Teacher License in Washington
Quick Answer
To become a certified teacher in Washington, you must complete required coursework and meet OSPI's requirements. Washington uses the WEST-B and WEST-E/NES exam systems with three certification tiers: Residency, Professional, and Career. Estimated costs are approximately $464 (excluding degree).
- Exam
- WEST-B & WEST-E/NES Exams
- Total Cost
- $464 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-5 years (including degree)
- Renewal
- Every 5 years
Requirements
Teacher license in Washington
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $57
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $57
- Total Estimated Cost
- $464
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Teacher license in Washington. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Washington licensing board.
Teacher Salary in Washington
Entry Level
$62,900
Median
$99,110
Experienced
$122,830
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Teacher in Washington.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Specific course required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
No exam required — WEST-B & WEST-E/NES Exams
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$57.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-5 years (including degree).
Teacher Licensing in Washington: What to Know
Washington's COS data provides minimal detail — 'Staff employed in teaching, including classroom and contracted.' Specific coursework is required but no exam is listed. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) handles certification. Washington uses the WEST-B (basic skills) and WEST-E/NES (endorsement) exam systems. Washington has a tiered certification system: Residency, Professional, and Career certificates. Seattle's diverse student population creates demand for multilingual teachers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Teacher license cost in Washington?
- The estimated total cost is $464, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Teacher license in Washington?
- The process typically takes 4-5 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Teacher license in Washington?
- You need to pass the WEST-B & WEST-E/NES Exams. No exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Teacher requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.