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Kansas Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

US-KS · License preparation

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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.

License to Practice Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments

Ordinary Kansas fitting and dispensing license; examinations, doctoral audiologist qualifications, reciprocity and general occupational licensing pathways apply as specified per route.

Licensing authority: Kansas Board of Examiners in Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments · Application information

Licensure for Kansas licensed doctoral audiologists
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed Board application, affidavit and supporting documents; disclose requested civil/criminal and licensure history.
Application fee
Board application instructions state a $100 application fee.
Audiologist license
Currently licensed as an audiologist in Kansas under K.S.A. 65-6501 et seq.; that other-profession license is an applicant qualification, not an examination leaf.
Calibration
Provide audiometer calibration documentation; K.S.A. 74-5814(a) requires verification within the preceding two years.
Doctoral degree
Doctoral degree or equivalent in audiology from a nationally or regionally accredited institution with educational standards consistent with Kansas state universities.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent under K.S.A. 74-5811(b).
License fee
Board instructions state a $100 license fee, subject to applicable statutory and Board military fee exemptions.
Military spouse fee rule
K.S.A. 48-3406(u) exempts spouses of active military servicemembers from all credential and renewal fees, including application fees. The Board application packets instead say: "This does not include the application fee." The statute controls; the quoted Board statement is retained as the implementation demand.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old under K.S.A. 74-5811(a).
Transcripts
Official transcript must be sent directly by the granting university.
Verification fee
$15 for each current or prior license, subject to statutory fee exemptions.
Waiver
State written and practical examinations are waived on approval of the specified qualifications and documentation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination without a temporary license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, affidavit and supporting documents; disclose requested civil/criminal and licensure history.
Application fee
Board application instructions state a $100 application fee.
Calibration
Provide audiometer calibration documentation; K.S.A. 74-5814(a) requires verification within the preceding two years.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent under K.S.A. 74-5811(b).
Ile notice
The application packet says the ILE must be passed 30 days before the practical exam; K.A.R. 67-2-4(b) allows the Board to admit an applicant whose proof arrives fewer than 30 days before the next practical when the site can accommodate them.
License fee
Board instructions state a $100 license fee, subject to applicable statutory and Board military fee exemptions.
Military fee evidence
(u) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, applicants who are military spouses of active military service members shall be exempt from all fees assessed by any licensing body to obtain an occupational credential in Kansas and renew such credential including initial or renewal application, licensing, registration, certification, endorsement, reciprocity or permit fees and any criminal background report fees, whether assessed by the licensing body or another agency. Licensing bodies shall adopt rules and regulations to implement this subsection. Board packet: According to Kansas HB 2745, relating to occupational licensing, certification and registration fees; providing that military spouses of active military servicemembers shall be exempted from all such fees. This does not include the application fee.
Military spouse fee rule
K.S.A. 48-3406(u) exempts spouses of active military servicemembers from all credential and renewal fees, including application fees. The Board application packets instead say: "This does not include the application fee." The statute controls; the quoted Board statement is retained as the implementation demand.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old under K.S.A. 74-5811(a).
Practical passing score
Pass each of the three practical examinations at 75% or higher. Modification questions are part of Earmold Impression Technique.
Practice before license
No fitting, dispensing or impression taking on consumers before issuance of a permanent or supervised temporary license.
Written before practical
Pass the ILE with at least 75% before registering for and sitting the practical examinations.
Reinstatement after denial for unmet annual continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior denial
Renewal or reinstatement denied for failure to meet the annual educational requirement.
Restoration
Present satisfactory evidence of Board-approved educational study and pay all fees due under K.S.A. 74-5821.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within the statutory 30 day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee; annual license period ends June 30.
Calibration
Audiometer calibration verified within the preceding 24 months; submit the documentation.
Continuing education
10 CEUs in the preceding renewal year; at least 7 hearing-aid-related hours, with at least 3 live/in-person hours. Live interactive virtual events qualify; recorded events do not.
Existing license
Existing permanent license or historical certificate of endorsement.
Fee
$100 active renewal, with statutory military-spouse exemption; Board states $200 late-renewal fee.
Grace period
Renew within 30 days following license expiration and pay the statutory late-renewal fee.
Submission
Create and verify a Board website account, submit the online renewal and pay online; send CEU and calibration proof by email or fax.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual active renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee; annual license period ends June 30.
Calibration
Audiometer calibration verified within the preceding 24 months; submit the documentation.
Continuing education
10 CEUs in the preceding renewal year; at least 7 hearing-aid-related hours, with at least 3 live/in-person hours. Live interactive virtual events qualify; recorded events do not.
Existing license
Existing permanent license or historical certificate of endorsement.
Fee
$100 active renewal, with statutory military-spouse exemption; Board states $200 late-renewal fee.
Submission
Create and verify a Board website account, submit the online renewal and pay online; send CEU and calibration proof by email or fax.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Completion of general occupational recognition probation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Probation completion
Complete the probationary period imposed under K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(2), no longer than six months, after which the license becomes non-probationary.
Truthful application
False application information may cause revocation during probation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion from inactive to active after less than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File the written application on the Board form.
Calibration
Provide documentation verifying audiometer calibration accuracy.
Continuing education
Satisfy appropriate Board continuing education requirements for conversion under K.S.A. 74-5825(b).
Fee
Pay the conversion fee, stated by the Board as $100, subject to statutory exemptions.
Inactive duration
License inactive for less than two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocal licensure under K.S.A. 74 5814(b)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed Board application, affidavit and supporting documents; disclose requested civil/criminal and licensure history.
