Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a requirement for licensure/certification to treat convicted sex offenders in the state of Washington?
  Yes, pursuant to RCW 18.155.030, "No person shall represent himself or herself as a certified sex offender treatment provider without first applying for and receiving a certificate pursuant to this chapter."
  
  
• What is the requirement to become a sex offender treatment provider?
  CERTIFICATION - Masters or doctoral degree, 2,000 hours of treatment and evaluation experience (at least 250 must include evaluation experience and at least 250 must include treatment experience), 50 hours of formal conferences, underlying credential, pass examination, professional references (3);
  AFFILIATE CERTIFICATION - Masters or doctoral degree, underlying credential, supervision contract, professional references (3), pass 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 pursuant to chapter 18.155 RCW;
  An affiliate sex offender treatment provider, under the supervision of a fully certified provider in accordance with the supervision requirements set forth in WAC 246-930-075, evaluates and treats sex offenders pursuant to chapter 18.155 RCW.
  
  
• How can I find out if a provider is Certified or an Affiliate and the status of the particular certification?
  By calling the customer service center  and asking for a verification of the provider's credential and status.
  
  
• What type of exam is given, how many and what types of questions, what is the minimum passing score, how much is the fee for certified providers and how much is the fee for affiliate providers?
  A written examination is given;
  There are 150 questions on the exam, types of questions include assessment ∓mp;mp;mp;mp;mp; evaluation, treatment ∓mp;mp;mp;mp;mp; monitoring, theory ∓mp;mp;mp;mp;mp; research, standards of practice ∓mp;mp;mp;mp;mp; ethics, victimology and jurisprudence;
  A score of 90% is required to pass the examination;
  Exam fee for fully certified providers - $500.00;
  Exam fee for affiliate provider - $200.00
  
  
• What time frame is required to obtain the 2,000 hours of treatment and evaluation experience?
  All experience hours must have been obtained within a seven-year period preceding submission of an application for certification.
  
  
• What type(s) of treatment and evaluation qualify for the experience requirement?
  EVALUATION - Pursuant to WAC 246-930-010, in part, direct provision of comprehensive evaluation and assessment services to persons who have been investigated by law enforcement or child protective services for commission of a sex offense or who have been adjudicated or convicted of a sex offence.  Please review the above stated WAC in its entirety for complete information.
  TREATMENT - Pursuant to WAC 246-930-010, in part, provision of face-to-face individual, group or family therapy with persons who have been investigated by law enforcement or child protective services for commission of a sex offense or who have been adjudicated or convicted of a sex offence.  Please review the above stated WAC in its entirety for complete information.
  
  
• How much is the renewal for the certified and affiliate providers?
  Renewal for certified providers is $800.00;
  Renewal for affiliate providers is $300.00.
  
  
• Is the renewal annual or every two years?
  The renewal is annual and expires on the provider's birthday.
  
  
• Is there a requirement for continuing education for the profession?
  Yes, providers, both certified and affiliates, must complete forty hours of continuing education every two years.
  
  
• What is acceptable documentation to show proof of the continuing education hours?
  WAC 246-12-200 addresses what acceptable documentation for continuing education.  Specifically, providers must submit:
  a)  Program certificate of completion;
  b)  Program or course transcripts;
  c)  Letter from the instructor or presenter.
  
  
• Is there a list of providers, for treatment purposes, available to the public?
  Yes, a Directory of providers will be sent out upon request by calling or writing the customer service center 
  
  
• How can I find out if a provider has a complaint against his/her certification?
  By calling the contacting the customer service center  and asking if an individual has a complaint against his/her certification.
  
  
• Is information regarding complaints available to the public?
  Yes, a request for public disclosure may be initiated verbally, however,  must be followed by a written request.  A written request should include the name, address and phone number of the requester, be specific, give a detailed description of the records needed.  For example, in many disciplinary cases a summary of the closed complaint may be sufficient to provide the information.   Summaries are available free of charge and are faster than accessing the entire file.