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Respiratory Therapist License in Washington

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Respiratory Therapist license in WA. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$225

Processing Time

4-6 Weeks

Exam Required

TMC & CSE Exams

Difficulty Level

Medium

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Respiratory Therapist license in Washington.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Respiratory Therapist training program in Washington.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your WA application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the TMC & CSE Exams.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Washington licensing board and pay the $225 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-6 weeks in WA. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

The path to becoming a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Washington involves several key steps. First, complete an approved education program recognized by WA. Next, prepare for and successfully pass the TMC & CSE Exams. Finally, gather your documentation and submit your license application through the Washington state licensing portal.

Requirements

Before applying for a Respiratory Therapist license in Washington, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria. WA requires candidates to have completed the necessary educational coursework and accumulated the required training hours. All applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. Successfully passing the TMC & CSE Exams is a non-negotiable requirement in Washington.

Fees & Costs

The initial application fee for a Respiratory Therapist license in Washington is approximately $225. This fee covers the processing of your application and initial license issuance. WA also charges an examination fee which is typically paid directly to the testing provider. Late application submissions in Washington may incur additional penalties of up to $56.

License Fee Calculator — Respiratory Therapist in Washington

Base License Fee$225
Estimated Total$225

Renewal Process

License renewal for Respiratory Therapist professionals in Washington occurs on a 2-year cycle. WA charges a renewal fee of $150 and mandates continuing education as part of the renewal process. It is recommended to begin the renewal process in Washington at least 60 days before your license expires to ensure uninterrupted practice.

License Expiry Calculator — Respiratory Therapist in WA

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Washington requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Washington takes professional licensing seriously, and the Respiratory Therapist field is no exception. The state board in WA regularly updates its requirements to align with industry standards and protect public safety. As a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Washington, you will be expected to maintain high ethical standards and stay current with developments in your field. The WA licensing board provides resources and support to help professionals meet their obligations.

Document Checklist — Respiratory Therapist

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Washington Respiratory Therapist License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) FullAK accepts WA Respiratory Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize WA Respiratory Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) NoneAZ does not recognize WA Respiratory Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Arkansas (AR) PartialAR requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Colorado (CO) PartialCO requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Delaware (DE) NoneDE does not recognize WA Respiratory Therapist license. Full re-application required.
California (CA) PartialCA requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Florida (FL) PartialFL requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.

Where to File Locally in Washington

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Olympia

1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504

(360) 236-4700

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Seattle

600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

(206) 684-8484

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Spokane

808 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201

(509) 625-6250

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tacoma

747 Market St, Tacoma, WA 98402

(253) 591-5000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Vancouver

415 W 6th St, Vancouver, WA 98660

(360) 487-8600

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Washington Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Washington state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.