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Montana Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Hearing Aid Dispenser License

Ordinary license for selling, dispensing, or fitting hearing aids. Statutory exemptions for physicians, qualifying academic or public-agency fitting, and licensed audiologists are in 37-16-103, MCA.

Licensing authority: Montana Department of Labor and Industry — Hearing Aid Dispenser Program · Application information

Licensure by apprenticeship
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application expiration
The checklist states that all license applications expire within one year of initial submission.
Apprenticeship
Complete an apprenticeship under Title 39, chapter 6, in the relevant occupation. 37-1-148(1)-(3)(p), MCA, expressly includes hearing aid dispensers and requires the same exam and fee requirements as the educational pathway.
Current fees
MAR 2026-141 reduced ordinary and trainee application fees to $250 and ordinary active renewal to $200 effective August 22, 2026; the 2025 checklist fee amounts are superseded.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent under 37-16-402(1)(b)(i), MCA.
Examination equivalent
ARM 24.151.501 allows the IHS written examination or its equivalent. An unnamed equivalent is an applicant condition; no specific additional examination is identified. The checklist says the distance learning course exam is not accepted.
Examination timing
A previously passing score on the currently offered ILE remains an examination reference. Acceptance of prior evidence or equivalent qualifications does not necessarily require a new sitting.
Implementation status
The program rule-notices page links a MAR 2026-94.1 proposed-rule notice, but its linked document returned HTTP 404 locally and was inaccessible through server-side access. No requirement is inferred from that unobtained proposal; the enacted statute and existing written-exam rule carry this route.
License verifications
Submit official verification from every jurisdiction in which any professional license is or was held, as stated in the application checklist.
Official faq conflict
The undated program FAQ says: "Yes, there are three exams: the Montana Jurisprudence Exam which tests applicants on their knowledge of rules and statutes governing their profession and the national ILE written and ILE practical exam." The 2023 adopted rule supersedes that statement: only the IHS written examination or its equivalent is prescribed; practical and jurisprudence examinations were removed.
Personal history
A yes answer to a personal-history question requires a detailed explanation and source documentation, as stated in the application checklist.
Licensure as current montana audiologist
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application fee
Pay the fee fixed by the department.
Current audiology license
37-16-402(1)(a), MCA, permits the applicant to qualify through a current audiologist license under Title 37, chapter 15, as an alternative to the training/exam pathway in (1)(b). 37-16-103(3) also exempts that audiologist from this chapter; a separate dispenser license is optional.
Lower ranked checklist
The general checklist states: "3. Applicant must pass the International Licensing Exam (ILE) through the International Hearing Society (IHS) or its equivalent [MCA 37-16-402 and ARM 24.182.501]". The statutory audiologist alternative controls this route; the applicant should establish with the department how the general checklist is applied.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application expiration
The checklist states that all license applications expire within one year of initial submission.
Current fees
MAR 2026-141 reduced ordinary and trainee application fees to $250 and ordinary active renewal to $200 effective August 22, 2026; the 2025 checklist fee amounts are superseded.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent under 37-16-402(1)(b)(i), MCA.
Equivalency processing
Under ARM 24.151.506, applications from licensees of substantially equivalent states are routine as to education, examination, and experience; they may remain nonroutine on another basis. Equivalency and accepted prior exam qualifications are conditions rather than a promise that the applicant must retake the ILE.
Examination equivalent
ARM 24.151.501 allows the IHS written examination or its equivalent. An unnamed equivalent is an applicant condition; no specific additional examination is identified. The checklist says the distance learning course exam is not accepted.
Examination timing
A previously passing score on the currently offered ILE remains an examination reference. Acceptance of prior evidence or equivalent qualifications does not necessarily require a new sitting.
Existing license
An active license in good standing from a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent qualifications, measured at the time of application, under 37-1-304(1), MCA. The program determines equivalency; no other jurisdiction is independently surveyed here.
License verifications
Submit official verification from every jurisdiction in which any professional license is or was held, as stated in the application checklist.
Official faq conflict
The undated program FAQ says: "Yes, there are three exams: the Montana Jurisprudence Exam which tests applicants on their knowledge of rules and statutes governing their profession and the national ILE written and ILE practical exam." The 2023 adopted rule supersedes that statement: only the IHS written examination or its equivalent is prescribed; practical and jurisprudence examinations were removed.
Personal history
A yes answer to a personal-history question requires a detailed explanation and source documentation, as stated in the application checklist.
Licensure by endorsement individual review
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application expiration
The checklist states that all license applications expire within one year of initial submission.
Current fees
MAR 2026-141 reduced ordinary and trainee application fees to $250 and ordinary active renewal to $200 effective August 22, 2026; the 2025 checklist fee amounts are superseded.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent under 37-16-402(1)(b)(i), MCA.
