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Hawaii Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Hearing Aid Dealer and Fitter License

Individual license to fit and sell hearing aids. HRS 451A-9 repealed the trainee temporary-permit authority in 1997; HAR 16-83-14 still contains the older permit language. Statutory practice exemptions in HRS 451A-18 do not create additional issued licenses.

Licensing authority: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division · Application information

Initial licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Abandonment
HRS 436B-9(f) treats a subsequent application after abandonment as a new application subject to current licensing requirements.
Age
Applicant must be at least 18 years old under the current HDF-01 application.
Application
Submit the completed signed application, supporting documents and applicable fees.
Criminal disclosures
Disclose unexpunged convictions and submit the explanations, court records, probation or parole evidence and current criminal history records requested by HDF-00.
Current license
Hold a current, unsuspended and unrevoked license to fit and sell hearing aids in another jurisdiction.
Disciplinary disclosures
Disclose past or pending disciplinary proceedings and supply signed explanations and relevant agency records when required.
Education
Provide high school graduation or equivalent evidence; HDF-00 also accepts an accredited college diploma.
Equivalence
The director must determine the other jurisdiction's requirements at initial licensure were equivalent to or higher than Hawaii's.
Experience
Satisfy the experience requirements applicable under HRS 451A-7.
Implementation statement
HDF-00 also states: All applicants must pass the written examination with Hawaii's passing score of 70%. HRS 451A-10 expressly exempts qualifying endorsement applicants from the examination; that controlling exemption defines this route.
License verification
Arrange direct license verification from the licensing agency.
Prior jurisdiction examination
HDF-00 requires historical licensing laws and rules and general information about the examination previously passed, including outline, allocation, passing score and structure. No identifiable ILE passage is required by the endorsement exemption; another jurisdiction's unidentified examination is applicant evidence.
Social security number
Provide the Social Security Number required by the application.
Translations
Foreign-language documents require an English translation signed by someone other than the applicant and a translator affidavit.
Work authorization
Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or alien authorized to work in the United States.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Abandonment
HRS 436B-9(f) treats a subsequent application after abandonment as a new application subject to current licensing requirements.
Age
Applicant must be at least 18 years old under the current HDF-01 application.
Application
Submit the completed signed application, supporting documents and applicable fees.
Criminal disclosures
Disclose unexpunged convictions and submit the explanations, court records, probation or parole evidence and current criminal history records requested by HDF-00.
Department approval
Obtain DCCA approval before IHS examination registration; examination is administered on Oahu.
Disciplinary disclosures
Disclose past or pending disciplinary proceedings and supply signed explanations and relevant agency records when required.
Education
Provide high school graduation or equivalent evidence; HDF-00 also accepts an accredited college diploma.
Experience
Satisfy the experience requirements applicable under HRS 451A-7.
Passing score
Pass the written examination with Hawaii's stated 70% score.
Regulatory examination format
HAR 16-83-27(a) states: §16-83-27 Licensing examination. (a) An applicant shall be required to take and pass a licensing examination which shall consist of a written and a practical portion. The written portion shall assess the applicant’s knowledge of the following areas: HAR 16-83-27(b) states: (b) The practical portion shall consist of a written and a hands-on segment testing the taking of earmold impressions which shall cover: HAR 16-83-30 states: §16-83-30 Passing score. A grade of seventy shall be a passing score for each section of the written and practical portions of the licensing examination. HDF-00 currently identifies the IHS written examination and requires 70%. The rule calls these portions and segments of one licensing examination; it does not establish an independently registered Hawaii practical examination. The prescribed practical work remains an applicant requirement; no separate exam identity is inferred from a portion.