Application fee
Board application instructions state a $100 application fee.
Board discretion
The Board may issue the license on determining compliance.
Calibration
Provide audiometer calibration documentation; K.S.A. 74-5814(a) requires verification within the preceding two years.
Continuing education
Provide proof of 10 CEUs completed within the preceding 12 months.
Continuous licensure
At least five continuous years immediately before application, with required minimum professional experience.
Current license
Currently licensed in another jurisdiction and in good standing.
Discipline
No serious disciplinary actions by another licensing authority.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent under K.S.A. 74-5811(b).
License fee
Board instructions state a $100 license fee, subject to applicable statutory and Board military fee exemptions.
Military spouse fee rule
K.S.A. 48-3406(u) exempts spouses of active military servicemembers from all credential and renewal fees, including application fees. The Board application packets instead say: "This does not include the application fee." The statute controls; the quoted Board statement is retained as the implementation demand.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old under K.S.A. 74-5811(a).
Verification
Provide dispensing history and licensing authority contact details; verification fee is $15 for each current or former license.
Waiver
Board instructions expressly waive examination when these reciprocity requirements are met.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Permanent licensure after examination while holding a temporary license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the signed Board application, affidavit and supporting documents; disclose requested civil/criminal and licensure history.
Application fee
Board application instructions state a $100 application fee.
Calibration
Provide audiometer calibration documentation; K.S.A. 74-5814(a) requires verification within the preceding two years.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent under K.S.A. 74-5811(b).
Ile notice
The application packet says the ILE must be passed 30 days before the practical exam; K.A.R. 67-2-4(b) allows the Board to admit an applicant whose proof arrives fewer than 30 days before the next practical when the site can accommodate them.
License fee
Board instructions state a $100 license fee, subject to applicable statutory and Board military fee exemptions.
Military fee evidence
(u) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, applicants who are military spouses of active military service members shall be exempt from all fees assessed by any licensing body to obtain an occupational credential in Kansas and renew such credential including initial or renewal application, licensing, registration, certification, endorsement, reciprocity or permit fees and any criminal background report fees, whether assessed by the licensing body or another agency. Licensing bodies shall adopt rules and regulations to implement this subsection. Board packet: According to Kansas HB 2745, relating to occupational licensing, certification and registration fees; providing that military spouses of active military servicemembers shall be exempted from all such fees. This does not include the application fee.
Military spouse fee rule
K.S.A. 48-3406(u) exempts spouses of active military servicemembers from all credential and renewal fees, including application fees. The Board application packets instead say: "This does not include the application fee." The statute controls; the quoted Board statement is retained as the implementation demand.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old under K.S.A. 74-5811(a).
Practical passing score
Pass each of the three practical examinations at 75% or higher. Modification questions are part of Earmold Impression Technique.
Practice before license
No fitting, dispensing or impression taking on consumers before issuance of a permanent or supervised temporary license.
Temporary license
Hold the supervised temporary license; on passing the examination and paying the license fee, the Board issues the permanent license.
Written before practical
Pass the ILE with at least 75% before registering for and sitting the practical examinations.
Occupational recognition based on private certification and work experience under K.S.A. 48 3406(f)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Character and discipline
Meet K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(2)(C)-(E): no disqualifying misconduct, adverse licensing or disciplinary action, unresolved complaint/proceeding or disqualifying criminal record.
Common conditions
Meet subsection (c)(2)(C)-(H).
Complete application
Submit all required forms, documentation and a signed affidavit that application information and necessary prior employment history are true and accurate.
Experience
At least two years of work in the occupation.
Fees
Pay lawful fees; spouses of active servicemembers are exempt under subsection (u).
Financial requirements
Provide solvency, financial standing, bonding or insurance only to the same extent as required of applicants with similar credentials or experience.
Issuance discretion
An applicant may receive the occupational license on a complete application. Where the Board identifies materially different or additional requirements, the temporary-permit provisions apply instead.
Private certification
Hold a valid current private certification in good standing with its issuing organization. The statute names no particular certification examination; it is a qualification, not an exam leaf.
Residency or military
Establish or intend to establish Kansas residency, or be a military servicemember or spouse residing or planning to reside in Kansas due to the assigned military station.
Safety discretion
The Board may deny issuance if it determines granting the application may jeopardize public health and safety under subsection (l).
Scope
Kansas scope-of-practice law applies; this route does not alter that scope.
Unregulated origin
Work in a jurisdiction that does not regulate this occupation by occupational license or government certification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Occupational recognition based on work experience under K.S.A. 48 3406(e)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Character and discipline
Meet K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(2)(C)-(E): no disqualifying misconduct, adverse licensing or disciplinary action, unresolved complaint/proceeding or disqualifying criminal record.
Common conditions
Meet subsection (c)(2)(C)-(H).
Complete application
Submit all required forms, documentation and a signed affidavit that application information and necessary prior employment history are true and accurate.
Experience
At least three years of work in the occupation during the four years immediately preceding application.
Fees
Pay lawful fees; spouses of active servicemembers are exempt under subsection (u).
Financial requirements
Provide solvency, financial standing, bonding or insurance only to the same extent as required of applicants with similar credentials or experience.
Issuance discretion
An applicant may receive the occupational license on a complete application. Where the Board identifies materially different or additional requirements, the temporary-permit provisions apply instead.
Residency or military
Establish or intend to establish Kansas residency, or be a military servicemember or spouse residing or planning to reside in Kansas due to the assigned military station.
Safety discretion
The Board may deny issuance if it determines granting the application may jeopardize public health and safety under subsection (l).
Scope
Kansas scope-of-practice law applies; this route does not alter that scope.
Unregulated origin
Work in a jurisdiction that does not regulate this occupation through occupational licensure, registration, certification or private certification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary License to Practice Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments

