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Illinois Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Hearing Instrument Dispenser License

Illinois license for prescription hearing instrument dispensing; additional and duplicate site licenses remain the same professional license identity.

Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Public Health · Application information

Issuance of additional or duplicate business site license copies
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Already licensed dispenser; these documents cover additional practice locations, not a new professional credential.
Fee
$20 for each additional or duplicate license (225 ILCS 50/5; 682.200(a)(3)).
Site
Additional license for a location operating more than eight hours weekly; duplicate main-business-address license for a location operating less than eight hours weekly or for in-home dispensing; display required before business begins at a new site (682.240).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after suspension or revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Affirmations
Signed dated affirmation of no relevant convictions, disciplinary orders or unauthorized dispensing during suspension/revocation; satisfy the assertions in 682.620(b).
Board review
Board weighs violations, previous discipline, intervening convictions, unauthorized dispensing, consumer effect and settlement of all consumer claims (682.620(c)); false information can prevent restoration.
Director discretion
225 ILCS 50/23 permits re-examination or rehearing when substantial justice has not been done in examination, revocation, suspension or refusal proceedings; it does not identify a separate registered examination for this restoration route.
Petition
Petition the Board and specify reasons for restoration; Department may restore on the Board's written recommendation (225 ILCS 50/27, 682.620).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Expired license requalification by examination without recent practice

All of the following:

Application
Complete Part A; provide academic proof, insurance, applicable fees, and the child-support certification; explain convictions or disciplinary matters and include final orders when applicable (current IDPH application).
Ce waiver
Board may waive all or part upon petition for military/Coast Guard service, extreme hardship, or license by examination or endorsement during the preceding renewal period (225 ILCS 50/8(d)).
Continuing education
20 hours (2.0 CEUs) per two-year period; at least 10 hours not sponsored by manufacturers. Include at least two hours Illinois law and ethics, one hour sexual harassment prevention, and one hour implicit bias awareness (225 ILCS 50/17; IDPH July 2026 renewal form).
Coursework
12 semester or 18 quarter hours: anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, hearing science, introduction to audiology, and aural rehabilitation; alternatively an equivalent program determined by the Department (225 ILCS 50/8(e)).
Degree
Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or equivalency through a NACES member (225 ILCS 50/8(e), effective June 1, 2026).
Exam order
Either written or practical may be taken first; register with IDPH for each.
Exam registration
Pay written examination fees directly to IHS through Webassessor; practical exam at IDPH in Springfield, $300, form and fee requested at least two weeks in advance; no limit on practical attempts.
Grandfathered education
Persons licensed before January 1, 2003 who held a valid license on that date may renew without the new 8(e) educational requirements.
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(4)).
Initial fees
$80 application fee and $200 two-year license fee; $20 for each additional or duplicate license, if applicable.
Insurance
Current malpractice liability insurance; the Code defines minimum liability insurance as $200,000 and requires policy and coverage documentation (77 Ill. Adm. Code 682.100, 682.190, 682.200(a)(4)).
Lawful presence
Citizen or person lawfully present in the United States (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(5)).
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(1)).
Moral character
Good moral character; conviction or an adverse finding is considered but does not itself prohibit examination registration (225 ILCS 50/8(b)).
Practical score
70 percent on each practical section; practical and written scores are independent (682.420(b)-(c)).
Prior license
Expired Illinois license and inability to show practice in the previous two years (682.250(c)).
Requalification
Meet all current eligibility and educational requirements, pass the written and practical exams, and pay applicable late, renewal and other required fees; reciprocity is an alternate requalification pathway.
Score window
Obtain the license within 12 months after whichever written or practical examination was passed first; otherwise take and pass both again (225 ILCS 50/8(c)).
Written attempts
225 ILCS 50/8(c) and the current IDPH exam form allow at most four written attempts in any consecutive 12 months. The older Code 682.420(a)(2) says: "An individual candidate may take the written examination no more than twice in any consecutive 12-month period." The controlling statute supplies the four-attempt limit.
Written score
Current written results are the IHS ILE score reported to IDPH; the older Code 682.420(a) states a minimum passing grade of 70 percent on each written section. This survey references the frozen current ILE without changing its scoring.
Expired license requalification by reciprocity — certified five years
National Competency Exam (NBC-HIS)
Application
Complete Part A; provide academic proof, insurance, applicable fees, and the child-support certification; explain convictions or disciplinary matters and include final orders when applicable (current IDPH application).
Ce waiver
Board may waive all or part upon petition for military/Coast Guard service, extreme hardship, or license by examination or endorsement during the preceding renewal period (225 ILCS 50/8(d)).
