Physician Assistant / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington Physician Assistant License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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Practices medicine under physician supervision. Requires PANCE exam and masters degree.

What the Washington data shows for Physician Assistants

Washington sets the entry bar for physician assistants at 4,216 training hours and a passing score on PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam). 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 (MPAS or MMS)".

Budget $343 to get started, plus $303 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 100 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states.

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree (MPAS or MMS)
4,216 hours
Exam Requirement
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$343
Renewal Fee
$303
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
100 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Physician Assistant 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 Physician Assistant in Washington? ▼
Washington's requirements cover 4216 hours of education or training, the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $343. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Physician Assistant in Washington? ▼
To become a licensed physician assistant in Washington, you must meet the state's requirements including 4216 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Washington licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant license to Washington from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for physician assistants nationally works like this: PA Licensure Compact: adoption underway in many states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Washington. Verify the specifics with the Washington licensing board.
Does Washington require a background check for Physician Assistant licensing? ▼
Yes, Washington requires a criminal background check as part of the physician assistant licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Physician Assistant in Washington? ▼
Washington ties continued physician assistant licensure to 100 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $303 renewal fee.

Related Guides

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

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