Athletic Trainer / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington Athletic Trainer License Requirements

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

Prevents and treats injuries for athletes. Requires BOC examination.

What the Washington data shows for Athletic Trainers

Washington sets the entry bar for athletic trainers at 3,311 training hours and a passing score on BOC Examination. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Washington's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree".

Budget $212 to get started, plus $172 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 50 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, athletic trainers should know: Athletic Training Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
32/100
Athletic Trainer · Washington

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
3,311 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$212
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$86/yr
$172 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
25.0 hrs/yr
50 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree
3,311 hours
Exam Requirement
BOC Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$212
Renewal Fee
$172
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
50 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Athletic Trainer in Washington?
Washington requires 3311 education/training hours, passing an exam (BOC Examination), and an initial fee of $212. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Athletic Trainer in Washington?
Washington licenses athletic trainers who complete its requirements (3311 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Washington licensing board.
Can I transfer my Athletic Trainer license to Washington from another state?
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for athletic trainers: Athletic Training Compact: adoption underway. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Washington licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Washington require a background check for Athletic Trainer licensing?
Yes, Washington requires a criminal background check as part of the athletic trainer licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Athletic Trainer in Washington?
To stay licensed as an athletic trainer in Washington, plan on 50 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $172.

What to do with this athletic trainer license

Athletic Trainer in Washington, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in an athletic trainer-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Washington's athletic trainer requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Athletic Trainer in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state athletic trainer license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Washington's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Washington overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Washington licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.