Supervised temporary license, with statutory examination-related expiration and renewal limits.

Licensing authority: Kansas Board of Examiners in Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments · Application information

Initial supervised temporary licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the signed Board application, affidavit and supporting documents; disclose requested civil/criminal and licensure history.
Application fee
Board application instructions state a $100 application fee.
Calibration
Provide audiometer calibration documentation; K.S.A. 74-5814(a) requires verification within the preceding two years.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent under K.S.A. 74-5811(b).
Examination sequence
Initial temporary issuance does not require an examination pass. The Board then refers the applicant to IHS; later permanent conversion and examination-related temporary renewal are separate routes.
License fee
Board instructions state a $100 license fee, subject to applicable statutory and Board military fee exemptions.
Military spouse fee rule
K.S.A. 48-3406(u) exempts spouses of active military servicemembers from all credential and renewal fees, including application fees. The Board application packets instead say: "This does not include the application fee." The statute controls; the quoted Board statement is retained as the implementation demand.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old under K.S.A. 74-5811(a).
Previous temporary license
No temporary license held within the preceding three years.
Sponsor
Employment under an active licensee in good standing with at least five years of licensure immediately before supervision; a sponsor may supervise no more than three temporary licensees.
Term
Expires 30 days after the next examination; maximum holding period is 16 months with at most one renewal.
Training
Complete the Board 70-hour pretemporary program, including 50 hours of direct-contact supervision and at least 25 hours of hands-on non-patient practice; sponsor and applicant affidavits and logs are required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Replacement temporary license after sponsor change
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Notice and fee
Notify the Board within 10 days of a supervisor change and submit the change-of-supervisor fee under K.S.A. 74-5815(b).
Sponsor change
Surrender the temporary license on separation from the prior sponsor. That sponsor returns it to the Board; a new temporary license is issued on the new sponsor's application.
Term
The statutory one-renewal and 16-month limits continue to apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Single temporary renewal after attempting and failing the next examination

All of the following:

Examination attempt
Take and fail the next examination following temporary issuance. This route involves the ILE and three practical examinations; the examination attempt is prior applicant evidence, with currently offered exams retained as leaves.
Fee
Pay the temporary renewal fee.
Renewal discretion
The Board may renew once, with consumer-protection restrictions when appropriate.
Retake
Only failed portions need be retaken at the next examination if the temporary license is renewed and in good standing.
Term
No more than one renewal; no more than 16 months of temporary licensure.
Temporary renewal for good cause after missing the next examination
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Good cause
Failure to take the next examination normally prevents renewal; show good cause to the Board's satisfaction.
Limits
At most one renewal and no more than 16 months total temporary licensure; pay the applicable fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Kansas Hearing Aid Dispenser Practical Examination — Audiogram Analysis with Speech and Masking

Provider
Kansas Board of Examiners in Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments
Format
Examiner and written responses
Passing score
At least 75% in each individual practical examination section
Examination outline
  • Understanding the Audiogram
    • Discuss the results found in audiometric evaluations
    • Discuss completeness and accuracy of the test battery
    • Speech testing
    • Masking
Examination sources

Audiometric Testing

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Kansas Board of Examiners in Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments
Format
Demonstration of audiometric testing on an examiner
Passing score
At least 75% in each individual practical examination section
Examination sources

Earmold Impression Technique

Provider
Kansas Board of Examiners in Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments
Format
Earmold impression demonstration and written modification questions
Passing score
At least 75% in each individual practical examination section
Examination outline
  • Impression Taking – Hearing Aid Troubleshooting & Modification
    • All aspects involved in obtaining an earmold impression
    • Modifications of earmolds
    • Troubleshooting hearing instruments
    • Tubing mechanics of earmolds
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