Respiratory Therapist / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Treats patients with breathing disorders. Requires TMC exam.

What the Washington data shows for Respiratory Therapists

Washington's path to respiratory therapist licensure runs through 2,311 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice), 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 "Associate Degree".

Budget $212 to get started, plus $172 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 24 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
41/100
Respiratory 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
2,311 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 C-
12.0 hrs/yr
24 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
2,311 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$212
Renewal Fee
$172
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Respiratory 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 Respiratory Therapist in Washington? ▼
In Washington, the license path calls for 2311 education/training hours, a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice), and a $212 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in Washington? ▼
To become a licensed respiratory therapist in Washington, you must meet the state's requirements including 2311 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Washington licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Washington from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for respiratory therapists: Respiratory Therapy Licensure 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 Respiratory Therapist licensing? ▼
Yes, Washington requires a criminal background check as part of the respiratory therapist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapist in Washington? ▼
To stay licensed as a respiratory therapist in Washington, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $172.

Related Guides

What to do with this respiratory therapist license

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

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