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Idaho Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Conditional Hearing Aid Dealer and Fitter License

One-year conditional licensure instead of denial based on a relevant prior criminal conviction, at the Board's discretion.

Licensing authority: Idaho Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board · Application information

Conditional initial licensure following conviction review
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Submit the Board application and required supporting documentation from issuing authorities.
Criminal Conviction
Instead of denying licensure based on a relevant prior conviction, the Board may issue conditional licensure for one year under Idaho Code 67-9411(3).
Education
Graduation from an accredited four-year high school or equivalent, including a nonpublic high school; IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.a accepts a high school diploma or GED.
Fitness
Document prior license sanctions, relevant criminal convictions, and prohibited conduct; the Board may consider rehabilitation and mitigating circumstances under Idaho Code 54-2916.
Foreign Education
The Board may accept documented equivalent education obtained outside the United States and may require additional information or coursework under Idaho Code 54-2918(2).
Ihs Practical Examination
The Board identifies the International Hearing Society (IHS) Performance Exam, also called IHIS Practical in its FAQ. IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b involves passage of the practical examination or a Board-approved equivalent. This currently offered IHS examination is absent from the frozen nationwide registrations and is retained as a condition with a NATIONWIDE_EXAM_NOT_REGISTERED gap. The supplied ILE is the written examination and NCE is a separate certification examination; neither identifies this practical examination.
Military Education
Relevant and applicable military education, training, or service receives qualification credit under Idaho Code 67-9404.
Minimum Age
At least twenty-one years under Idaho Code 54-2916(1)(a).
Practical Equivalency
IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b permits a Board-approved equivalent to the practical examination; applicant-specific equivalency and waiver are conditions.
Probation
Comply with Board-imposed probational conditions. Failure causes revocation and denial of unrestricted licensure. Other ordinary licensing requirements remain applicable.
Statutory Waiver Limit
Idaho Code 67-9415(6) does not permit initial licensure without statutory initial-license eligibility.

Hearing Aid Dealer and Fitter License

Ordinary license; the current Board rule names this profession Hearing Instrument Specialist.

Licensing authority: Idaho Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board · Application information

