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Arkansas Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Hearing Instrument Dispenser License

License to practice dispensing hearing instruments under Arkansas Code chapter 17-84.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers · Application information

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Provide at least 12 Board-approved hours in testing and fitting, including one ethics hour, subject to lawful waivers; current implementing form exempts initial licensees licensed during its preceding annual period.
Equipment
Provide annual audiometer and tympanometer calibration evidence.
Illness Relief
The Board may relieve renewal requirements for illness or another unavoidable circumstance under 17 CAR 80-108(d).
Military Deployment
For a deployed service member or spouse, license expiration and continuing-education relief extend through 180 days after return from deployment.
Records
Provide the current blank bill of sale and state whether dispensing in-office assembled instruments.
Timing
Renew annually by June 30 unless otherwise specified; submit the renewal application and applicable fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure following a federally registered apprenticeship

All of the following:

Apprenticeship
Complete a federally registered hearing instrument dispenser apprenticeship corresponding to the license.
Criminal Record
Have no disqualifying criminal record as determined under state law.
Examinations
Pass all licensure examinations.
Fees
Pay applicable application and licensure fees.
Remaining Requirements
Complete all other licensure requirements unrelated to training and education.
Examination after audioprosthology education

All of the following:

Age
At least 20 years old.
Application
Submit the Board form, truthful information, photograph, notarized affidavit, education records, equipment calibration evidence, business details, and applicable fees; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the scheduled examination.
Criminal Record
Applicable statutory disqualifications apply; the Board may waive disqualification on a written request under 17 CAR 80-119. A prelicensure petition under 17 CAR 80-118 is an eligibility determination rather than a credential.
Education
Education equivalent to at least two years of college-level course work from a regionally accredited college or university; apprenticeship substitutions and accepted military credit apply only as officially provided.
Entry Qualification
Graduate from an American Conference of Audioprosthology program, an internship substitute under § 17-84-304(b)(4).
Reexamination
Pay the fee for each portion retaken. After three failed examination attempts, complete or repeat the internship. Internship and noninternship application time limits in 17 CAR 80-107(e)-(f) apply.
Work Permit
A federal Form I-766 employment authorization holder is eligible when the applicable Arkansas licensure requirements are fulfilled, under 17 CAR 80-120.
Written Before Practical
The Board approves eligibility for the IHS examination; the written examination must be passed before the practical assessments.
Examination with qualifying licensure elsewhere

All of the following:

Age
At least 20 years old.
Application
Submit the Board form, truthful information, photograph, notarized affidavit, education records, equipment calibration evidence, business details, and applicable fees; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the scheduled examination.
Criminal Record
Applicable statutory disqualifications apply; the Board may waive disqualification on a written request under 17 CAR 80-119. A prelicensure petition under 17 CAR 80-118 is an eligibility determination rather than a credential.
Education
Education equivalent to at least two years of college-level course work from a regionally accredited college or university; apprenticeship substitutions and accepted military credit apply only as officially provided.
Entry Qualification
Be registered in good standing in another jurisdiction whose licensure requirements meet or exceed Arkansas requirements; this is the internship substitute under § 17-84-304(b)(3).
Reexamination
Pay the fee for each portion retaken. After three failed examination attempts, complete or repeat the internship. Internship and noninternship application time limits in 17 CAR 80-107(e)-(f) apply.
Work Permit
A federal Form I-766 employment authorization holder is eligible when the applicable Arkansas licensure requirements are fulfilled, under 17 CAR 80-120.
Written Before Practical
The Board approves eligibility for the IHS examination; the written examination must be passed before the practical assessments.
Examination with hearing healthcare degree

All of the following:

