Verified October 8, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What chiropractors miss in Washington
- Chiropractors may not use needles or hold themselves out as practicing acupuncture unless separately licensed under chapter 18.06 RCW (WAC 246-808-580).
- The jurisprudence pass mark is 95 percent, far higher than most states.
Can a chiropractor licensed in another state get a Washington license by endorsement?
Endorsement covers DCs licensed in another state, territory, D.C., Puerto Rico or a Canadian province with substantially equivalent credentials who have been in full-time practice or teaching clinical subjects, with no disqualifying convictions or restrictions. The open-book jurisprudence exam must be passed at 95 percent. No minimum number of years is stated.
- Endorsement route available
Citation: RCW 18.25.040; WAC 246-808-135
Which exams does Washington require?
Applicants need NBCE Parts I, II, III and IV; Physiotherapy is not listed. All applicants pass an open-book written jurisprudence exam with at least 95 percent. Four clock hours of AIDS education are also required.
- NBCE Parts I–IV
- State jurisprudence exam
What else does the Washington board check?
- Fingerprint background check
Does Washington offer a temporary or travel-to-treat permit?
A DC licensed in a substantially equivalent state can get a temporary practice permit, good for up to 180 days, while the fingerprint-based national background check is pending. Separately, out-of-state DCs can register at no fee to practice up to 30 days under RCW 18.25.190(1).
- Temporary permit available
Citation: WAC 246-808-133; WAC 246-808-140
Does Washington regulate chiropractic assistants?
Only DCs or registered chiropractic X-ray technicians may operate x-ray equipment. Registration needs a commission-approved course of at least 72 hours, 30 in person, and a written and practical proficiency exam at 70 percent. Other delegation to auxiliary staff follows WAC 246-808-535.
- Chiropractic X-ray technician registration
How often does a Washington chiropractic license renew?
Twenty-five CE hours each annual renewal cycle, no preapproval needed, with no more than 12 hours of government regulation and 4 of CPR. A one-time 3-hour suicide screening and referral training is due in the first full reporting period.
- Renews every year
- 25 CE hours per cycle
Licensing in Washington?
We file the application, send your NBCE scores and verifications, and carry the board correspondence. License by endorsement is $499. Not sure which route fits? The readiness review answers that for every state you want.