Physical Therapist / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington Physical Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Evaluates and treats movement disorders and injuries. Requires doctoral degree.

What the Washington data shows for Physical Therapists

Washington's path to physical therapist licensure runs through 3,811 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Washington folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)".

The initial price tag is $298, and renewal costs $257 every 2 years. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

On reciprocity, physical therapists should know: PT Licensure Compact: 30+ member states.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
30/100
Physical Therapist · 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
3,811 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$298
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$129/yr
$257 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
3,811 hours
Exam Requirement
NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$298
Renewal Fee
$257
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Physical Therapist All Washington licenses
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 Physical Therapist in Washington? ▼
Washington's requirements cover 3811 hours of education or training, the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $298. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Physical Therapist in Washington? ▼
Certification as a physical therapist in Washington means clearing the state's checklist: 3811 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Washington licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Physical Therapist license to Washington from another state? ▼
For physical therapists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: PT Licensure Compact: 30+ member states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Washington licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Washington require a background check for Physical Therapist licensing? ▼
Yes, Washington requires a criminal background check as part of the physical therapist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physical Therapist in Washington? ▼
Licensed physical therapists in Washington must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $257.

Related Guides

What to do with this physical therapist license

Physical Therapist in Washington, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a physical therapist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Washington's physical therapist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Physical Therapist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state physical therapist 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.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.