Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to be certified to treat convicted sex offenders in the state of Washington?
What is required to become a sex offender treatment provider?
What is the difference between a certified provider and an affiliate provider?
How can I find out if a provider is certified or an affiliate? Can I find the status of their certification?
What types of questions are on the exam, how many questions are on the exam and what is the minimum passing score?
What is the time frame to get 2,000 hours of treatment and evaluation experience?
What type(s) of treatment and evaluation qualify for the experience requirement?
How much is the renewal for the certified and affiliate providers?
What is the renewal period for a sex offender treatment provider?
What are the continuing education requirements?
What is acceptable documentation for proof of continuing education hours?
Is there a list of providers, for treatment purposes, available to the public?
How can I find out if a provider has a complaint against his/her certification?
Is information regarding complaints available to the public?
Do you have to be certified to treat convicted sex offenders in the state of Washington?
Yes. According to state law, no person shall represent himself or herself as a certified sex offender treatment provider or certified affiliate sex offender treatment provider without first applying for and receiving a certificate pursuant to this chapter. (RCW 18.155.030)
What is the requirement to become a sex offender treatment provider?
Certification - You must have a masters or doctoral degree in an approved field, 2,000 hours of treatment and evaluation experience with at least 250 evaluation experience and 250 treatment experience hours, 50 hours of formal conferences, an underlying credential, three professional references, and pass a jurisprudence examination;
Affiliate Certification - You must have a masters or doctoral degree, an underlying credential, a supervision contract, three professional references, and pass a jurisprudence examination.
What is the difference between a certified provider and an affiliate provider?
A certified sex offender treatment provider independently evaluates and treats sex offenders. An affiliate sex offender treatment provider evaluates and treats sex offenders under the supervision of a certified provider. (WAC 246.930.010)
How can I find out if a provider is certified or an affiliate? Can I find the status of their certification?
You can check a provider’s status on our Provider Credential Search. A certified provider will have a credential number beginning with FC. An affiliate provider will have a credential number beginning with AF.
What types of questions are on the exam, how many questions are on the exam and what is the minimum passing score?
The written exam has 150 questions. The questions include assessment, evaluation, treatment, monitoring, theory, research, standards of practice, ethics, victimology, and jurisprudence. The passing score is 90%.
What is the time frame to get 2,000 hours of treatment and evaluation experience?
You must get all experience hours within a ten-year period after applying for certification.
What type(s) of treatment and evaluation qualify for the experience requirement?
You can view all the requirements in WAC 246-930-350.
How much is the renewal for the certified and affiliate providers?
You can find the fees on our fee page.
What is the renewal period for a sex offender treatment provider?
The provider must renew every year on their birthday.
What are the continuing education requirements?
Both certified and affiliate providers must complete forty hours of continuing education every two years. (WAC 246-930-410)
What is acceptable documentation for proof of continuing education hours?
Acceptable documentation includes a certificate of completion, program or course transcripts, or a letter from the instructor or presenter. (WAC 246-12-200)
Is there a list of providers, for treatment purposes, available to the public?
Yes, you can get a directory of providers by requesting it from the program. You may contact Leann Yount, Program Manager at 360.236.4856 or leann.yount@doh.wa.gov
How can I find out if a provider has a complaint against his/her certification?
You can check a provider’s status on our Provider Credential Search.
Is information regarding complaints available to the public?
Yes. You can make a public disclosure request by contacting our Public Disclosure Records Center.
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