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Georgia Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Prescription Hearing Aid Dispenser License

Individual license to dispense prescription hearing aids under the Georgia Hearing Aid Dispensers Act.

Licensing authority: State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensing · Application information

Licensure after completed apprenticeship
Georgia Jurisprudence (Laws and Rules) Examination — Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers
Apprentice permit
Hold a valid apprentice dispenser permit issued under Article 3.
Competency audiogram
Submit a completed audiogram performed by the applicant.
Competency evaluation
Submit evaluation records showing interpretation of audiometric data, candidacy determination, and selection, programming and fitting competency.
Competency fitting
Submit documentation of earmold impressions or equivalent fitting procedures performed by the applicant.
Fees
Pay applicable fees.
National exam alternative
O.C.G.A. 43-44-45(a)(2) permits fulfillment of subsection (c) instead of ILE; this is a distinct apprenticeship condition, not an ILE examination alternative.
Older board examination instructions
The March 4, 2022 Board application states: ❑ REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS: All applicants are required to pass the GA Jurisprudence (Laws & Rules), Audiogram, Practical exams, and the ILE (national written examination). The new statute defines initial issuance through ILE, jurisprudence, and competency documentation; the additional Audiogram and Practical demands are retained here as lower-ranked instructions.
Supervisor completion affidavit
Submit an affidavit executed under oath by the supervising licensed dispenser or audiologist verifying completion of all apprenticeship requirements.
Statutory continuation of existing credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuation
O.C.G.A. 43-44-41 continues its existing force and effect and deems it issued under Article 3; no fresh examination is a condition of the transfer.
Existing valid credential
The credential must have been issued under former Chapter 43-20 and valid and in effect on July 1, 2026.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Initial licensure by examination
Age
At least 18 years of age.
Application
Submit the prescribed application and applicable fees.
Background check
Authorize Georgia Crime Information Center and FBI background checks, supply classifiable fingerprints and requested information, and pay associated fees.
Competency audiogram
Submit a completed audiogram performed by the applicant.
Competency evaluation
Submit evaluation records showing interpretation of audiometric data, candidacy determination, and selection, programming and fitting competency.
Competency fitting
Submit documentation of earmold impressions or equivalent fitting procedures performed by the applicant.
Identity
Provide a secure and verifiable identity document, an affidavit of lawful presence under O.C.G.A. 50-36-1, and required immigration documentation for a noncitizen.
Older board examination instructions
The March 4, 2022 Board application states: ❑ REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS: All applicants are required to pass the GA Jurisprudence (Laws & Rules), Audiogram, Practical exams, and the ILE (national written examination). The new statute defines initial issuance through ILE, jurisprudence, and competency documentation; the additional Audiogram and Practical demands are retained here as lower-ranked instructions.
Standing
Provide satisfactory licensure history and good standing; prior denial must no longer present applicable grounds.
Late renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Provide proof of completion of the applicable continuing education requirements.
Fees
Pay the current renewal fee plus an additional 50 percent under Rule 276-14-.02.
Late window
Rule 276-14-.02 allows late renewal through January 31 following the odd-year December 31 expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Military spouse or transitioning service member endorsement
Georgia Jurisprudence (Laws and Rules) Examination — Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers
Application
Submit the prescribed application and applicable fees.
Background check
Complete the required nationwide fingerprint background check.
Military status
Document status as a military spouse or transitioning service member under Rule 276-12-.01; transitioning members are within 24 months of retirement or 12 months of separation.
Other jurisdiction license
Verify an active license in good standing with training, experience and testing that substantially meet or exceed Georgia requirements.
Reciprocity option
An applicant who independently meets all O.C.G.A. 43-44-46 conditions has the separate statutory reciprocity route without examination.
Reapplication after automatic termination
Age
At least 18 years of age.
Application
Submit the prescribed application and applicable fees.
Background check
Authorize Georgia Crime Information Center and FBI background checks, supply classifiable fingerprints and requested information, and pay associated fees.
Board discretion
O.C.G.A. 43-44-48(c) permits the Board to require reapplication as a new applicant; the leaves describe the currently offered exams of that reapplication.
Competency audiogram
Submit a completed audiogram performed by the applicant.
Competency evaluation
Submit evaluation records showing interpretation of audiometric data, candidacy determination, and selection, programming and fitting competency.
Competency fitting
Submit documentation of earmold impressions or equivalent fitting procedures performed by the applicant.
Expiration
The forfeited license was not restored within one year and automatically terminated.
Identity
Provide a secure and verifiable identity document, an affidavit of lawful presence under O.C.G.A. 50-36-1, and required immigration documentation for a noncitizen.
Older board examination instructions
The March 4, 2022 Board application states: ❑ REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS: All applicants are required to pass the GA Jurisprudence (Laws & Rules), Audiogram, Practical exams, and the ILE (national written examination). The new statute defines initial issuance through ILE, jurisprudence, and competency documentation; the additional Audiogram and Practical demands are retained here as lower-ranked instructions.
Older rule retake instruction
Rule 276-14-.03(b)(3) states: 3. For only dispenser applicants for reinstatement, applying after one (1) year of the effective date of the lapsed license, verification of the retake and passage of both the written and practical examinations required for licensure within one year prior to the date the reinstatement application is received by the Board administrative staff, and verification of twenty (20) hours of Board approved continuing education obtained within two years prior to the date the reinstatement application is received by the Board administrative staff (Refer to Board Rule 276-10 for continuing education information). The statute governs the new-applicant examination set; the older practical-examination demand is retained as a condition.
Standing
Provide satisfactory licensure history and good standing; prior denial must no longer present applicable grounds.
Licensure by reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 18 years of age.
Application
Submit the prescribed application and applicable fees.
Background check
Authorize Georgia Crime Information Center and FBI background checks, supply classifiable fingerprints and requested information, and pay associated fees.
Equivalent requirements
Demonstrate that the other jurisdiction maintains equivalent or more stringent qualifications and a competency-determination program.
Identity
Provide a secure and verifiable identity document, an affidavit of lawful presence under O.C.G.A. 50-36-1, and required immigration documentation for a noncitizen.
Older board examination instructions
The March 4, 2022 Board application states: ❑ REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS: All applicants are required to pass the GA Jurisprudence (Laws & Rules), Audiogram, Practical exams, and the ILE (national written examination). The new statute defines initial issuance through ILE, jurisprudence, and competency documentation; the additional Audiogram and Practical demands are retained here as lower-ranked instructions.
Other jurisdiction license
Hold and verify a current, unsuspended and unrevoked prescription hearing aid dispenser license in another jurisdiction.
Reciprocity
Demonstrate that the issuing jurisdiction affords reciprocity to Georgia licensees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Reinstatement while actively practicing in another jurisdiction
Active practice
Rule 276-14-.03(c) applies to a current, active licensee practicing full time in dispensing in another jurisdiction.
Age
At least 18 years of age.
Application
Submit the prescribed application and applicable fees.
Background check
Authorize Georgia Crime Information Center and FBI background checks, supply classifiable fingerprints and requested information, and pay associated fees.
Board ce only instruction
Rule 276-14-.03(c) states: (c) Individuals currently/actively licensed and practicing full time in the field of dispensing hearing aids in another state or jurisdiction filing for the reinstatement of a Georgia hearing aid dispensers license shall submit verification of twenty (20) hours of Board approved continuing education obtained within two years prior to the date of the reinstatement application (Refer to Board Rule 276-10 for continuing education information).
Competency audiogram
Submit a completed audiogram performed by the applicant.
Competency evaluation
Submit evaluation records showing interpretation of audiometric data, candidacy determination, and selection, programming and fitting competency.
Competency fitting
Submit documentation of earmold impressions or equivalent fitting procedures performed by the applicant.
Continuing education
Provide 20 hours of Board-approved continuing education obtained within two years before the reinstatement application.
Identity
Provide a secure and verifiable identity document, an affidavit of lawful presence under O.C.G.A. 50-36-1, and required immigration documentation for a noncitizen.
Older board examination instructions
The March 4, 2022 Board application states: ❑ REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS: All applicants are required to pass the GA Jurisprudence (Laws & Rules), Audiogram, Practical exams, and the ILE (national written examination). The new statute defines initial issuance through ILE, jurisprudence, and competency documentation; the additional Audiogram and Practical demands are retained here as lower-ranked instructions.
Reapplication discretion
After one year O.C.G.A. 43-44-48(c) permits new-applicant reapplication, so its ILE and jurisprudence examinations remain referenced; within one year use the separate restoration route.
Standing
Provide satisfactory licensure history and good standing; prior denial must no longer present applicable grounds.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed renewal application and fees.
Board new license ce exception
Rule 276-10-.01 states an exception for initially licensed dispensers licensed less than two years at renewal; O.C.G.A. 43-44-48(a) requires verification of 20 approved hours.
Contact
Keep mailing address and contact information current.
Continuing education
Verify completion of 20 hours of Board-approved continuing education.
Renewal schedule
Rule 276-14-.01 sets December 31 of odd-numbered years as expiry; consult the Board renewal process.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Restoration within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
Rule 276-14-.03 states reinstatement is at the Board's sole discretion.
Continuing education
Provide renewal continuing education evidence; Rule 276-14-.03(b)(2) requires 20 hours obtained within two years before the application for a dispenser applying within one year.
Fees
Pay renewal and restoration fees.
Forfeiture
Apply within one year after expiration of a forfeited license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-01.

