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    Washington · Occupational Therapist

    Washington Occupational Therapist CE Audit Guide

    Receiving a notice for a continuing education audit can feel stressful, but it doesn't have to be. These reviews are a standard part of professional licensure, designed to ensure occupational therapists maintain high standards of practice. This guide provides a straightforward overview of the process to help you feel prepared and confident.

    As a licensed Occupational Therapist in Washington, you are regulated by the Washington State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. To maintain your license, you must complete 30 hours of continuing competency every two years. This guide is designed to help you successfully navigate the state's audit process by clearly outlining the requirements and documentation you need to have on file.

    This information is intended as a helpful guide and not as legal advice. The official rules governing continuing education for occupational therapists in Washington are found at WAC 246-847-065. Always refer to the official regulations and the Washington State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice for the most current and complete requirements.

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    Quick facts

    Board Name
    Washington State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
    Renewal Cycle
    Biennial (every 2 years, on licensee's birthday)
    CE Period
    Biennial, covering the 2 years preceding license renewal
    Rule Citation
    WAC 246-847-065
    Hour Requirement
    24 hours of continued competency every 2 years (continuing education and professional development).
    State-Mandated Topics
    Suicide Assessment Training: at least 3 hours every 6 years (per WAC 246-847-066); Health Equity CE: ongoing requirement under WAC 246-12-830 (effective Dec. 22, 2023).
    Records Retention
    4 years

    Governing authority and what the rule requires

    The Washington State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice operates under the authority of the Department of Health, as established by the Occupational Therapy Practice Act, Chapter 18.59 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). The Board sets the standards for safe and competent practice. Its specific rules governing licensure, professional conduct, and continuing competency for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants are detailed in Chapter 246-847 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

    How Washington OT CE audits typically work

    After a renewal cycle the board reviews a sample of attestations. If selected, you will receive a notice through the email or address on file with a defined response window. Most audits close quietly when records match what was attested. Continuing competency requirements for Occupational Therapists are defined in WAC 246-847-065, "Continuing competency."

    • The Washington State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice randomly selects a percentage of licensees for a CE audit each cycle.
    • If selected, you will receive a notification letter from the board, typically by mail or secure email.
    • The notice will specify the compliance period being audited.
    • You are generally given 30 days from the date of the notice to submit copies of your CE documentation.
    • Board staff reviews your submitted certificates to ensure they match the contact-hour requirement and include all mandated topics.
    • You will receive a final letter from the board indicating whether you successfully met the audit requirements or if further action is needed.

    Documentation commonly requested

    Audit notices are usually specific about what they want. Read the notice slowly and make a checklist directly from it. The most common items requested for OTs include:

    • Copies of certificates of completion for each CE activity taken during the audit period.
    • Each certificate should clearly show the provider name and accreditation (AOTA Approved Provider number, NBCOT, state board approval, or other accepted accreditor), course title, date(s) of attendance, number of contact hours or PDUs awarded, and your name as it appears on your license.
    • Proof of completion for any state-mandated topics required by Washington (such as ethics or jurisprudence).
    • A personal CE log or spreadsheet tracking course dates, titles, providers, hours, and topic mapping.
    • Documentation of any alternative professional development activities (publications, presentations, mentoring, NBCOT certification) used to meet the requirement.

    Washington-specific mandated topics

    Beyond a total hour count, Washington requires specific subject-matter CE within the cycle. Make sure each mandated topic is covered by a certificate that names the topic explicitly.

    • Suicide Prevention: OTs must complete at least 3 hours of training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management every 6 years. The course must be from an approved provider.
    • Health Equity: Beginning January 1, 2024, OTs must complete a minimum of 2 hours of health equity continuing education for their first renewal. For every renewal thereafter, a minimum of 1 hour is required.

    Common pitfalls OTs run into

    • Failing to complete the specific suicide prevention training from a state-approved course list.
    • Not understanding the new, multi-stage health equity CE requirement that began in 2024.
    • Assuming all continuing education activities are accepted without verifying they meet the criteria in WAC 246-847-065.
    • Failing to retain CE documentation for the required 4-year period.

    How to assemble a clean response

    Gather your records in one place. A folder on your desktop, a printed binder, or a shared drive all work. You don't need a complicated system. You just need to be able to find things.

    Name each PDF clearly with the date, course title, hours, and topic. Group certificates by category that maps to the board's request: mandated topics first, then general contact hours. Add a one-page cover sheet that summarizes total hours and points the reviewer to the matching documents.

    If your hours fall short

    First-time shortfalls are usually handled administratively. Boards generally allow a defined window to complete makeup hours and submit updated documentation. Honest, prompt communication is far better than silence.