Licensure following an applicable apprenticeship
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Submit the Board application and required supporting documentation from issuing authorities.
Apprenticeship
Complete an applicable paid on-the-job apprenticeship adopted by an Idaho licensing authority, the United States Department of Labor, or a federally recognized standards recognition entity; pay applicable fees and satisfy criteria unrelated to education or training under Idaho Code 67-9412.
Education
Graduation from an accredited four-year high school or equivalent, including a nonpublic high school; IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.a accepts a high school diploma or GED.
Fitness
Document prior license sanctions, relevant criminal convictions, and prohibited conduct; the Board may consider rehabilitation and mitigating circumstances under Idaho Code 54-2916.
Foreign Education
The Board may accept documented equivalent education obtained outside the United States and may require additional information or coursework under Idaho Code 54-2918(2).
Ihs Practical Examination
The Board identifies the International Hearing Society (IHS) Performance Exam, also called IHIS Practical in its FAQ. IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b involves passage of the practical examination or a Board-approved equivalent. This currently offered IHS examination is absent from the frozen nationwide registrations and is retained as a condition with a NATIONWIDE_EXAM_NOT_REGISTERED gap. The supplied ILE is the written examination and NCE is a separate certification examination; neither identifies this practical examination.
Military Education
Relevant and applicable military education, training, or service receives qualification credit under Idaho Code 67-9404.
Minimum Age
At least twenty-one years under Idaho Code 54-2916(1)(a).
Practical Equivalency
IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b permits a Board-approved equivalent to the practical examination; applicant-specific equivalency and waiver are conditions.
Program Availability
Eligibility depends on an applicable apprenticeship program; the statute does not establish that a particular program is available.
Statutory Waiver Limit
Idaho Code 67-9415(6) does not permit initial licensure without statutory initial-license eligibility.
Conversion after successful conditional license probation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior License
Hold the one-year conditional license under Idaho Code 67-9411(3).
Probation
Successfully complete the probational conditions; the statute then requires issuance of a full unrestricted license. Failure causes revocation and denial.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Submit the Board application and required supporting documentation from issuing authorities.
Education
Graduation from an accredited four-year high school or equivalent, including a nonpublic high school; IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.a accepts a high school diploma or GED.
Fitness
Document prior license sanctions, relevant criminal convictions, and prohibited conduct; the Board may consider rehabilitation and mitigating circumstances under Idaho Code 54-2916.
Foreign Education
The Board may accept documented equivalent education obtained outside the United States and may require additional information or coursework under Idaho Code 54-2918(2).
Ihs Practical Examination
The Board identifies the International Hearing Society (IHS) Performance Exam, also called IHIS Practical in its FAQ. IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b involves passage of the practical examination or a Board-approved equivalent. This currently offered IHS examination is absent from the frozen nationwide registrations and is retained as a condition with a NATIONWIDE_EXAM_NOT_REGISTERED gap. The supplied ILE is the written examination and NCE is a separate certification examination; neither identifies this practical examination.
Military Education
Relevant and applicable military education, training, or service receives qualification credit under Idaho Code 67-9404.
Minimum Age
At least twenty-one years under Idaho Code 54-2916(1)(a).
Practical Equivalency
IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b permits a Board-approved equivalent to the practical examination; applicant-specific equivalency and waiver are conditions.
Prior License
Hold a current, active, unrestricted equivalent license in another United States jurisdiction; demonstrate substantially similar requirements and submit primary-source certification from all issuing authorities.
Prior Passing Score
The endorsement checklist requires official certification of successful exam completion. Previously passing a currently offered exam does not remove its reference.
Statutory Waiver Limit
Idaho Code 67-9415(6) does not permit initial licensure without statutory initial-license eligibility.
Initial licensure with Board approved college practical exam equivalency
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Submit the Board application and required supporting documentation from issuing authorities.
Approved College
Graduates of the Spokane Falls Community College Hearing Instrument Specialist Associate in Applied Science program have a Board-approved waiver treating completed program performance examinations as equivalent to the IHS Performance Exam. Granted September 16, 2025; minutes approved December 2, 2025. ILE remains involved; the college program assessments are education and equivalency conditions.
Education
Graduation from an accredited four-year high school or equivalent, including a nonpublic high school; IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.a accepts a high school diploma or GED.
Fitness
Document prior license sanctions, relevant criminal convictions, and prohibited conduct; the Board may consider rehabilitation and mitigating circumstances under Idaho Code 54-2916.
Foreign Education
The Board may accept documented equivalent education obtained outside the United States and may require additional information or coursework under Idaho Code 54-2918(2).
Ihs Practical Examination
The Board identifies the International Hearing Society (IHS) Performance Exam, also called IHIS Practical in its FAQ. IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b involves passage of the practical examination or a Board-approved equivalent. This currently offered IHS examination is absent from the frozen nationwide registrations and is retained as a condition with a NATIONWIDE_EXAM_NOT_REGISTERED gap. The supplied ILE is the written examination and NCE is a separate certification examination; neither identifies this practical examination.
Military Education
Relevant and applicable military education, training, or service receives qualification credit under Idaho Code 67-9404.
Minimum Age
At least twenty-one years under Idaho Code 54-2916(1)(a).
Practical Equivalency
IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b permits a Board-approved equivalent to the practical examination; applicant-specific equivalency and waiver are conditions.
Statutory Waiver Limit
Idaho Code 67-9415(6) does not permit initial licensure without statutory initial-license eligibility.
Initial licensure by examination
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Submit the Board application and required supporting documentation from issuing authorities.
Education
Graduation from an accredited four-year high school or equivalent, including a nonpublic high school; IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.a accepts a high school diploma or GED.
Fitness
Document prior license sanctions, relevant criminal convictions, and prohibited conduct; the Board may consider rehabilitation and mitigating circumstances under Idaho Code 54-2916.
