continuing education. The association also offers a job board and an organization for early career psychologists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Licensure in Washington State
You need a doctorate in psychology, 3,300 hours of supervised experience, and passing scores on the national and state exams to become a licensed psychologist in Washington. The Washington State Department of Health provides additional information on the state’s licensure requirements.