Social security number
Provide the Social Security Number required by the application.
Translations
Foreign-language documents require an English translation signed by someone other than the applicant and a translator affidavit.
Work authorization
Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or alien authorized to work in the United States.
Federal recognition of a covered license after military relocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit military orders, marriage certificate if a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 USC 4025a(c).
Background check
The licensing authority may conduct a background check.
Compact exception
An applicable interstate compact governs instead under 50 USC 4025a(e).
Covered license
The license must be in good standing, without revocation or imposed discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation or investigative voluntary surrender.
Historical exam evidence
Holding the covered license is an applicant condition; this federal route does not identify a currently offered examination that must have been passed.
Military relocation
A servicemember or spouse relocates because of military orders to Hawaii from the jurisdiction issuing the covered professional license.
Older state checklist
The DCCA MST-1224 checklist states: Two Year Active Usage: the license being relied directly to the licensing agency from each state upon must have been actively used by the or province in which applicant holds or has ever servicemember or the servicemember’s spouse held a license. during the two years immediately preceding the servicemember’s relocation orders. This is retained as an implementing-document demand; the federal definition amended December 23, 2024, in subsection (f)(1) controls the covered-license criteria.
Scope and compliance
Understand and comply with Hawaii's licensing requirements and scope of practice; submit to its licensing authority.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after crisis related active military deployment
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discipline
This restoration provision does not apply to a suspended, revoked or otherwise adjudicated disciplined license.
Fees
Pay the current renewal fee and any financial-integrity or federal-renewal documentation required.
Filing window
Request restoration within 120 days after discharge or release from the deployment.
Military deployment
License expired, was forfeited or became delinquent during active-duty deployment for a state or national crisis; scheduled annual or specialized training is excluded.
Orders
Supply deployment orders and discharge or release orders.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expedited endorsement for a nonresident military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Abandonment
HRS 436B-9(f) treats a subsequent application after abandonment as a new application subject to current licensing requirements.
Age
Applicant must be at least 18 years old under the current HDF-01 application.
Application
Submit the completed signed application, supporting documents and applicable fees.
Criminal disclosures
Disclose unexpunged convictions and submit the explanations, court records, probation or parole evidence and current criminal history records requested by HDF-00.
Current license
Hold a current, unsuspended and unrevoked license to fit and sell hearing aids in another jurisdiction.
Disciplinary disclosures
Disclose past or pending disciplinary proceedings and supply signed explanations and relevant agency records when required.
Education
Provide high school graduation or equivalent evidence; HDF-00 also accepts an accredited college diploma.
Equivalence
The director must determine the other jurisdiction's requirements at initial licensure were equivalent to or higher than Hawaii's.
Experience
Satisfy the experience requirements applicable under HRS 451A-7.
Implementation statement
HDF-00 also states: All applicants must pass the written examination with Hawaii's passing score of 70%. HRS 451A-10 expressly exempts qualifying endorsement applicants from the examination; that controlling exemption defines this route.
License verification
Arrange direct license verification from the licensing agency.
Military status
Be a nonresident military spouse; HRS 436B-14.6 permits a demonstration of competency in lieu of an experience-duration requirement and expedites the application.
Prior jurisdiction examination
