Washington · LMFT Renewal
Washington LMFT CEU Requirements (2026–2027)
Washington's Department of Health requires LMFTs to complete 32 CE hours every two years, with specific sub-requirements across ethics, suicide assessment, professional roles, and health equity. Here is the full picture from WAC 246-809-630 and related rules.
Last verified: April 2026 · Source: WAC 246-809-630; WAC 246-809-615; WAC 246-12-830; RCW 43.70.442
The short version
| Requirement | Hours | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Total continuing education | 32 | Every 2 years |
| Ethics and Law (must include WA laws and rules) | 6 | Every 2 years |
| Professional Roles and Boundaries | 2 | Every 2 years |
| Suicide Assessment, Treatment and Management | 6 | Every 6 years |
| Health Equity | 2 | Every 4 years |
Annual renewal, 2-year CE cycle
Washington LMFT renewal is annual (due on or before your birthday), but the 32-hour CE requirement is tracked on a 2-year cycle. You attest to CE progress every year and must have the full 32 hours by the end of each 2-year window.
Suicide assessment: 6 hours, model-list course
WAC 246-809-615 and RCW 43.70.442 require a 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment, and management course drawn from the Department of Health model list. The course counts toward your 32-hour total. Initial completion is due within the first 6 years of licensure, after which it refreshes every 6 years from the last qualifying course.
Ethics and Washington law/rules: 6 hours
The 6-hour ethics block must include Washington laws and rules relevant to marriage and family therapy practice. A generic AAMFT ethics course alone does not satisfy this rule if it does not touch Washington-specific content.
Professional Roles and Boundaries: 2 hours
WAC 246-809-630 requires 2 hours per cycle on professional roles and therapeutic boundaries, calibrated for family-systems practice.
Health equity: 2 hours every 4 years
Under WAC 246-12-830 (effective 2024), every Washington health provider, LMFTs included, must complete 2 hours of health equity CE every 4 years. Courses must come from a board-approved list.
Distance learning
Washington places no cap on distance learning. Asynchronous (self-paced) programs must include tests of comprehension to qualify. Synchronous online programs (live webinars) carry no test requirement.
Accepted CE sources
- AAMFT, ACA, and other industry-recognized organizations
- Accredited institutions of higher learning
- Board-approved individual providers
Carryover
Washington does not document a carryover allowance for LMFTs. Assume excess hours do not roll over.
Late renewal
Late fees apply and escalate with time. The license becomes invalid the day after expiration, so do not practice past the renewal date. Reinstatement is more painful than on-time renewal.
Board links
Track these requirements automatically.
Still Licensed keeps your Washington ethics and total hours up to date as you log each CE. Multi-state support means one entry can count toward every state you're licensed in.
This page is informational. Rules change. Verify against the Washington State Department of Health before acting on anything here.