    If the shortfall is significant or repeated, the board may move toward formal action. At that point, calm documentation of how you are coming into compliance, plus a written plan to prevent recurrence, makes a meaningful difference.

    Possible outcomes

    • According to WAC 246-847-170, failure to comply with the continuing competency requirements may be grounds for disciplinary action.
    • If an audit reveals a deficiency, the Board may require the licensee to complete the missing hours and pay a fine.
    • In cases of fraudulent reporting, the Board may pursue more severe sanctions, including license suspension or revocation, as outlined in the Uniform Disciplinary Act (Chapter 18.130 RCW).
    • The Board may place conditions on the license, such as requiring a future audit or pre-approval of CE courses.

    A simple audit-response checklist

    1. 1Read the audit notice slowly. Note the deadline and exact list of documents requested.
    2. 2Make a simple folder labeled with the cycle dates being audited.
    3. 3Pull certificates of completion for every CE activity in that cycle.
    4. 4Match each certificate to the topic area or category your board requires.
    5. 5Save proof of license renewal and any required attestations.
    6. 6If a certificate is missing, contact the provider for a duplicate before the deadline.
    7. 7Scan everything as clean PDFs, named with date and course title.
    8. 8Submit through the channel the board requests. Keep a copy and a confirmation.
    CEU partner

    Save $106 on MedBridge CEU plans

    Continuing education is part of protecting your license. BoardWise has partnered with MedBridge to help occupational therapists access high-quality CEU courses at a lower cost. Use code BOARDWISE to save $106 on an individual MedBridge CEU plan.

    Explore MedBridge CEU courses

    MedBridge is a separate service. BoardWise may receive a referral benefit. The discount code is subject to MedBridge terms.

    Practice partner

    Run your practice more smoothly with SimplePractice

    Running an independent practice means juggling scheduling, notes, billing, and telehealth. BoardWise has partnered with SimplePractice to help occupational therapists access practice management tools at partner pricing.

    Explore SimplePractice partner pricing

    SimplePractice is a separate service. BoardWise may receive a referral benefit. Partner pricing is subject to SimplePractice terms.

    Frequently asked questions

    Real Outcomes Reported by BoardWise Users

    BoardWise users have reported outcomes including:

    • Complaint dismissals
    • Successful responses to board inquiries
    • Passing continuing education audits
    • Early probation termination
    • Improved understanding of licensing board procedures

    Individual outcomes vary and depend on the facts of each case.

    Optional Attorney Document Review

    Before you send anything to the board, BoardWise can match occupational therapist in Washington with an independent, state-licensed attorney for an optional limited-scope review of the document you prepared:

    • We match you with an independent attorney licensed in your state
    • They review and suggest revisions to your document before you submit it to the board
    • Focused, limited-scope review at a fixed fee rather than a full retainer
    • A second set of eyes on wording, tone, and anything that may need a closer look

    What does the attorney review cost? Pricing depends on the complexity of your matter and the scope of review, but most BoardWise lawyer reviews are approximately $250–$500. You’ll see the specific fee before deciding whether to proceed.

    Optional limited-scope attorney review may be available for an additional fixed fee. Attorney availability, conflicts review, eligibility requirements, and additional terms apply. If an attorney accepts the matter, the client will contract with and pay the independent attorney directly.

    Print & FedEx Overnight Delivery

    Finishing the document is only part of the job. BoardWise Document Delivery lets occupational therapist in Washington send the finished packet straight to the board without a trip to the post office:

    • FedEx Overnight delivery for street addresses when your deadline is close
    • USPS Priority Express and USPS Certified Mail for P.O. Box board addresses
    • Printing, packaging, and postage handled for you, with tracking on every order
    • Confirmation and tracking details emailed to you as your package moves

    What does it cost? $150 for FedEx Overnight and $99 for USPS Priority Express or Certified Mail. You see the exact price and the full address details before you authorize the order.

    Printing and mailing are fulfilled by Mailform. You are responsible for meeting your own deadline, so keep an electronic copy and watch the tracking information.

    Testimonials

    What Professionals Are Saying

    Every testimonial is shared with consent and anonymity.

    "This is a very well-designed tool and I think it's going to help countless professionals."

    Registered Nurse

    New York

    "Thanks again for helping me with this process."

    Occupational Therapist

    Ohio

    "The app was easy to use. I uploaded and submitted my response after using it. I was very happy with the product."

    Registered Nurse

    Maine

    BoardWise is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. This guide is educational only and reflects general practice in the United States. Your state licensing board is the official source for current requirements. If your situation involves formal discipline or a hearing, consider consulting a licensed attorney in your state.

    Related reading

    West Virginia Occupational Therapist CE Audit GuideVirginia Occupational Therapist CE Audit GuideAlabama Occupational Therapist CE Audit GuideWhat Happens If You Fail a CE Audit?

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