HDF-00 requires historical licensing laws and rules and general information about the examination previously passed, including outline, allocation, passing score and structure. No identifiable ILE passage is required by the endorsement exemption; another jurisdiction's unidentified examination is applicant evidence.
Social security number
Provide the Social Security Number required by the application.
Translations
Foreign-language documents require an English translation signed by someone other than the applicant and a translator affidavit.
Work authorization
Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or alien authorized to work in the United States.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Disclosures
Disclose license sanctions, pending discipline and convictions as requested; the Hearing Aid Dealer row lists no other reactivation requirement.
Fees
Pay the reactivation fee and applicable active renewal and Compliance Resolution Fund fees.
Inactive license
Hold an inactive Hawaii license and apply to return it to active status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New licensure after revocation
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Abandonment
HRS 436B-9(f) treats a subsequent application after abandonment as a new application subject to current licensing requirements.
Age
Applicant must be at least 18 years old under the current HDF-01 application.
Application
Submit the completed signed application, supporting documents and applicable fees.
Criminal disclosures
Disclose unexpunged convictions and submit the explanations, court records, probation or parole evidence and current criminal history records requested by HDF-00.
Disciplinary disclosures
Disclose past or pending disciplinary proceedings and supply signed explanations and relevant agency records when required.
Education
Provide high school graduation or equivalent evidence; HDF-00 also accepts an accredited college diploma.
Experience
Satisfy the experience requirements applicable under HRS 451A-7.
Regulatory examination format
HAR 16-83-27(a) states: §16-83-27 Licensing examination. (a) An applicant shall be required to take and pass a licensing examination which shall consist of a written and a practical portion. The written portion shall assess the applicant’s knowledge of the following areas: HAR 16-83-27(b) states: (b) The practical portion shall consist of a written and a hands-on segment testing the taking of earmold impressions which shall cover: HAR 16-83-30 states: §16-83-30 Passing score. A grade of seventy shall be a passing score for each section of the written and practical portions of the licensing examination. HDF-00 currently identifies the IHS written examination and requires 70%. The rule calls these portions and segments of one licensing examination; it does not establish an independently registered Hawaii practical examination. The prescribed practical work remains an applicant requirement; no separate exam identity is inferred from a portion.
Revocation wait
Apply after five years from the effective revocation date and comply with current new-applicant requirements.
Social security number
Provide the Social Security Number required by the application.
Translations
Foreign-language documents require an English translation signed by someone other than the applicant and a translator affidavit.
Waiver
HRS 436B-21 permits waiver of applicable education or examination requirements upon documentation of equivalent knowledge, competence and qualifications maintained through work experience, training or education.
Work authorization
Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or alien authorized to work in the United States.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fees
Submit the completed renewal application and applicable fees.
Deadline
Renew on or before December 31 of each odd-numbered year.
Display
Keep the license conspicuously posted; obtain duplicate certificates for additional offices.
Existing license
Hold a Hawaii Hearing Aid Dealer and Fitter license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of a forfeited license within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fees
Pay renewal and restoration fees, including the second restoration fee after the thirty-day grace period.
Forfeited license
The Hawaii license expired for failure to renew.
Time limit
Apply within two years of expiration under HRS 451A-8; its profession-specific rule prevails over the general one-year rule in HRS 436B-14.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Hearing Aid Dealer and Fitter - Temporary Military Professional License