Equivalency review
The department assesses comparability of education, examination, and experience without regard to their sequence under 37-1-302(8), MCA. Accepted prior qualifications or equivalent examinations may satisfy the requirement; any remaining examination requirement is for the applicant to establish with the department.
Examination equivalent
ARM 24.151.501 allows the IHS written examination or its equivalent. An unnamed equivalent is an applicant condition; no specific additional examination is identified. The checklist says the distance learning course exam is not accepted.
Examination timing
A previously passing score on the currently offered ILE remains an examination reference. Acceptance of prior evidence or equivalent qualifications does not necessarily require a new sitting.
Existing license
Hold an active license in good standing; where jurisdiction standards are not substantially equivalent, the department determines whether actual qualifications and work experience address the deficiency under 37-1-304(3), MCA.
License verifications
Submit official verification from every jurisdiction in which any professional license is or was held, as stated in the application checklist.
Official faq conflict
The undated program FAQ says: "Yes, there are three exams: the Montana Jurisprudence Exam which tests applicants on their knowledge of rules and statutes governing their profession and the national ILE written and ILE practical exam." The 2023 adopted rule supersedes that statement: only the IHS written examination or its equivalent is prescribed; practical and jurisprudence examinations were removed.
Personal history
A yes answer to a personal-history question requires a detailed explanation and source documentation, as stated in the application checklist.
Licensure by examination
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application expiration
The checklist states that all license applications expire within one year of initial submission.
Current fees
MAR 2026-141 reduced ordinary and trainee application fees to $250 and ordinary active renewal to $200 effective August 22, 2026; the 2025 checklist fee amounts are superseded.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent under 37-16-402(1)(b)(i), MCA.
Examination equivalent
ARM 24.151.501 allows the IHS written examination or its equivalent. An unnamed equivalent is an applicant condition; no specific additional examination is identified. The checklist says the distance learning course exam is not accepted.
Examination timing
A previously passing score on the currently offered ILE remains an examination reference. Acceptance of prior evidence or equivalent qualifications does not necessarily require a new sitting.
License verifications
Submit official verification from every jurisdiction in which any professional license is or was held, as stated in the application checklist.
Official faq conflict
The undated program FAQ says: "Yes, there are three exams: the Montana Jurisprudence Exam which tests applicants on their knowledge of rules and statutes governing their profession and the national ILE written and ILE practical exam." The 2023 adopted rule supersedes that statement: only the IHS written examination or its equivalent is prescribed; practical and jurisprudence examinations were removed.
Personal history
A yes answer to a personal-history question requires a detailed explanation and source documentation, as stated in the application checklist.
Training
Complete 1,000 supervised hours while licensed as a trainee; submit signed logs every 90 days and a final log for approval to sit the ILE. A qualified supervisor is currently licensed and actively practicing in Montana for at least one year and has no final discipline on a dispenser or related license during the preceding two years. Unsupervised trainees may not practice.
Licensure by military reciprocity
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application expiration
The checklist states that all license applications expire within one year of initial submission.
Current fees
MAR 2026-141 reduced ordinary and trainee application fees to $250 and ordinary active renewal to $200 effective August 22, 2026; the 2025 checklist fee amounts are superseded.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent under 37-16-402(1)(b)(i), MCA.
Equivalency
For full licensure the program may determine that the other jurisdiction requirements are substantially equivalent under 37-1-147(2)(a). The ILE remains the identified program examination under ARM 24.151.501; accepted existing qualifications or an equivalent examination may excuse a new sitting.
Examination equivalent
ARM 24.151.501 allows the IHS written examination or its equivalent. An unnamed equivalent is an applicant condition; no specific additional examination is identified. The checklist says the distance learning course exam is not accepted.
Examination timing
A previously passing score on the currently offered ILE remains an examination reference. Acceptance of prior evidence or equivalent qualifications does not necessarily require a new sitting.
License verifications
Submit official verification from every jurisdiction in which any professional license is or was held, as stated in the application checklist.
Military eligibility
Active license or certification in good standing in another state or United States territory and qualifying military-member, military-spouse, transfer, relocation, or honorable-discharge status under 37-1-147(1), MCA; pending charges or final discipline for unprofessional conduct or impairment disqualify this route.
Official faq conflict
The undated program FAQ says: "Yes, there are three exams: the Montana Jurisprudence Exam which tests applicants on their knowledge of rules and statutes governing their profession and the national ILE written and ILE practical exam." The 2023 adopted rule supersedes that statement: only the IHS written examination or its equivalent is prescribed; practical and jurisprudence examinations were removed.
Personal history
A yes answer to a personal-history question requires a detailed explanation and source documentation, as stated in the application checklist.