Certification
Certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences and actively practicing for a minimum of five years (225 ILCS 50/6.1(i)). Illinois defines this certification as certification after qualification by that Board's examination (225 ILCS 50/3); the supplied registered examination is NBC-HIS NCE. The examination is a currently offered examination already passed for certification, rather than a new Illinois examination.
Continuing education
20 hours (2.0 CEUs) per two-year period; at least 10 hours not sponsored by manufacturers. Include at least two hours Illinois law and ethics, one hour sexual harassment prevention, and one hour implicit bias awareness (225 ILCS 50/17; IDPH July 2026 renewal form).
Coursework
12 semester or 18 quarter hours: anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, hearing science, introduction to audiology, and aural rehabilitation; alternatively an equivalent program determined by the Department (225 ILCS 50/8(e)).
Degree
Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or equivalency through a NACES member (225 ILCS 50/8(e), effective June 1, 2026).
Grandfathered education
Persons licensed before January 1, 2003 who held a valid license on that date may renew without the new 8(e) educational requirements.
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(4)).
Implementation license demand
The current IDPH Reciprocity instructions state: For RECIPROCITY applications only, complete Part A, and Part C of the application. The following information will also need to be provided with the application: applicable fees, proof of liability insurance, proof of current license in another jurisdiction and valid statement of licensing requirements, proof of educational requirements (Sec. 50/8b and code, Sec. 682.200 a-d), and state verification form (Part C, page 2). The statutory branch (i) independently permits National Board certification with five years of active practice; this form demand is retained as a Department-stated applicant condition.
Insurance
Current malpractice liability insurance; the Code defines minimum liability insurance as $200,000 and requires policy and coverage documentation (77 Ill. Adm. Code 682.100, 682.190, 682.200(a)(4)).
Lapsed fees
Pay all required fees and the applicable renewal/late/reinstatement fees under 682.250(d)-(g).
Lawful presence
Citizen or person lawfully present in the United States (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(5)).
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(1)).
Moral character
Good moral character; conviction or an adverse finding is considered but does not itself prohibit examination registration (225 ILCS 50/8(b)).
Practice
Certification also satisfies the certification alternative in 225 ILCS 50/6.1(iv).
Prior license
Expired Illinois license without evidence of practice during the previous two years; 682.250(c) expressly permits meeting current reciprocity criteria instead of retaking Illinois examinations.
Reciprocity fee
$80 application, $200 license, $500 reciprocity, and $20 per applicable additional or duplicate license (682.200 and current IDPH application).
Statutory branch reading
225 ILCS 50/6.1 offers the National Board certification/five-year branch (i) or the other-jurisdiction license branch (ii); the remaining applicable academic, training, practice/certification and fee conditions are recorded here.
Expired license requalification by reciprocity — licensed board certified
Application
Complete Part A; provide academic proof, insurance, applicable fees, and the child-support certification; explain convictions or disciplinary matters and include final orders when applicable (current IDPH application).
Ce waiver
Board may waive all or part upon petition for military/Coast Guard service, extreme hardship, or license by examination or endorsement during the preceding renewal period (225 ILCS 50/8(d)).
Certification
Current National Board certification instead of the three-month practice requirement (225 ILCS 50/6.1(iv)); certification is qualification by the Board examination under 225 ILCS 50/3, represented by the supplied NCE.
Continuing education
20 hours (2.0 CEUs) per two-year period; at least 10 hours not sponsored by manufacturers. Include at least two hours Illinois law and ethics, one hour sexual harassment prevention, and one hour implicit bias awareness (225 ILCS 50/17; IDPH July 2026 renewal form).
Coursework
12 semester or 18 quarter hours: anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, hearing science, introduction to audiology, and aural rehabilitation; alternatively an equivalent program determined by the Department (225 ILCS 50/8(e)).
Degree
Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or equivalency through a NACES member (225 ILCS 50/8(e), effective June 1, 2026).
Examination equivalency
ILE passed for the other license is a leaf; IDPH may accept a substantially similar examination. Another jurisdiction's own examination stays an applicant condition rather than a leaf.
Grandfathered education
Persons licensed before January 1, 2003 who held a valid license on that date may renew without the new 8(e) educational requirements.
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(4)).
Implementation license demand
The current IDPH Reciprocity instructions state: For RECIPROCITY applications only, complete Part A, and Part C of the application. The following information will also need to be provided with the application: applicable fees, proof of liability insurance, proof of current license in another jurisdiction and valid statement of licensing requirements, proof of educational requirements (Sec. 50/8b and code, Sec. 682.200 a-d), and state verification form (Part C, page 2). The statutory branch (i) independently permits National Board certification with five years of active practice; this form demand is retained as a Department-stated applicant condition.
