Renewing Your License: What You Need to Know

Under Washington law (RCW 18.74.070), all licensed physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) must renew their license annually. Licenses expire on the licensee’s birthday.

The renewal period starts 90 days before your birthday and ends on your birthday. There is no grace period after your birthdate—if you do not renew in time, your license will expire, and you will no longer be allowed to practice.

Continuing Competency Requirements

Every two years, PTs and PTAs must meet continuing competency requirements outlined in WAC 246-915-085:

• PTs: 32 hours of continuing education + 200 hours applying physical therapy knowledge and skills
• PTAs: 24 hours of continuing education + 200 hours applying physical therapy knowledge and skills

Activities for knowledge and skills application may include clinical practice, teaching, job shadowing, volunteer work, and other activities listed in WAC 246-915-085.

Additional Training Requirements

• Health equity education: 2 hours every two years (included in total CE hours) (WAC 246-915-085(4))
• Suicide prevention training: A one-time, 3-hour training during your first renewal cycle (WAC 246-915-086)
• Spinal manipulation training: 10 hours every two years for PTs with a spinal manipulation endorsement (WAC 246-915-085(2)). These hours count toward the required 32 hours of CE.

Renewal Fees

• $100 for PTs
• $95 for PTAs
• $50 late renewal penalty (applies the day after the license expires)

All fees are non-refundable.

Renewal Process

The Department of Health notifies healthcare providers 90 days before their license expires. Licensees must keep their contact information up to date—not receiving a renewal notice does not excuse late or missed renewal.

Licenses may be renewed online.

Compact Privilege Holders

Compact privilege holders must renew their privilege on the same date as their home state license and follow their home state’s continuing competency requirements. Learn more from the Physical Therapy Compact Commission.

For questions, contact the Department of Health licensing team. To learn more, visit our website or review RCW 18.74 and WAC 246-915.