Georgia Jurisprudence (Laws and Rules) Examination — Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers

Examination outline
  • O.C.G.A. Chapter 43-44, Article 3 — Georgia Hearing Aid Dispensers Act
  • Georgia Rules and Regulations, Chapter 276-2 EXAMINATIONS.
  • Georgia Rules and Regulations, Chapter 276-3 BILL OF SALE.
  • Georgia Rules and Regulations, Chapter 276-4 DEFINITIONS.
  • Georgia Rules and Regulations, Chapter 276-5 PROCEDURES, EQUIPMENT, CALIBRATIONS AND RECORDS.
  • Georgia Rules and Regulations, Chapter 276-6 INTERSTATE VIOLATIONS.
  • Georgia Rules and Regulations, Chapter 276-8 PROCEDURAL RULES.
  • Georgia Rules and Regulations, Chapter 276-9 PERMITS.
  • Georgia Rules and Regulations, Chapter 276-10 CONTINUING EDUCATION.
  • Georgia Rules and Regulations, Chapter 276-12 MILITARY SPOUSES AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS.
  • Georgia Rules and Regulations, Chapter 276-13 UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.
  • Georgia Rules and Regulations, Chapter 276-14 RENEWAL AND REINSTATEMENT PROCESS.
  • O.C.G.A. Chapter 43-1 — General Provisions
  • O.C.G.A. Chapter 50-13 — Georgia Administrative Procedure Act
  • 21 C.F.R. § 801.109 — Prescription devices
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