Insurance
Current malpractice liability insurance; the Code defines minimum liability insurance as $200,000 and requires policy and coverage documentation (77 Ill. Adm. Code 682.100, 682.190, 682.200(a)(4)).
Lapsed fees
Pay all required fees and the applicable renewal/late/reinstatement fees under 682.250(d)-(g).
Lawful presence
Citizen or person lawfully present in the United States (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(5)).
License held
Valid hearing instrument dispenser license or equivalent in another jurisdiction with a comparable examination or one provided by IHS; official license verification required.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(1)).
Moral character
Good moral character; conviction or an adverse finding is considered but does not itself prohibit examination registration (225 ILCS 50/8(b)).
Prior license
Expired Illinois license without evidence of practice during the previous two years; 682.250(c) expressly permits meeting current reciprocity criteria instead of retaking Illinois examinations.
Reciprocity fee
$80 application, $200 license, $500 reciprocity, and $20 per applicable additional or duplicate license (682.200 and current IDPH application).
Statutory branch reading
225 ILCS 50/6.1 offers the National Board certification/five-year branch (i) or the other-jurisdiction license branch (ii); the remaining applicable academic, training, practice/certification and fee conditions are recorded here.
Expired license requalification by reciprocity — licensed three months
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Complete Part A; provide academic proof, insurance, applicable fees, and the child-support certification; explain convictions or disciplinary matters and include final orders when applicable (current IDPH application).
Ce waiver
Board may waive all or part upon petition for military/Coast Guard service, extreme hardship, or license by examination or endorsement during the preceding renewal period (225 ILCS 50/8(d)).
Continuing education
20 hours (2.0 CEUs) per two-year period; at least 10 hours not sponsored by manufacturers. Include at least two hours Illinois law and ethics, one hour sexual harassment prevention, and one hour implicit bias awareness (225 ILCS 50/17; IDPH July 2026 renewal form).
Coursework
12 semester or 18 quarter hours: anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, hearing science, introduction to audiology, and aural rehabilitation; alternatively an equivalent program determined by the Department (225 ILCS 50/8(e)).
Degree
Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or equivalency through a NACES member (225 ILCS 50/8(e), effective June 1, 2026).
Examination equivalency
The ILE already passed to obtain the other license remains a leaf because it is currently offered and registered. A substantially similar examination accepted by IDPH can substitute; another jurisdiction's own examination is an applicant condition and is not an Illinois leaf (682.100 definition of Reciprocity).
Experience
At least three months actively practicing as a hearing instrument dispenser (225 ILCS 50/6.1(iv)).
Grandfathered education
Persons licensed before January 1, 2003 who held a valid license on that date may renew without the new 8(e) educational requirements.
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(4)).
Implementation license demand
The current IDPH Reciprocity instructions state: For RECIPROCITY applications only, complete Part A, and Part C of the application. The following information will also need to be provided with the application: applicable fees, proof of liability insurance, proof of current license in another jurisdiction and valid statement of licensing requirements, proof of educational requirements (Sec. 50/8b and code, Sec. 682.200 a-d), and state verification form (Part C, page 2). The statutory branch (i) independently permits National Board certification with five years of active practice; this form demand is retained as a Department-stated applicant condition.
Insurance
Current malpractice liability insurance; the Code defines minimum liability insurance as $200,000 and requires policy and coverage documentation (77 Ill. Adm. Code 682.100, 682.190, 682.200(a)(4)).
Lapsed fees
Pay all required fees and the applicable renewal/late/reinstatement fees under 682.250(d)-(g).
Lawful presence
Citizen or person lawfully present in the United States (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(5)).
License held
Valid hearing instrument dispenser license or equivalent in another jurisdiction whose examination is comparable to the Illinois examination or is provided by IHS; submit official verification from each licensing jurisdiction (225 ILCS 50/6.1(ii), IDPH Part C).
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(1)).
Moral character
Good moral character; conviction or an adverse finding is considered but does not itself prohibit examination registration (225 ILCS 50/8(b)).
Prior license
Expired Illinois license without evidence of practice during the previous two years; 682.250(c) expressly permits meeting current reciprocity criteria instead of retaking Illinois examinations.
Reciprocity fee
$80 application, $200 license, $500 reciprocity, and $20 per applicable additional or duplicate license (682.200 and current IDPH application).
Statutory branch reading
225 ILCS 50/6.1 offers the National Board certification/five-year branch (i) or the other-jurisdiction license branch (ii); the remaining applicable academic, training, practice/certification and fee conditions are recorded here.
Late renewal or reinstatement with evidence of practice within the previous two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce waiver
Board may waive all or part upon petition for military/Coast Guard service, extreme hardship, or license by examination or endorsement during the preceding renewal period (225 ILCS 50/8(d)).