Age
At least 20 years old.
Application
Submit the Board form, truthful information, photograph, notarized affidavit, education records, equipment calibration evidence, business details, and applicable fees; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the scheduled examination.
Criminal Record
Applicable statutory disqualifications apply; the Board may waive disqualification on a written request under 17 CAR 80-119. A prelicensure petition under 17 CAR 80-118 is an eligibility determination rather than a credential.
Education
Education equivalent to at least two years of college-level course work from a regionally accredited college or university; apprenticeship substitutions and accepted military credit apply only as officially provided.
Entry Qualification
Hold an Associate of Applied Science degree in Hearing Healthcare Practitioner or a similar degree from a regionally accredited college or university, an internship substitute under § 17-84-304(b)(5).
Reexamination
Pay the fee for each portion retaken. After three failed examination attempts, complete or repeat the internship. Internship and noninternship application time limits in 17 CAR 80-107(e)-(f) apply.
Work Permit
A federal Form I-766 employment authorization holder is eligible when the applicable Arkansas licensure requirements are fulfilled, under 17 CAR 80-120.
Written Before Practical
The Board approves eligibility for the IHS examination; the written examination must be passed before the practical assessments.
Examination after supervised internship

All of the following:

Age
At least 20 years old.
Application
Submit the Board form, truthful information, photograph, notarized affidavit, education records, equipment calibration evidence, business details, and applicable fees; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the scheduled examination.
Criminal Record
Applicable statutory disqualifications apply; the Board may waive disqualification on a written request under 17 CAR 80-119. A prelicensure petition under 17 CAR 80-118 is an eligibility determination rather than a credential.
Education
Education equivalent to at least two years of college-level course work from a regionally accredited college or university; apprenticeship substitutions and accepted military credit apply only as officially provided.
Entry Qualification
Complete the valid one-year employment internship under a qualified sponsor. After six months, sponsor recommendation permits early examination; a failed portion requires completing the internship before retesting.
Reexamination
Pay the fee for each portion retaken. After three failed examination attempts, complete or repeat the internship. Internship and noninternship application time limits in 17 CAR 80-107(e)-(f) apply.
Work Permit
A federal Form I-766 employment authorization holder is eligible when the applicable Arkansas licensure requirements are fulfilled, under 17 CAR 80-120.
Written Before Practical
The Board approves eligibility for the IHS examination; the written examination must be passed before the practical assessments.
Examination with NBC HIS certification

All of the following:

Age
At least 20 years old.
Application
Submit the Board form, truthful information, photograph, notarized affidavit, education records, equipment calibration evidence, business details, and applicable fees; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the scheduled examination.
Criminal Record
Applicable statutory disqualifications apply; the Board may waive disqualification on a written request under 17 CAR 80-119. A prelicensure petition under 17 CAR 80-118 is an eligibility determination rather than a credential.
Education
Education equivalent to at least two years of college-level course work from a regionally accredited college or university; apprenticeship substitutions and accepted military credit apply only as officially provided.
Entry Qualification
Hold a National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences certificate, an alternative to completing the internship; the certificate is a qualification and the state text does not name the NCE as this route requirement.
Reexamination
Pay the fee for each portion retaken. After three failed examination attempts, complete or repeat the internship. Internship and noninternship application time limits in 17 CAR 80-107(e)-(f) apply.
Work Permit
A federal Form I-766 employment authorization holder is eligible when the applicable Arkansas licensure requirements are fulfilled, under 17 CAR 80-120.
Written Before Practical
The Board approves eligibility for the IHS examination; the written examination must be passed before the practical assessments.
Delinquent renewal within 30 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Delinquency
Renewal documentation or fee is late, but all materials are submitted within 30 days of expiration.
Payment
Annual renewal fee plus a 10 percent late penalty, with required renewal documents.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Automatic licensure for a stationed service member
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Uniformed service member stationed in Arkansas.
Automatic Issuance
17 CAR 80-117(a)-(c) defines automatic licensure without satisfying the ordinary Title 17 or Board-rule licensure requirements.
License Held
Hold a substantially equivalent license with similar scope in another United States jurisdiction; provide evidence and the initial licensure fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Automatic licensure for a service member or veteran spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Spouse of a qualifying stationed service member or resident veteran.
Automatic Issuance
17 CAR 80-117(a)-(c) defines automatic licensure without satisfying the ordinary Title 17 or Board-rule licensure requirements.
License Held
Hold a substantially equivalent license with similar scope in another United States jurisdiction; provide evidence and the initial licensure fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Automatic licensure for a spouse on an unaccompanied tour
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Spouse relocated to Arkansas because the service member has a tour that excludes accompaniment.
Automatic Issuance
17 CAR 80-117(a)-(c) defines automatic licensure without satisfying the ordinary Title 17 or Board-rule licensure requirements.
License Held
Hold a substantially equivalent license with similar scope in another United States jurisdiction; provide evidence and the initial licensure fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Automatic licensure for a surviving spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Spouse of a service member killed or succumbing to injury or illness in the line of duty, establishing Arkansas residency.
Automatic Issuance
17 CAR 80-117(a)-(c) defines automatic licensure without satisfying the ordinary Title 17 or Board-rule licensure requirements.
License Held
Hold a substantially equivalent license with similar scope in another United States jurisdiction; provide evidence and the initial licensure fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure with military education or training credit