Temporary military professional license under the state military-spouse provisions or the federal covered-license portability provisions, as applicable.

Licensing authority: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division · Application information

Interim temporary license during federal portability processing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
A background check may be required.
Local compliance
Understand and comply with Hawaii scope and licensing requirements; an applicable interstate compact governs instead.
Older state checklist
DCCA MST-1224 states: Two Year Active Usage: the license being relied directly to the licensing agency from each state upon must have been actively used by the or province in which applicant holds or has ever servicemember or the servicemember’s spouse held a license. during the two years immediately preceding the servicemember’s relocation orders. The amended federal covered-license definition controls; the checklist's two-year usage statement remains visible as an application instruction.
Portability eligibility
Satisfy the covered-license, military-relocation and application criteria in 50 USC 4025a(a), (c) and (f); provide marriage evidence if applying as a spouse.
Processing delay
The licensing authority may issue an interim temporary license if it cannot recognize the covered license during the thirty days after the application.
Rights
The interim temporary license confers the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as a permanent license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Supervised temporary military spouse licensure while completing requirements
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Affidavit and fees
Pay applicable fees and submit the signed truthful affidavit and supporting education, examination, experience, employment and criminal-history evidence.
Criminal history
Have no disqualifying criminal history as determined by the licensing authority.
Disciplinary history
Meet paragraphs (6)-(8), including no disqualifying revocation, surrender or unresolved discipline and no surrender of professional membership to avoid adverse action.
Education and experience
The prior jurisdiction must verify minimum education and applicable experience and supervision requirements.
Equivalency
Credentials, experience or passage of a national examination must be substantially equivalent to or exceed Hawaii's requirements; the discretion and equivalency are conditions.
Existing license
Hold a current active license in good standing, without conditions or restrictions, issued by another U.S. jurisdiction for at least one year; HRS 436B-14.7(a)(2)(A) expressly names hearing aid dealers and fitters.
Local practice requirements
Submit to Hawaii licensing authority and practice requirements.
Military spouse
Be married to an active-duty U.S. armed forces member and accompany the member on permanent-change-of-station orders to Hawaii.
Prior examination
HRS 436B-14.7(a)(5) requires prior passage of examination requirements if required by Hawaii or the prior jurisdiction; ILE is Hawaii's currently identified written licensing examination. Equivalent prior licensing evidence and examinations of other jurisdictions remain applicant conditions; this is not an instruction that every applicant must retake ILE.
Regulatory examination format
HAR 16-83-27(a) states: §16-83-27 Licensing examination. (a) An applicant shall be required to take and pass a licensing examination which shall consist of a written and a practical portion. The written portion shall assess the applicant’s knowledge of the following areas: HAR 16-83-27(b) states: (b) The practical portion shall consist of a written and a hands-on segment testing the taking of earmold impressions which shall cover: HAR 16-83-30 states: §16-83-30 Passing score. A grade of seventy shall be a passing score for each section of the written and practical portions of the licensing examination. HDF-00 currently identifies the IHS written examination and requires 70%. The rule calls these portions and segments of one licensing examination; it does not establish an independently registered Hawaii practical examination. The prescribed practical work remains an applicant requirement; no separate exam identity is inferred from a portion.
Supervision
Subsection (c) permits specified services under a Hawaii-licensed professional's supervision if appropriate while completing Hawaii licensure requirements.
Validity
Under subsection (e), the temporary license follows the profession's regular license period, with a maximum aggregate of five years or the period of military assignment orders.
Temporary military spouse licensure under HRS 436B 14.7(a)
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Affidavit and fees
Pay applicable fees and submit the signed truthful affidavit and supporting education, examination, experience, employment and criminal-history evidence.
Criminal history
Have no disqualifying criminal history as determined by the licensing authority.
Disciplinary history
Meet paragraphs (6)-(8), including no disqualifying revocation, surrender or unresolved discipline and no surrender of professional membership to avoid adverse action.
Education and experience
The prior jurisdiction must verify minimum education and applicable experience and supervision requirements.
Existing license
Hold a current active license in good standing, without conditions or restrictions, issued by another U.S. jurisdiction for at least one year; HRS 436B-14.7(a)(2)(A) expressly names hearing aid dealers and fitters.
Local practice requirements
Submit to Hawaii licensing authority and practice requirements.
Military spouse
Be married to an active-duty U.S. armed forces member and accompany the member on permanent-change-of-station orders to Hawaii.
Prior examination
HRS 436B-14.7(a)(5) requires prior passage of examination requirements if required by Hawaii or the prior jurisdiction; ILE is Hawaii's currently identified written licensing examination. Equivalent prior licensing evidence and examinations of other jurisdictions remain applicant conditions; this is not an instruction that every applicant must retake ILE.
Regulatory examination format
HAR 16-83-27(a) states: §16-83-27 Licensing examination. (a) An applicant shall be required to take and pass a licensing examination which shall consist of a written and a practical portion. The written portion shall assess the applicant’s knowledge of the following areas: HAR 16-83-27(b) states: (b) The practical portion shall consist of a written and a hands-on segment testing the taking of earmold impressions which shall cover: HAR 16-83-30 states: §16-83-30 Passing score. A grade of seventy shall be a passing score for each section of the written and practical portions of the licensing examination. HDF-00 currently identifies the IHS written examination and requires 70%. The rule calls these portions and segments of one licensing examination; it does not establish an independently registered Hawaii practical examination. The prescribed practical work remains an applicant requirement; no separate exam identity is inferred from a portion.
Validity
Under subsection (e), the temporary license follows the profession's regular license period, with a maximum aggregate of five years or the period of military assignment orders.

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