Continuing education
20 hours (2.0 CEUs) per two-year period; at least 10 hours not sponsored by manufacturers. Include at least two hours Illinois law and ethics, one hour sexual harassment prevention, and one hour implicit bias awareness (225 ILCS 50/17; IDPH July 2026 renewal form).
Grandfathered education
Persons licensed before January 1, 2003 who held a valid license on that date may renew without the new 8(e) educational requirements.
Lapsed ce
Under 682.250(e)-(g), 20 CEUs per lapsed two-year renewal period plus five additional CEUs for each six-month lapse or part thereof, where that clause applies. The Code uses CEUs here, whereas the current regular renewal form uses 20 hours (2.0 CEUs). The differing units are preserved.
Late fees
682.250(d): within 90 days, renewal fee plus equal late fee. (e): more than 90 but fewer than 180 days, another $100 plus renewal and equal late fee. (f): more than 180 days but less than two years, another $150 plus renewal and equal late fee. (g): more than two years, another $200 plus renewal and equal late fee. These are the rule's literal intervals; it does not expressly assign exactly 180 days or exactly two years to the neighboring categories.
Prior license
Expired Illinois dispenser license; evidence of dispensing practice within the previous two years, so 682.250(c) examination requalification does not apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination

All of the following:

Application
Complete Part A; provide academic proof, insurance, applicable fees, and the child-support certification; explain convictions or disciplinary matters and include final orders when applicable (current IDPH application).
Coursework
12 semester or 18 quarter hours: anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, hearing science, introduction to audiology, and aural rehabilitation; alternatively an equivalent program determined by the Department (225 ILCS 50/8(e)).
Degree
Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or equivalency through a NACES member (225 ILCS 50/8(e), effective June 1, 2026).
Exam order
Either written or practical may be taken first; register with IDPH for each.
Exam registration
Pay written examination fees directly to IHS through Webassessor; practical exam at IDPH in Springfield, $300, form and fee requested at least two weeks in advance; no limit on practical attempts.
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(4)).
Initial fees
$80 application fee and $200 two-year license fee; $20 for each additional or duplicate license, if applicable.
Insurance
Current malpractice liability insurance; the Code defines minimum liability insurance as $200,000 and requires policy and coverage documentation (77 Ill. Adm. Code 682.100, 682.190, 682.200(a)(4)).
Lawful presence
Citizen or person lawfully present in the United States (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(5)).
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(1)).
Moral character
Good moral character; conviction or an adverse finding is considered but does not itself prohibit examination registration (225 ILCS 50/8(b)).
Practical score
70 percent on each practical section; practical and written scores are independent (682.420(b)-(c)).
Score window
Obtain the license within 12 months after whichever written or practical examination was passed first; otherwise take and pass both again (225 ILCS 50/8(c)).
Written attempts
225 ILCS 50/8(c) and the current IDPH exam form allow at most four written attempts in any consecutive 12 months. The older Code 682.420(a)(2) says: "An individual candidate may take the written examination no more than twice in any consecutive 12-month period." The controlling statute supplies the four-attempt limit.
Written score
Current written results are the IHS ILE score reported to IDPH; the older Code 682.420(a) states a minimum passing grade of 70 percent on each written section. This survey references the frozen current ILE without changing its scoring.
Resumption after automatic judicial admission suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board recommendation
Board recommends to the Director that the licensee be allowed to resume practice (225 ILCS 50/30).
Court order
Court finds the patient is no longer subject to involuntary or judicial admission and issues a finding and discharge order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal of an active license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete Part A, child-support certification, current insurance and CE documentation; $200 renewal plus applicable $20 duplicates.
Ce waiver
Board may waive all or part upon petition for military/Coast Guard service, extreme hardship, or license by examination or endorsement during the preceding renewal period (225 ILCS 50/8(d)).
Continuing education
20 hours (2.0 CEUs) per two-year period; at least 10 hours not sponsored by manufacturers. Include at least two hours Illinois law and ethics, one hour sexual harassment prevention, and one hour implicit bias awareness (225 ILCS 50/17; IDPH July 2026 renewal form).
Deadline
682.250(a)(1) requires the renewal form and fee postmarked at least 30 days before expiry. The current IDPH form states: "**Must be postmarked by the expiration date"; the older rule deadline is the higher-ranked requirement.
Grandfathered education
Persons licensed before January 1, 2003 who held a valid license on that date may renew without the new 8(e) educational requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after two years or more without practice

All of the following:

Application
Complete Part A; provide academic proof, insurance, applicable fees, and the child-support certification; explain convictions or disciplinary matters and include final orders when applicable (current IDPH application).
Ce waiver
Board may waive all or part upon petition for military/Coast Guard service, extreme hardship, or license by examination or endorsement during the preceding renewal period (225 ILCS 50/8(d)).