All of the following:

Age
At least 20 years old.
Application
Submit the Board form, truthful information, photograph, notarized affidavit, education records, equipment calibration evidence, business details, and applicable fees; examination applications are due at least 30 days before the scheduled examination.
Criminal Record
Applicable statutory disqualifications apply; the Board may waive disqualification on a written request under 17 CAR 80-119. A prelicensure petition under 17 CAR 80-118 is an eligibility determination rather than a credential.
Education
Education equivalent to at least two years of college-level course work from a regionally accredited college or university; apprenticeship substitutions and accepted military credit apply only as officially provided.
Military Credit
For an eligible uniformed service member, veteran or spouse who does not meet automatic licensure requirements, the Board accepts relevant and applicable uniformed service education, training, national certification or service-issued credential toward initial licensure qualifications.
Reexamination
Pay the fee for each portion retaken. After three failed examination attempts, complete or repeat the internship. Internship and noninternship application time limits in 17 CAR 80-107(e)-(f) apply.
Work Permit
A federal Form I-766 employment authorization holder is eligible when the applicable Arkansas licensure requirements are fulfilled, under 17 CAR 80-120.
Written Before Practical
The Board approves eligibility for the IHS examination; the written examination must be passed before the practical assessments.
Automatic licensure for a resident veteran
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Uniformed service veteran discharged other than dishonorably who resides in or establishes Arkansas residency.
Automatic Issuance
17 CAR 80-117(a)-(c) defines automatic licensure without satisfying the ordinary Title 17 or Board-rule licensure requirements.
License Held
Hold a substantially equivalent license with similar scope in another United States jurisdiction; provide evidence and the initial licensure fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure from a jurisdiction without dispenser licensing

All of the following:

Age
At least 20 years old.
Applicant
Applicant is from a jurisdiction that does not license hearing instrument dispensers. No conclusion about any particular other jurisdiction is made.
Competence
Pass the IHS written examination and practical application examination, provide three recommendations from hearing instrument dispensers, and furnish the completed application, fees and education documentation.
Education
Two or more years of accredited college education, ACA graduation, or NBC-HIS certification.
Return from inactive to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
No annual continuing education requirement by the end of the first year after return; complete 12 approved hours including one ethics hour by the end of the second year.
Equipment And Bill Of Sale
Comply with annual calibration and current blank bill-of-sale requirements before returning to active status.
Request
Submit a written request and pay the full renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity

All of the following:

Age
At least 20 years old.
Documentation
Submit the completed application, applicable fees, education records, current license and good-standing evidence, notarized affidavit, equipment calibrations, and business information.
Education
Provide two or more years of accredited college education, ACA graduation, or NBC-HIS certification.
Existing License
Hold a substantially similar active license in another United States jurisdiction, in good standing, without a revoked license for bad faith or law/rule/ethics violation and without any suspended or probationary license.
Practical Examination
Pass the practical application examination under 17 CAR 80-107(b)-(c).
Prior Ile Passage
Provide passage of the IHS written examination; the Board reciprocity application requires a letter stating passage and date of the last ILE. This currently offered registered examination remains a leaf even if already passed.
Recommendations
Provide three letters from licensed hearing instrument dispensers in the home jurisdiction attesting to skills and competence.
Reinstatement after the grace period and before 60 day delinquency
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Requirements
Pay the required reinstatement fee and submit renewal information. The examination requirement starts at at least 60 days delinquent under 17 CAR 80-108(b)(4).
Timing
Expired after the 30-day grace period, with delinquency under 60 days.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reexamination after at least 60 day delinquency

All of the following:

Delinquency
The renewal fee, renewal requirements, or both are delinquent by at least 60 days.
Examination
The licensee must be reexamined before renewal under § 17-84-306(c)(2)(C) and 17 CAR 80-108(b)(4); the current licensing examinations are retained.
Remaining Requirements
Submit renewal information and pay applicable reinstatement and examination fees.

Temporary and Provisional Hearing Instrument Dispenser License

One temporary and provisional license for a reciprocal applicant, effective for 90 days or until the Board decision.

Licensing authority: Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers · Application information

Temporary and provisional reciprocal licensure
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Completion
The remaining documents and Arkansas practica apply to subsequent ordinary reciprocal licensure; they are not prerequisites to this temporary/provisional issuance.
Documentation
Immediately issued on receipt of the application, fee and evidence under 17 CAR 80-116(b)(2) that the active license and its qualifications match subsection (a)(1), including IHS written examination passage.
Duration
Effective for 90 days or until the Board decides the application; immediate revocation if subsection (a) requirements are not met.

Audiometric Practicum

Examination outline
  • Examinations — joint statutory reference scope
    • Basic physics of sound
    • The human hearing mechanism, including the science of hearing and the causes and rehabilitation of abnormal hearing and hearing disorders
    • Structure and function of hearing instruments
    • Pure tone audiometry, including air conduction testing and bone conduction testing
    • Live voice or recorded voice speech audiometry, including speech reception threshold testing and speech discrimination testing
    • Effective masking
    • Recording and evaluation of audiograms and speech audiometry to determine hearing instrument candidacy
    • Selection and adaptation of hearing instruments
    • Taking earmold impressions
    • Tympanometry
    • Testing of other knowledge and skills as may be required to determine an applicant's ability and suitability for the practice of dispensing hearing instruments to the public
Examination sources

Earmold Practicum

Examination outline
  • Examinations — joint statutory reference scope
    • Basic physics of sound
    • The human hearing mechanism, including the science of hearing and the causes and rehabilitation of abnormal hearing and hearing disorders
    • Structure and function of hearing instruments
    • Pure tone audiometry, including air conduction testing and bone conduction testing
    • Live voice or recorded voice speech audiometry, including speech reception threshold testing and speech discrimination testing
    • Effective masking
    • Recording and evaluation of audiograms and speech audiometry to determine hearing instrument candidacy
    • Selection and adaptation of hearing instruments
    • Taking earmold impressions
    • Tympanometry
    • Testing of other knowledge and skills as may be required to determine an applicant's ability and suitability for the practice of dispensing hearing instruments to the public
Examination sources

Law and Rules Practicum

Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 84 — Hearing Instrument Dispensers
  • 17 CAR Part 80 — Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers Rules
Examination sources

