This important update has been communicated, by the Dept. of Health:

The following blurb has will be added to the Professions in Mental Health
website http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/Counseling/Default.htm and the
Certified Counselor website
http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/CertCounselor/Default.htm

*   Important Update For Registered Counselors Applying For
Certified Counselor Under Alternative C

This notice applies only to registered counselors applying for certified
counselor under Alternative C. Applicants using this alternative must
have an active registered counselor credential and have had it for at
least five years.

The counseling-related degree requirement for certified counselor
applicants may be waived until June 30, 2010. Applicants must submit
applications and meet other requirements by June 30, 2010. The only
exception is the examination for certified counselor. Applicants have
until September 30, 2010 to complete and pass the examination.

Failure to submit the application and meet requirements by June 30 and
pass the examination by September 30 will disqualify applicants for the
degree waiver.

Note: Anyone providing counseling in Washington must have an active
credential. The above policy does not change this requirement.
Registered counselors who do not have a new credential by July 1, 2010
must stop practicing.