Continuing education
20 hours (2.0 CEUs) per two-year period; at least 10 hours not sponsored by manufacturers. Include at least two hours Illinois law and ethics, one hour sexual harassment prevention, and one hour implicit bias awareness (225 ILCS 50/17; IDPH July 2026 renewal form).
Coursework
12 semester or 18 quarter hours: anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, hearing science, introduction to audiology, and aural rehabilitation; alternatively an equivalent program determined by the Department (225 ILCS 50/8(e)).
Degree
Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or equivalency through a NACES member (225 ILCS 50/8(e), effective June 1, 2026).
Exam order
Either written or practical may be taken first; register with IDPH for each.
Exam registration
Pay written examination fees directly to IHS through Webassessor; practical exam at IDPH in Springfield, $300, form and fee requested at least two weeks in advance; no limit on practical attempts.
Grandfathered education
Persons licensed before January 1, 2003 who held a valid license on that date may renew without the new 8(e) educational requirements.
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(4)).
Inactive license
Existing inactive Illinois license; no practice in any jurisdiction for two years or more.
Initial fees
$80 application fee and $200 two-year license fee; $20 for each additional or duplicate license, if applicable.
Insurance
Current malpractice liability insurance; the Code defines minimum liability insurance as $200,000 and requires policy and coverage documentation (77 Ill. Adm. Code 682.100, 682.190, 682.200(a)(4)).
Lawful presence
Citizen or person lawfully present in the United States (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(5)).
Lower rule reciprocity option
682.260 states: If that person has not practiced in any jurisdiction for 2 years or more, he or she shall be required to restore his or her license by retaking and passing the examinations required in Section 8 of the Act or by applying for licensure under the provisions of reciprocity . The controlling 225 ILCS 50/20 requires the examinations and does not include this rule's reciprocity substitute in that mandatory reactivation clause.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(1)).
Moral character
Good moral character; conviction or an adverse finding is considered but does not itself prohibit examination registration (225 ILCS 50/8(b)).
Notification
Written notification to IDPH, current renewal fee and proof of continuing education.
Practical score
70 percent on each practical section; practical and written scores are independent (682.420(b)-(c)).
Requalification
225 ILCS 50/20 requires retaking and passing the Section 8 examinations, as identified by the current IDPH form.
Score window
Obtain the license within 12 months after whichever written or practical examination was passed first; otherwise take and pass both again (225 ILCS 50/8(c)).
Written attempts
225 ILCS 50/8(c) and the current IDPH exam form allow at most four written attempts in any consecutive 12 months. The older Code 682.420(a)(2) says: "An individual candidate may take the written examination no more than twice in any consecutive 12-month period." The controlling statute supplies the four-attempt limit.
Written score
Current written results are the IHS ILE score reported to IDPH; the older Code 682.420(a) states a minimum passing grade of 70 percent on each written section. This survey references the frozen current ILE without changing its scoring.
Reactivation from inactive status with qualifying practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce waiver
Board may waive all or part upon petition for military/Coast Guard service, extreme hardship, or license by examination or endorsement during the preceding renewal period (225 ILCS 50/8(d)).
Continuing education
20 hours (2.0 CEUs) per two-year period; at least 10 hours not sponsored by manufacturers. Include at least two hours Illinois law and ethics, one hour sexual harassment prevention, and one hour implicit bias awareness (225 ILCS 50/17; IDPH July 2026 renewal form).
Grandfathered education
Persons licensed before January 1, 2003 who held a valid license on that date may renew without the new 8(e) educational requirements.
Inactive license
Existing Illinois dispenser license placed on inactive status; no practice in Illinois while inactive.
Notification
Notify IDPH in writing of intent to resume, pay current renewal fee, and document required CE (225 ILCS 50/20).
Practice
This route applies when the person has not gone two years or more without practice in any jurisdiction. If inactive for more than two years, provide sworn evidence of active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to IDPH.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity — certified five years
National Competency Exam (NBC-HIS)
Application
Complete Part A; provide academic proof, insurance, applicable fees, and the child-support certification; explain convictions or disciplinary matters and include final orders when applicable (current IDPH application).
Certification
Certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences and actively practicing for a minimum of five years (225 ILCS 50/6.1(i)). Illinois defines this certification as certification after qualification by that Board's examination (225 ILCS 50/3); the supplied registered examination is NBC-HIS NCE. The examination is a currently offered examination already passed for certification, rather than a new Illinois examination.
Coursework
12 semester or 18 quarter hours: anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, hearing science, introduction to audiology, and aural rehabilitation; alternatively an equivalent program determined by the Department (225 ILCS 50/8(e)).