Foreign Education
The Board may accept documented equivalent education obtained outside the United States and may require additional information or coursework under Idaho Code 54-2918(2).
Ihs Practical Examination
The Board identifies the International Hearing Society (IHS) Performance Exam, also called IHIS Practical in its FAQ. IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b involves passage of the practical examination or a Board-approved equivalent. This currently offered IHS examination is absent from the frozen nationwide registrations and is retained as a condition with a NATIONWIDE_EXAM_NOT_REGISTERED gap. The supplied ILE is the written examination and NCE is a separate certification examination; neither identifies this practical examination.
Military Education
Relevant and applicable military education, training, or service receives qualification credit under Idaho Code 67-9404.
Minimum Age
At least twenty-one years under Idaho Code 54-2916(1)(a).
Practical Equivalency
IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b permits a Board-approved equivalent to the practical examination; applicant-specific equivalency and waiver are conditions.
Statutory Waiver Limit
Idaho Code 67-9415(6) does not permit initial licensure without statutory initial-license eligibility.
Military, veteran, or spouse endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Condensed Application
Idaho Code 67-9406(4) prohibits requiring an examination or part thereof and prohibits an application fee for the condensed military application.
Discipline
Disclose current, pending, and subsequent disciplinary proceedings; the authority may withhold licensure or impose conditions.
Military Status
Verify covered military, qualifying former military or veteran, or spouse status under Idaho Code 67-9406.
Prior License
Verify current, valid, unrestricted licensure in another United States jurisdiction or branch of the armed forces or National Guard.
Processing
The statutory procedure is intended to grant endorsement within fifteen business days when qualifications can be validated.
Scope Comparison
Narrower prior scope may lead to a limited license under subsection (5).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military service continuation and renewal exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Idaho Code 67-9416(5) requires waivers or partial waivers of continuing education during active military service.
Existing License
Hold an Idaho occupational or professional license during covered military or auxiliary service or prisoner-of-war custody under Idaho Code 67-2606.
Fees
Professional or occupational license and renewal fees may be waived during the covered period.
Protected Period
The license remains in good standing without renewal during the covered period and for six months after discharge.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with nonresident continuing education recognition
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete at least ten practice-related contact hours in the twelve months preceding renewal under IDAPA 24.23.01.100.08 and retain attendance documentation for audit.
Existing License
Submit the approved renewal application, confirm compliance with renewal requirements, and pay amounts due or comply with a payment arrangement.
Fee Holiday
The current Board announcement waives the renewal fee for timely renewals during the fee holiday; late applicants remain responsible for applicable amounts.
Nonresident CE
Under Idaho Code 67-9416(3), a licensee residing outside Idaho with an equivalent license in that primary state may satisfy that state's mandatory continuing education and prove compliance upon request. Idaho-specific requirements preserved by subsection (4) still apply.
Renewal Cycle
Biennial transition began August 1, 2026. For 2026 renewals, an even birth year expires on the birthday in 2028 and an odd birth year in 2027; the July 9, 2026 transition announcement governs over the older annual-renewal FAQ.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after cancellation exceeding five years
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Amounts Due
Pay all amounts due or document compliance with a payment arrangement.
Application
Submit the Board application and required supporting documentation from issuing authorities.
Canceled License
Submit all forms and information required of a new applicant and the current new-application fee under Idaho Code 67-2614(10).
Competence
Satisfy Division-determined competence requirements, potentially including education, supervised practice, and examination. The additional slot names no actual examination and remains a condition. Practice elsewhere may be considered.
Education
Graduation from an accredited four-year high school or equivalent, including a nonpublic high school; IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.a accepts a high school diploma or GED.
Fitness
Document prior license sanctions, relevant criminal convictions, and prohibited conduct; the Board may consider rehabilitation and mitigating circumstances under Idaho Code 54-2916.
Foreign Education
The Board may accept documented equivalent education obtained outside the United States and may require additional information or coursework under Idaho Code 54-2918(2).
Ihs Practical Examination
The Board identifies the International Hearing Society (IHS) Performance Exam, also called IHIS Practical in its FAQ. IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b involves passage of the practical examination or a Board-approved equivalent. This currently offered IHS examination is absent from the frozen nationwide registrations and is retained as a condition with a NATIONWIDE_EXAM_NOT_REGISTERED gap. The supplied ILE is the written examination and NCE is a separate certification examination; neither identifies this practical examination.
Military Education
Relevant and applicable military education, training, or service receives qualification credit under Idaho Code 67-9404.
Minimum Age
At least twenty-one years under Idaho Code 54-2916(1)(a).
Practical Equivalency
IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b permits a Board-approved equivalent to the practical examination; applicant-specific equivalency and waiver are conditions.
Statutory Waiver Limit
Idaho Code 67-9415(6) does not permit initial licensure without statutory initial-license eligibility.
Reinstatement after nonrenewal within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Canceled License
Canceled for failure to renew, with no more than five years since expiration. Idaho Code 67-2614(9) controls the inclusive five-year boundary over the older FAQ's wording less than five years.
Continuing Education
Complete at least ten practice-related contact hours in the twelve months preceding renewal under IDAPA 24.23.01.100.08 and retain attendance documentation for audit.
Existing License
Submit the approved renewal application, confirm compliance with renewal requirements, and pay amounts due or comply with a payment arrangement.
Fee Holiday
The current Board announcement waives the renewal fee for timely renewals during the fee holiday; late applicants remain responsible for applicable amounts.
Reinstatement
Document compliance with timely-renewal requirements, satisfy other Division reinstatement requirements, and pay the reinstatement fee and amounts due.
Renewal Cycle
Biennial transition began August 1, 2026. For 2026 renewals, an even birth year expires on the birthday in 2028 and an odd birth year in 2027; the July 9, 2026 transition announcement governs over the older annual-renewal FAQ.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

License renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete at least ten practice-related contact hours in the twelve months preceding renewal under IDAPA 24.23.01.100.08 and retain attendance documentation for audit.
Existing License
Submit the approved renewal application, confirm compliance with renewal requirements, and pay amounts due or comply with a payment arrangement.
Fee Holiday
The current Board announcement waives the renewal fee for timely renewals during the fee holiday; late applicants remain responsible for applicable amounts.
Renewal Cycle
Biennial transition began August 1, 2026. For 2026 renewals, an even birth year expires on the birthday in 2028 and an odd birth year in 2027; the July 9, 2026 transition announcement governs over the older annual-renewal FAQ.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal licensure
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Submit the Board application and required supporting documentation from issuing authorities.
Education
Graduation from an accredited four-year high school or equivalent, including a nonpublic high school; IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.a accepts a high school diploma or GED.
Examination Discretion
The Board may require all or part of an existing examination as necessary to establish competence under Idaho Code 67-9409(4). Whether an applicant must sit it is a condition. This provision prohibits establishing a jurisprudence examination for universal licensure.
Fitness
Document prior license sanctions, relevant criminal convictions, and prohibited conduct; the Board may consider rehabilitation and mitigating circumstances under Idaho Code 54-2916.
Foreign Education
The Board may accept documented equivalent education obtained outside the United States and may require additional information or coursework under Idaho Code 54-2918(2).
Ihs Practical Examination
The Board identifies the International Hearing Society (IHS) Performance Exam, also called IHIS Practical in its FAQ. IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b involves passage of the practical examination or a Board-approved equivalent. This currently offered IHS examination is absent from the frozen nationwide registrations and is retained as a condition with a NATIONWIDE_EXAM_NOT_REGISTERED gap. The supplied ILE is the written examination and NCE is a separate certification examination; neither identifies this practical examination.
Military Education
Relevant and applicable military education, training, or service receives qualification credit under Idaho Code 67-9404.
Minimum Age
At least twenty-one years under Idaho Code 54-2916(1)(a).
Practical Equivalency
IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b permits a Board-approved equivalent to the practical examination; applicant-specific equivalency and waiver are conditions.
Prior License
Possess current, valid, unrestricted licensure in another United States jurisdiction and demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods under Idaho Code 67-9409.
Statutory Waiver Limit
Idaho Code 67-9415(6) does not permit initial licensure without statutory initial-license eligibility.
Universal work recognition
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Submit the Board application and required supporting documentation from issuing authorities.
Education
Graduation from an accredited four-year high school or equivalent, including a nonpublic high school; IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.a accepts a high school diploma or GED.
Fitness
Document prior license sanctions, relevant criminal convictions, and prohibited conduct; the Board may consider rehabilitation and mitigating circumstances under Idaho Code 54-2916.
Foreign Education
The Board may accept documented equivalent education obtained outside the United States and may require additional information or coursework under Idaho Code 54-2918(2).
Ihs Practical Examination
The Board identifies the International Hearing Society (IHS) Performance Exam, also called IHIS Practical in its FAQ. IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b involves passage of the practical examination or a Board-approved equivalent. This currently offered IHS examination is absent from the frozen nationwide registrations and is retained as a condition with a NATIONWIDE_EXAM_NOT_REGISTERED gap. The supplied ILE is the written examination and NCE is a separate certification examination; neither identifies this practical examination.
Military Education
Relevant and applicable military education, training, or service receives qualification credit under Idaho Code 67-9404.
Minimum Age
At least twenty-one years under Idaho Code 54-2916(1)(a).
Practical Equivalency
IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b permits a Board-approved equivalent to the practical examination; applicant-specific equivalency and waiver are conditions.
Statutory Waiver Limit
Idaho Code 67-9415(6) does not permit initial licensure without statutory initial-license eligibility.
Work Experience
At least four years of work with a similar scope in a United States jurisdiction or the military where licensure was not required; submit the standard application, supporting materials, and background checks under Idaho Code 67-9414.