Renewal for activated military personnel
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deployment
Notice and proof of federally funded active-duty deployment for more than 90 consecutive days.
Exemptions
Renewal and late fees and applicable continuing-education/certification requirements or audits are exempt during active duty and the following six months; submit the renewal form.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination with military training credit
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application expiration
The checklist states that all license applications expire within one year of initial submission.
Current fees
MAR 2026-141 reduced ordinary and trainee application fees to $250 and ordinary active renewal to $200 effective August 22, 2026; the 2025 checklist fee amounts are superseded.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent under 37-16-402(1)(b)(i), MCA.
Examination equivalent
ARM 24.151.501 allows the IHS written examination or its equivalent. An unnamed equivalent is an applicant condition; no specific additional examination is identified. The checklist says the distance learning course exam is not accepted.
Examination timing
A previously passing score on the currently offered ILE remains an examination reference. Acceptance of prior evidence or equivalent qualifications does not necessarily require a new sitting.
License verifications
Submit official verification from every jurisdiction in which any professional license is or was held, as stated in the application checklist.
Military credit
Present satisfactory evidence of relevant military education, training, or service; the program must accept it toward licensing qualifications under 37-1-145, MCA. The examination requirement remains applicable.
Official faq conflict
The undated program FAQ says: "Yes, there are three exams: the Montana Jurisprudence Exam which tests applicants on their knowledge of rules and statutes governing their profession and the national ILE written and ILE practical exam." The 2023 adopted rule supersedes that statement: only the IHS written examination or its equivalent is prescribed; practical and jurisprudence examinations were removed.
Personal history
A yes answer to a personal-history question requires a detailed explanation and source documentation, as stated in the application checklist.
Training
Complete 1,000 supervised hours while licensed as a trainee; submit signed logs every 90 days and a final log for approval to sit the ILE. A qualified supervisor is currently licensed and actively practicing in Montana for at least one year and has no final discipline on a dispenser or related license during the preceding two years. Unsupervised trainees may not practice.
Ordinary license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
The department eliminated mandatory hearing-aid-dispenser CE in the 2023 rule adoption.
Fee
$200 ordinary active renewal under the fee amendment effective August 22, 2026.
Renewal
Submit a completed renewal form and fees within the renewal period; the current profession page states May 2 through June 30.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of expired license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Submission
Completed renewal form, late penalty, current renewal fee, and applicable accrued certification or education requirements under 37-1-141(4) and (5), MCA.
Time limit
Within two years after the renewal date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of lapsed license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Submission
Completed renewal form, late penalty, current renewal fee, and applicable certification or education requirements under 37-1-141(3) and (5), MCA.
Time limit
Within 45 days after the renewal date.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New original license after termination
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application expiration
The checklist states that all license applications expire within one year of initial submission.
Current fees
MAR 2026-141 reduced ordinary and trainee application fees to $250 and ordinary active renewal to $200 effective August 22, 2026; the 2025 checklist fee amounts are superseded.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent under 37-16-402(1)(b)(i), MCA.
Examination equivalent
ARM 24.151.501 allows the IHS written examination or its equivalent. An unnamed equivalent is an applicant condition; no specific additional examination is identified. The checklist says the distance learning course exam is not accepted.
Examination timing
A previously passing score on the currently offered ILE remains an examination reference. Acceptance of prior evidence or equivalent qualifications does not necessarily require a new sitting.
License verifications
Submit official verification from every jurisdiction in which any professional license is or was held, as stated in the application checklist.
Official faq conflict
The undated program FAQ says: "Yes, there are three exams: the Montana Jurisprudence Exam which tests applicants on their knowledge of rules and statutes governing their profession and the national ILE written and ILE practical exam." The 2023 adopted rule supersedes that statement: only the IHS written examination or its equivalent is prescribed; practical and jurisprudence examinations were removed.
Personal history
A yes answer to a personal-history question requires a detailed explanation and source documentation, as stated in the application checklist.
Previous license
A license not renewed within two years terminates and cannot be reactivated; obtain a new original license under 37-1-141(8), MCA. Qualification through the current-audiologist alternative remains available through that separately recorded route.
Training
Complete 1,000 supervised hours while licensed as a trainee; submit signed logs every 90 days and a final log for approval to sit the ILE. A qualified supervisor is currently licensed and actively practicing in Montana for at least one year and has no final discipline on a dispenser or related license during the preceding two years. Unsupervised trainees may not practice.