Degree
Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or equivalency through a NACES member (225 ILCS 50/8(e), effective June 1, 2026).
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(4)).
Implementation license demand
The current IDPH Reciprocity instructions state: For RECIPROCITY applications only, complete Part A, and Part C of the application. The following information will also need to be provided with the application: applicable fees, proof of liability insurance, proof of current license in another jurisdiction and valid statement of licensing requirements, proof of educational requirements (Sec. 50/8b and code, Sec. 682.200 a-d), and state verification form (Part C, page 2). The statutory branch (i) independently permits National Board certification with five years of active practice; this form demand is retained as a Department-stated applicant condition.
Insurance
Current malpractice liability insurance; the Code defines minimum liability insurance as $200,000 and requires policy and coverage documentation (77 Ill. Adm. Code 682.100, 682.190, 682.200(a)(4)).
Lawful presence
Citizen or person lawfully present in the United States (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(5)).
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(1)).
Moral character
Good moral character; conviction or an adverse finding is considered but does not itself prohibit examination registration (225 ILCS 50/8(b)).
Practice
Certification also satisfies the certification alternative in 225 ILCS 50/6.1(iv).
Reciprocity fee
$80 application, $200 license, $500 reciprocity, and $20 per applicable additional or duplicate license (682.200 and current IDPH application).
Statutory branch reading
225 ILCS 50/6.1 offers the National Board certification/five-year branch (i) or the other-jurisdiction license branch (ii); the remaining applicable academic, training, practice/certification and fee conditions are recorded here.
Licensure by reciprocity — licensed board certified
Application
Complete Part A; provide academic proof, insurance, applicable fees, and the child-support certification; explain convictions or disciplinary matters and include final orders when applicable (current IDPH application).
Certification
Current National Board certification instead of the three-month practice requirement (225 ILCS 50/6.1(iv)); certification is qualification by the Board examination under 225 ILCS 50/3, represented by the supplied NCE.
Coursework
12 semester or 18 quarter hours: anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, hearing science, introduction to audiology, and aural rehabilitation; alternatively an equivalent program determined by the Department (225 ILCS 50/8(e)).
Degree
Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or equivalency through a NACES member (225 ILCS 50/8(e), effective June 1, 2026).
Examination equivalency
ILE passed for the other license is a leaf; IDPH may accept a substantially similar examination. Another jurisdiction's own examination stays an applicant condition rather than a leaf.
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(4)).
Implementation license demand
The current IDPH Reciprocity instructions state: For RECIPROCITY applications only, complete Part A, and Part C of the application. The following information will also need to be provided with the application: applicable fees, proof of liability insurance, proof of current license in another jurisdiction and valid statement of licensing requirements, proof of educational requirements (Sec. 50/8b and code, Sec. 682.200 a-d), and state verification form (Part C, page 2). The statutory branch (i) independently permits National Board certification with five years of active practice; this form demand is retained as a Department-stated applicant condition.
Insurance
Current malpractice liability insurance; the Code defines minimum liability insurance as $200,000 and requires policy and coverage documentation (77 Ill. Adm. Code 682.100, 682.190, 682.200(a)(4)).
Lawful presence
Citizen or person lawfully present in the United States (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(5)).
License held
Valid hearing instrument dispenser license or equivalent in another jurisdiction with a comparable examination or one provided by IHS; official license verification required.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(1)).
Moral character
Good moral character; conviction or an adverse finding is considered but does not itself prohibit examination registration (225 ILCS 50/8(b)).
Reciprocity fee
$80 application, $200 license, $500 reciprocity, and $20 per applicable additional or duplicate license (682.200 and current IDPH application).
Statutory branch reading
225 ILCS 50/6.1 offers the National Board certification/five-year branch (i) or the other-jurisdiction license branch (ii); the remaining applicable academic, training, practice/certification and fee conditions are recorded here.
Licensure by reciprocity — licensed three months
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application
Complete Part A; provide academic proof, insurance, applicable fees, and the child-support certification; explain convictions or disciplinary matters and include final orders when applicable (current IDPH application).
Coursework
12 semester or 18 quarter hours: anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, hearing science, introduction to audiology, and aural rehabilitation; alternatively an equivalent program determined by the Department (225 ILCS 50/8(e)).
Degree
Associate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or equivalency through a NACES member (225 ILCS 50/8(e), effective June 1, 2026).
Examination equivalency
The ILE already passed to obtain the other license remains a leaf because it is currently offered and registered. A substantially similar examination accepted by IDPH can substitute; another jurisdiction's own examination is an applicant condition and is not an Illinois leaf (682.100 definition of Reciprocity).
Experience
At least three months actively practicing as a hearing instrument dispenser (225 ILCS 50/6.1(iv)).
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(4)).
