Do Washington SLPs Need the CCC? License, Medicaid and CE Rules

Q: How much continuing education do Washington SLPs need?

30 hrs every 3 years. 1 hr jurisprudence, 1 hr infection control, 2 hrs health equity. Whose CE counts: Any profession-related organization or accredited school; no pre-approval.

November 13, 2026

Named in rules, not required

No. The CCC is mentioned in Washington's rules, but there is another way to qualify, so a state license does not require it.

Washington one-sheet Open Washington on the map SLPA rules

Washington at a glance

CCC	Named in rules, not required
License renewal CE	30 hrs every 3 years
Whose CE counts	Any relevant CE counts
Clinical fellowship	Interim permit during the postgraduate experience (WAC 246-828-045).
School credential	CCC is one accepted route

Does Washington require the CCC?

WAC 182-545-200(1)(f) lists "a licensed speech-language pathologist." Earlier versions asked for the CCC or equivalent experience. The language was removed in 2018 and the rule was amended again in 2024 and in 2026 (WSR 26-17-008, effective September 5, 2026). The current text still lists "a licensed speech-language pathologist." Washington is a useful precedent. Licensure: the board treats the CCC as one qualifying credential for endorsement (WSR 25-02-001).

Sources: Licensure: WAC 246-828 (Washington Legislature); Licensure: WSR 25-02-001, hearing and speech rule change (Dept. of Health); Licensure: WSR 24-14-044, 2024 amendment; Medicaid: WAC 182-545-200, outpatient rehabilitation (Washington Legislature; (1)(f) lists a licensed SLP); Medicaid: WSR 18-09-052, 2018 amendment; Licensure: RCW 18.35.040, license requirements (Washington Legislature)

Continuing education for Washington SLPs

Hours: 30 hrs every 3 years.
Topic rules: 1 hr jurisprudence, 1 hr infection control, 2 hrs health equity.
Whose CE counts: Any profession-related organization or accredited school; no pre-approval.

Sources: WAC 246-828-510

Compare every state in our CEU requirements by state guide.

Clinical fellowship and background checks

Interim permit during the postgraduate experience (WAC 246-828-045).

Sources: WAC 246-828-045

Background check for every applicant; may include fingerprints. Compact member; not issuing compact privileges yet.

Sources: DOH: SLP licensing; ASLP-IC compact map

School-based SLPs

OSPI's ESA certificate needs a master's and a comprehensive exam, or the CCC or Praxis in its place. No DOH license required.

Sources: OSPI: ESA for SLPs

SLP assistants in Washington

The Department of Health certifies SLP assistants (RCW 18.35; WAC 246-828).

Sources: WSR 10-15-093 (SLPA rules); DOH: SLPA certification

If your employer says you need the CCC

Many job posts and policies still list the CCC out of habit. Our employer education page has language you can share, and the Washington one-sheet puts the license and the CCC side by side on two printable pages.

Checked against state sources through October 31, 2026. This page summarizes public rules for general information and is not legal advice. Rules change, and employers and payers can set their own requirements, so confirm with the board before you rely on it.

Back to blog