Washington
Washington requires licensure under RCW 18.380 and WAC 246-805. Three credential types: LBA, LABA, and CBT. BACB certification pathway available or alternative requirements (degree + coursework + experience + exam). Biennial renewal on birthday. Health equity CE (2 hours/4 years) required in addition to standard CE. Fees: $250 LBA initial, $350 renewal.
Quick Reference
Licensing Board
Washington State Department of Health
License Verification
Online verification available
BACB Certification
Check specific requirements
Available License Types
Detailed Requirements
LBA: BCBA certification OR master's/doctorate in behavior analysis or related field plus 225+ graduate classroom hours in behavior analysis. LABA: BCaBA certification OR bachelor's degree plus 135+ classroom hours. CBT: High school diploma plus 40-hour training or RBT registration.
LBA: Minimum 1,500 hours supervised experience (verified through BCBA certification or direct documentation). LABA: Supervised experience per WAC 246-805-230 with ongoing supervision documentation required.
Must pass BACB certification exam (BCBA for LBA, BCaBA for LABA) or equivalent approved by secretary. No additional state exam.
Biennial renewal on birthday. LBA: $350 renewal, 32 CE hours (4 in ethics, 20+ in ABA topics, up to 8 in professional development). LABA: $175 renewal, 20 CE hours (10+ in ABA topics, up to 6 in professional development). Both: 2 hours health equity CE every 4 years. Late renewal penalty applies. Maintaining BACB certification satisfies CE requirements.
LBA Initial: $250. LBA Renewal: $350. LBA Late Penalty: $175. LABA Initial: $160. LABA Renewal: $175. LABA Late Penalty: $90. CBT Initial: $95. CBT Renewal: $150. All fees non-refundable.
BACB certification (BCBA, BCaBA, RBT) accepted as pathway to state licensure. Maintaining BACB certification satisfies continuing education requirements. Alternative non-BACB pathway available meeting equivalent education, experience, and exam requirements.
Washington has three-tier licensure system including CBT (technician) level. Health equity CE (2 hours every 4 years) required - unique state requirement per WAC 246-12-800 through 246-12-830. Birthday-based biennial renewal cycle. Alternative non-BACB pathway exists if equivalent requirements met. CBT requires either RBT registration OR 40-hour training program. LABA requires ongoing supervision documentation. Contact: 360-236-4700, abaapplication@doh.wa.gov.
WAC 246-805 last updated May 2024. January 2026: BACB Pathway 2 changes require 315+ hours graduate instruction and designated Program Contact. Health equity CE requirement added under WAC 246-12-800.
Additional Information
Washington offers three-tier system including Certified Behavior Technician (CBT) - comprehensive coverage of ABA workforce. Health equity CE (2 hours/4 years) is a unique state requirement reflecting commitment to equitable practice. Fees are on higher end: $250 initial, $350 biennial renewal for LBA. Birthday renewal cycle is convenient. Alternative non-BACB pathway available for those meeting equivalent requirements. BACB certification satisfies state CE requirements.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference purposes. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official Washington State Department of Health. Last updated: Jan 20, 2026.