Implementation license demand
The current IDPH Reciprocity instructions state: For RECIPROCITY applications only, complete Part A, and Part C of the application. The following information will also need to be provided with the application: applicable fees, proof of liability insurance, proof of current license in another jurisdiction and valid statement of licensing requirements, proof of educational requirements (Sec. 50/8b and code, Sec. 682.200 a-d), and state verification form (Part C, page 2). The statutory branch (i) independently permits National Board certification with five years of active practice; this form demand is retained as a Department-stated applicant condition.
Insurance
Current malpractice liability insurance; the Code defines minimum liability insurance as $200,000 and requires policy and coverage documentation (77 Ill. Adm. Code 682.100, 682.190, 682.200(a)(4)).
Lawful presence
Citizen or person lawfully present in the United States (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(5)).
License held
Valid hearing instrument dispenser license or equivalent in another jurisdiction whose examination is comparable to the Illinois examination or is provided by IHS; submit official verification from each licensing jurisdiction (225 ILCS 50/6.1(ii), IDPH Part C).
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age (225 ILCS 50/8(b)(1)).
Moral character
Good moral character; conviction or an adverse finding is considered but does not itself prohibit examination registration (225 ILCS 50/8(b)).
Reciprocity fee
$80 application, $200 license, $500 reciprocity, and $20 per applicable additional or duplicate license (682.200 and current IDPH application).
Statutory branch reading
225 ILCS 50/6.1 offers the National Board certification/five-year branch (i) or the other-jurisdiction license branch (ii); the remaining applicable academic, training, practice/certification and fee conditions are recorded here.
Resumption after suspension for unpaid restitution
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Payment
Practice is prohibited until restitution is made in full (225 ILCS 50/18.5).
Suspension
Court certification of unpaid restitution triggers Department suspension without further process or hearing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Illinois Hearing Instrument Dispenser Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Illinois Department of Public Health
Format
Practical proficiency examination
Passing score
70 percent on each section of the practical examination
Exam fee
$300 for the full practical examination; current registration form states $300 for a retake.
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

National Competency Exam (NBC-HIS)

Provider
National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS); scheduled through Kryterion Webassessor at testing centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice board certification examination for holders of a current dispensing license or certificate of registration (where applicable); items from the five competency areas are randomly distributed and scored as a single exam, each item correct or incorrect with no partial credit
Exam questions
100 scored multiple-choice items, sometimes with as many as 30 additional non-scored beta items
Time limit
105 minutes for the 100-question exam; adjusted automatically when beta questions are added
Passing score
Criterion-referenced passing standard set by a modified Angoff methodology; pass or fail reported for the entire exam
Exam fee
$225 (USD) for United States & Canada or $250 (USD) for International, per exam sitting
Examination outline
  • DOMAIN 1: Assess patient presenting problem and needs (25%) (25%)
    • 1) Identify the most likely type/degree/slope of hearing loss or potential impact to hearing given a patient scenario that includes a family history of hearing loss.
    • 2) Identify the most likely type/degree/slope of hearing loss or potential impact to hearing given a patient scenario that includes childhood hearing-related illnesses.
    • 3) Identify the most likely type/degree/slope of hearing loss or potential impact to hearing given a patient scenario that includes hearing loss duration, dizziness, loss of balance, and/or tinnitus.
    • 4) Identify the most likely type/degree/slope of hearing loss or potential impact to hearing given a patient scenario that includes hearing loss duration, trauma and/or discomfort.
    • 5) Identify the most likely type/degree/slope of hearing loss or potential impact to hearing given a patient scenario that includes past and/or current health conditions and/or medication/drug history.
    • 6) Identify the most likely type/degree/slope of hearing loss or potential impact to hearing given a patient scenario that includes occupations or recreational activities that include exposure to noise and acoustic trauma.
    • 7) Identify the most likely type/degree/slope of hearing loss or potential impact to hearing given a patient scenario including history of ear surgeries, diseases and treatments.
    • 8) Identify the potential impact on patient's lifestyle (e.g., family, work, social activities) given a patient scenario of hearing loss type (e.g., SNHL).
    • 9) Identify which patient scenario would most likely require a medical referral based on given symptoms (e.g., impacted cerumen, asymmetric hearing loss, sudden onset hearing loss).
    • 10) Identify the most appropriate type of preventative hearing protection given a patient scenario involving noise exposure.
    • 11) Differentiate between scenarios that indicate a hearing loss vs. lack of understanding (e.g., cognitive decline, retrocochlear).
  • DOMAIN 2: Test and analyze patient hearing (25%) (25%)
    • 1) Identify irregularities/obstructions during an otoscopic examination.
    • 2) Identify when the patient would benefit from cerumen management, removal, and/or precautions in cerumen management.