Limited Hearing Aid Dealer and Fitter License

Limited-scope license authorized for narrower prior licensed practice under military endorsement or universal licensure.

Licensing authority: Idaho Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board · Application information

Limited military endorsement for narrower prior scope
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Examination Timing
The condensed military application cannot require taking an examination. A narrowly tailored examination may be required later to obtain a full license; that separate conversion is an unresolved secondary route.
Military Status
Qualify for military, veteran, or spouse endorsement under Idaho Code 67-9406.
Prior License
Hold current, valid, unrestricted licensure with a narrower scope than Idaho.
Restricted Scope
Practice is restricted to the prior licensed scope pending additional education, training, or other Board-determined requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Limited universal licensure for narrower prior scope
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Submit the Board application and required supporting documentation from issuing authorities.
Education
Graduation from an accredited four-year high school or equivalent, including a nonpublic high school; IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.a accepts a high school diploma or GED.
Examination Discretion
Under Idaho Code 67-9409(4), all or part of an existing examination may be required as necessary to demonstrate competence.
Fitness
Document prior license sanctions, relevant criminal convictions, and prohibited conduct; the Board may consider rehabilitation and mitigating circumstances under Idaho Code 54-2916.
Foreign Education
The Board may accept documented equivalent education obtained outside the United States and may require additional information or coursework under Idaho Code 54-2918(2).
Ihs Practical Examination
The Board identifies the International Hearing Society (IHS) Performance Exam, also called IHIS Practical in its FAQ. IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b involves passage of the practical examination or a Board-approved equivalent. This currently offered IHS examination is absent from the frozen nationwide registrations and is retained as a condition with a NATIONWIDE_EXAM_NOT_REGISTERED gap. The supplied ILE is the written examination and NCE is a separate certification examination; neither identifies this practical examination.
Limited Scope
If Idaho authorizes a broader scope, the Board may issue a limited license instead of denying licensure. Practice remains limited to the prior scope while additional requirements are completed under Idaho Code 67-9409(6).
Military Education
Relevant and applicable military education, training, or service receives qualification credit under Idaho Code 67-9404.
Minimum Age
At least twenty-one years under Idaho Code 54-2916(1)(a).
Practical Equivalency
IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b permits a Board-approved equivalent to the practical examination; applicant-specific equivalency and waiver are conditions.
Statutory Waiver Limit
Idaho Code 67-9415(6) does not permit initial licensure without statutory initial-license eligibility.

Hearing Aid Dealer and Fitter Provisional Permit

Supervised provisional practice while pursuing licensing examinations, ordinarily limited to twenty-four months with good-cause extension available.

Licensing authority: Idaho Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board · Application information