International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals

Provider
International Hearing Society (IHS); scheduled and paid through the TestWise system at testing centers
Format
Practice-based computer-delivered multiple-choice examination; most questions present a scenario; a few questions require selecting two (or three) correct answers to earn one point; dichotomous right/wrong scoring
Exam questions
105 multiple-choice questions: 80 scored and 25 unscored pilot questions
Time limit
120 minutes (two hours)
Passing score
Pass/Fail on the overall raw score against the IHS-recommended passing score; the licensing agency makes the final decision
Exam fee
$260.00 (USD) per examination appointment, including re-takes, plus applicable taxes
Examination outline
  • Domain 1. Conduct Patient/Client Assessment (21%) (21%)
    • Objective 1.1 Apply infection control protocols (5%). Includes but is not limited to choosing appropriate infection control processes for tools and equipment; observing universal precautions for infection control; distinguishing between single- and multiple-use items; differentiating among sanitization, disinfection and sterilization processes; and identifying personal protective equipment.
    • Objective 1.2 Apply otoscopic inspection protocols (5%). Includes but is not limited to observing safety protocols during otoscopy; identifying anatomical structures; identifying abnormalities through otoscopic inspection; and recognizing the presence of referral criteria. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform otoscopy.
    • Objective 1.3 Utilize audiometric testing protocols (11%). Includes but is not limited to performing air and bone conduction threshold and suprathreshold testing; performing speech audiometry; performing effective masking; and applying principles to include interpreting results of tympanometry/immittance audiometry. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform audiometric testing and application of tympanometry.
  • Domain 2. Interpret and Apply Assessment Results (22%) (22%)
    • Objective 2.1 Interpret and explain audiometric results (11%). Includes but is not limited to demonstrating an understanding of referral criteria; interpreting pure tone and speech testing results; identifying the need for additional testing; identifying the degree and configuration of hearing loss; and identifying the type of hearing loss.
    • Objective 2.2 Determine candidacy for amplification (11%). Includes but is not limited to interpreting the case history and outlining contraindications to hearing instrument use.
  • Domain 3. Select Hearing Devices (18%) (18%)
    • Objective 3.1 Select style and type of hearing instruments (9%). Includes but is not limited to establishing fitting goals and selecting specific hearing instruments based on test results, case history, and individual patient/client preferences and lifestyle; selecting electroacoustic and physical properties; and evaluating the need for accessory devices.
    • Objective 3.2 Select earmold or other acoustic coupler (9%). Includes but is not limited to assessing physical properties of the outer ear, taking ear impressions, critiquing ear impressions, and selecting coupler based on patient/client needs.
  • Domain 4. Fit and Dispense Hearing Devices (20%) (20%)
    • Objective 4.1 Utilize protocols to fit hearing instruments and other devices (10%). Includes but is not limited to confirming physical and acoustic integrity of hearing devices; programming and adjusting hearing devices; verifying physical fit and acoustic comfort; orienting patient/client to hearing instruments; and orienting patient/client to assistive devices. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to program and dispense hearing instruments and other devices.
    • Objective 4.2 Verify fitting (5%). Includes but is not limited to selecting verification method based on patient/client; assessing physical and acoustic integrity of hearing devices; interpreting and explaining verification results; and modifying physical and acoustic parameters of device. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform fitting verification (e.g., speech mapping, REM).
    • Objective 4.3 Validate fitting (5%). Includes but is not limited to selecting validation method based on patient/client; interpreting and explaining validation results; and modifying physical and acoustic parameters of device. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to perform fitting validation (e.g., questionnaire, self-assessment).
  • Domain 5. Provide Continuing Care (19%) (19%)
    • Objective 5.1 Implement aural rehabilitation and counseling (8%). Includes but is not limited to demonstrating an understanding of the psychology of the hearing impaired; defining and managing patient/client expectations for improved communication; defining and managing family/caregiver expectations for improved communication; and identifying communication strategies.
    • Objective 5.2 Apply instrument maintenance and troubleshooting protocols (9%). Includes but is not limited to employing hearing instrument cleaning procedures; performing listening checks on hearing instruments; troubleshooting acoustic properties of hearing instruments; and adjusting based upon changes in patient/client hearing loss and/or listening needs. This objective helps provide evidence of the candidate’s ability to maintain and troubleshoot instrument performance.
    • Objective 5.3 Interpret electroacoustic analysis results (2%). Includes but is not limited to identifying need for electroacoustic analysis and comparing electroacoustic analysis of patient’s/client’s hearing instruments to fitting specifications.
Examination sources