    • 3) Identify the degree and type of hearing loss based on the pure-tone air and bone-conduction given audiometric results (e.g., mixed hearing loss, SNHL).
    • 4) Identify condition(s) that would cause the tympanogram and/or reflex configuration given tympanogram and/or reflex results.
    • 5) Identify potential methods for managing tinnitus.
    • 6) Identify when to conduct speech awareness vs. speech reception threshold test.
    • 7) Identify how speech discrimination test results would impact the patient's outcome, most appropriate treatment option, or additional testing.
    • 8) Determine whether this was over masked, under masked, effectively masked, masking was not necessary, or a masking anomaly (e.g., interaural attenuation) given audiometric test results showing air- and/or bone-conduction testing and masking levels.
    • 9) Identify the potential impact on fitting given a patient scenario involving Speech Reception Threshold (SRT), Most Comfortable Listening Level (MCL), and/or Uncomfortable Loudness Level (UCL) (e.g., recruitment).
    • 10) Interpret Speech in Noise (SIN) results and impact on treatment plan.
    • 11) Identify signs of irregular test results and/or the potential causes of irregular test results (e.g., malingering, user error, equipment failure).
    • 12) Identify the results that indicate recommendation for medical referral given otological or hearing test results (e.g., binaural interference, PTA vs. SRT discrepancy, air-bone gap).
    • 13) Identify when a client is a possible candidate for a surgical solution (e.g., cochlear implant, Bone-anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA), PE tubes).
    • 14) Select the best audiometric transducer given physical considerations of the patient (e.g., supra-aural vs. insert earphones).
  • DOMAIN 3: Prescribe and analyze hearing instruments (25%) (25%)
    • 1) Identify the appropriate hearing instrument (e.g., style, configuration, matrix, rechargeable vs. battery) given a patient scenario that includes physical and/or cognitive limitations.
    • 2) Identify which telephone use options are most appropriate given a patient scenario including physical/cognitive limitations or knowledge of technology.
    • 3) Identify which Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are most appropriate given a patient scenario that includes lifestyle, physical/cognitive limitations and/or knowledge of technology.
    • 4) Identify the contraindications for Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) hearing instruments given a patient's ear canal, size, hearing loss and lifestyle (i.e., extended or daily wear use).
    • 5) Identify the most appropriate modification to the procedures and/or materials during an ear impression (e.g., gun vs. syringe, otoblock size/type, mastoid and/or piercings, unusual/missing pinna).
    • 6) Identify the most appropriate tube, tube length, dome size, earmold, or receiver power for over-the-ear (OTE) hearing instruments.
    • 7) Identify the most appropriate wire, wire length, dome size, earmold, or receiver power for receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing instruments.
    • 8) Identify the most appropriate tube, tube length, dome size, earmold, or receiver power for behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing instruments.
    • 9) Identify advantages and disadvantages of custom hearing instruments versus OTE, RIC, and BTE given a patient scenario.
    • 10) Identify advantages and disadvantages of custom hearing instruments given a patient scenario.
    • 11) Identify possible treatment options for asymmetrical and single-sided deafness (SSD) (e.g., CROS/BICROS).
    • 12) Determine the most appropriate hearing instrument given a patient scenario that includes lifestyle, history, test results, and ear canal characteristics.
  • DOMAIN 4: Fit, adjust, program, and service hearing instruments and equipment (15%) (15%)
    • 1) Identify the appropriate adjustment given objective verification outcome results (e.g., sound field aided/unaided discrimination, sound field aided/unaided warble tones or narrow band noise).
    • 2) Identify potential causes of problems or identify the appropriate modification given results from real ear or speech mapping.
    • 3) Identify the appropriate methodologies for modifying the physical fit of earmolds, custom shells, OTE, BTE, and/or RIC instruments given a patient complaint.
    • 4) Identify the appropriate adjustments given subjective validation of results (e.g., COSI, IOI-HA, APHAB, verbal feedback).
    • 5) Troubleshoot and adjust/modify programming of hearing instrument given a patient complaint.
    • 6) Identify or resolve potential hearing instrument problems caused by obstructions, moisture, or battery performance.
    • 7) Troubleshoot pairing and wireless connectivity between hearing-related devices.
  • DOMAIN 5: Counseling and rehabilitation (10%) (10%)
    • 1) Identify the most appropriate patient explanation given results of otoscopic examination and audiometric examination.
    • 2) Identify potential limitations and benefits of amplification.
    • 3) Identify the most appropriate counseling based on subjective validation results.
    • 4) Identify helpful strategies and information for improved hearing and communication in various situations or environments.
    • 5) Identify appropriate manual hearing instrument adjustments that patients, family members, or caregivers can make.
Examination sources