Provisional permit extension for good cause
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Provide the permit application, supervisor registration, notarized supervision plan, duties and training addendum, age proof, and education evidence.
Duration
The original permit expires after twenty-four months; good cause preventing completion of supervision may support a Division extension.
Extension Eligibility
After expiration of the twenty-four-month permit, apply to the Division and show good cause that prevented completing supervision during that period.
Ihs Practical Examination
The Board identifies the International Hearing Society (IHS) Performance Exam, also called IHIS Practical in its FAQ. IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b involves passage of the practical examination or a Board-approved equivalent. This currently offered IHS examination is absent from the frozen nationwide registrations and is retained as a condition with a NATIONWIDE_EXAM_NOT_REGISTERED gap. The supplied ILE is the written examination and NCE is a separate certification examination; neither identifies this practical examination.
Older Form Exemption
The Board's IDOPL-04/20 permit form states: A permit holder who is board Certified by National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) shall be exempt from the daily contact requirement, and from the requirement to work in the same facility as the supervisor, and from the plan and progress report requirement from the date of issuance of the permit until the date of the next offered licensing examination. Failure of the licensing examination or failure to take the next offered licensing examination requires Board approval to continue this exemption. (See Rule 450.05) Current IDAPA 24.23.01.200.01 imposes its supervision and reporting duties on permit holders; the older Rule 450 reference does not supersede it. NBC-HIS certification here is a supervision-exemption condition, not an identified requirement to sit NCE.
Reports
Submit attested quarterly activity reports, client and supervisor-contact logs, client test results, and hearing-aid order specifications under IDAPA 24.23.01.200.01.d.
Status
Supervised provisional practice is allowed while pursuing the licensing examinations. Passing the exams is not required before permit issuance; the currently offered examinations pursued afterward remain references under this task's examination-involvement rule.
Supervision
Personal contact every workday for the first sixty days, then at least weekly. After two consecutive examination failures, daily in-person contact resumes if the permit may continue.
Supervisor
An Idaho audiologist or hearing aid dealer and fitter in good standing must be responsible for all practice.
Training
Submit the training agreement. The hearing aid training plan must cover all sections of the licensing examinations.
Initial supervised provisional permit
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Provide the permit application, supervisor registration, notarized supervision plan, duties and training addendum, age proof, and education evidence.
Duration
The original permit expires after twenty-four months; good cause preventing completion of supervision may support a Division extension.
Ihs Practical Examination
The Board identifies the International Hearing Society (IHS) Performance Exam, also called IHIS Practical in its FAQ. IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b involves passage of the practical examination or a Board-approved equivalent. This currently offered IHS examination is absent from the frozen nationwide registrations and is retained as a condition with a NATIONWIDE_EXAM_NOT_REGISTERED gap. The supplied ILE is the written examination and NCE is a separate certification examination; neither identifies this practical examination.
Older Form Exemption
The Board's IDOPL-04/20 permit form states: A permit holder who is board Certified by National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) shall be exempt from the daily contact requirement, and from the requirement to work in the same facility as the supervisor, and from the plan and progress report requirement from the date of issuance of the permit until the date of the next offered licensing examination. Failure of the licensing examination or failure to take the next offered licensing examination requires Board approval to continue this exemption. (See Rule 450.05) Current IDAPA 24.23.01.200.01 imposes its supervision and reporting duties on permit holders; the older Rule 450 reference does not supersede it. NBC-HIS certification here is a supervision-exemption condition, not an identified requirement to sit NCE.
Reports
Submit attested quarterly activity reports, client and supervisor-contact logs, client test results, and hearing-aid order specifications under IDAPA 24.23.01.200.01.d.
Status
Supervised provisional practice is allowed while pursuing the licensing examinations. Passing the exams is not required before permit issuance; the currently offered examinations pursued afterward remain references under this task's examination-involvement rule.
Supervision
Personal contact every workday for the first sixty days, then at least weekly. After two consecutive examination failures, daily in-person contact resumes if the permit may continue.
Supervisor
An Idaho audiologist or hearing aid dealer and fitter in good standing must be responsible for all practice.
Training
Submit the training agreement. The hearing aid training plan must cover all sections of the licensing examinations.
Provisional permit reapplication after supervisor change
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Provide the permit application, supervisor registration, notarized supervision plan, duties and training addendum, age proof, and education evidence.
Duration
The original permit expires after twenty-four months; good cause preventing completion of supervision may support a Division extension.
Ihs Practical Examination
The Board identifies the International Hearing Society (IHS) Performance Exam, also called IHIS Practical in its FAQ. IDAPA 24.23.01.100.04.b involves passage of the practical examination or a Board-approved equivalent. This currently offered IHS examination is absent from the frozen nationwide registrations and is retained as a condition with a NATIONWIDE_EXAM_NOT_REGISTERED gap. The supplied ILE is the written examination and NCE is a separate certification examination; neither identifies this practical examination.
Older Form Exemption
The Board's IDOPL-04/20 permit form states: A permit holder who is board Certified by National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) shall be exempt from the daily contact requirement, and from the requirement to work in the same facility as the supervisor, and from the plan and progress report requirement from the date of issuance of the permit until the date of the next offered licensing examination. Failure of the licensing examination or failure to take the next offered licensing examination requires Board approval to continue this exemption. (See Rule 450.05) Current IDAPA 24.23.01.200.01 imposes its supervision and reporting duties on permit holders; the older Rule 450 reference does not supersede it. NBC-HIS certification here is a supervision-exemption condition, not an identified requirement to sit NCE.
Reports
Submit attested quarterly activity reports, client and supervisor-contact logs, client test results, and hearing-aid order specifications under IDAPA 24.23.01.200.01.d.
Status
Supervised provisional practice is allowed while pursuing the licensing examinations. Passing the exams is not required before permit issuance; the currently offered examinations pursued afterward remain references under this task's examination-involvement rule.
Supervision
Personal contact every workday for the first sixty days, then at least weekly. After two consecutive examination failures, daily in-person contact resumes if the permit may continue.
Supervisor
An Idaho audiologist or hearing aid dealer and fitter in good standing must be responsible for all practice.
Supervisor Change
The supervisor reports termination within ten days. A new supervisor must be in place before practice resumes; a new application is due within thirty days to avoid cancellation.
Training
Submit the training agreement. The hearing aid training plan must cover all sections of the licensing examinations.

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