Counselors · Washington · Continuing education
Washington Counselor (LPC) CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LMHC32 hours every 2 years, including 6 h medical ethics, professionalism & law, 6 h suicide prevention (every 6 years), 2 h health equity (every 4 years), 2 h professional boundaries & risk management; renewal by your birthday.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Washington LMHC CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 32hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birthday
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By your birthday
- Accepted credit
- Courses, seminars, workshops and distance learning approved by an industry-recognized local, state, national or international organization or accredited institution of higher learning (e.g. WAMFT, WSSCSW, NASW and WA chapter, AMHCA, AAMFT, CSWA, NBCC, WMHCA, SSWLHC); distance learning must include a comprehension test. Employer-sponsored training max 26 hours; panels, community service, research, peer consultation, publishing max 6 hours per period; presenters get attendee credit.
- New licensees
- First suicide training is due in the first full CE period after initial licensure; it may be delayed six years if equivalent training was completed within six years before licensure.
- Audits & records
- Documentation (transcripts, certificates, instructor letters) kept as required in chapter 246-12 WAC (WAC 246-809-650).
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawAll licensees; may include topics under RCW 18.130.180 | 6 | every renewal |
| Suicide preventionAll licensees: suicide assessment, treatment and management from the DOH model list, at least once every six years; first training in the first full CE period after licensure; second must be advanced/treatment-modality training. Counts toward the 32 hours. | 6 | every 6 years |
| Health equityAll licensees, at least every four years (content per WAC 246-12-830) | 2 | every 4 years |
| Professional boundaries & risk managementAll licensees: professional roles and boundaries, separate from the ethics hours | 2 | every renewal |
Good to know. License renews every year on the birthday (WAC 246-809-990); CE is reported per two-year period. Associates (separate credential) need 16 hours every year.
Source: app.leg.wa.gov · WAC 246-809-610, -615, -620, -630 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in Washington
05 Questions
How many CE hours do counselors need in Washington?
32 hours every 2 years.
How do I verify a counselor license in Washington?
Use the license lookup of the Washington State Department of Health (doh.wa.gov); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
Which CE topics are mandatory for counselors in Washington?
Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 6 h (every renewal); Suicide prevention — 6 h (every 6 years); Health equity — 2 h (every 4 years); Professional boundaries & risk management — 2 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for counselors in Washington?
Courses, seminars, workshops and distance learning approved by an industry-recognized local, state, national or international organization or accredited institution of higher learning (e.g. WAMFT, WSSCSW, NASW and WA chapter, AMHCA, AAMFT, CSWA, NBCC, WMHCA, SSWLHC); distance learning must include a comprehension test. Employer-sponsored training max 26 hours; panels, community service, research, peer consultation, publishing max 6 hours per period; presenters get attendee credit.
When is the renewal deadline for counselors in Washington?
Licenses renew by your birthday (2 years cycle).