Provisional Hearing Aid Dispenser License

General provisional permission under 37-1-144, MCA, while specified ordinary licensure conditions remain pending; separate from the profession-specific trainee permission.

Licensing authority: Montana Department of Labor and Industry — Hearing Aid Dispenser Program · Application information

Provisional licensure pending conditions
International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals
Application expiration
The checklist states that all license applications expire within one year of initial submission.
Current fees
MAR 2026-141 reduced ordinary and trainee application fees to $250 and ordinary active renewal to $200 effective August 22, 2026; the 2025 checklist fee amounts are superseded.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent under 37-16-402(1)(b)(i), MCA.
Examination equivalent
ARM 24.151.501 allows the IHS written examination or its equivalent. An unnamed equivalent is an applicant condition; no specific additional examination is identified. The checklist says the distance learning course exam is not accepted.
Examination timing
A previously passing score on the currently offered ILE remains an examination reference. Acceptance of prior evidence or equivalent qualifications does not necessarily require a new sitting.
License verifications
Submit official verification from every jurisdiction in which any professional license is or was held, as stated in the application checklist.
Limitations
The program may set time, place, and supervision limits; provisional permission ends upon full licensure or listed disqualifying occurrences, and the department renders it inactive without appeal or judicial review after such an occurrence.
Official faq conflict
The undated program FAQ says: "Yes, there are three exams: the Montana Jurisprudence Exam which tests applicants on their knowledge of rules and statutes governing their profession and the national ILE written and ILE practical exam." The 2023 adopted rule supersedes that statement: only the IHS written examination or its equivalent is prescribed; practical and jurisprudence examinations were removed.
Pending exam
The required ordinary license exam is the IHS written exam or equivalent; provisional permission may be issued before it is passed. Exam passage timing is a condition.
Personal history
A yes answer to a personal-history question requires a detailed explanation and source documentation, as stated in the application checklist.
Provisional eligibility
The department must initially determine eligibility except for one or more pending conditions: exam passage, supervised work or education as a license holder, inspection, license verification, or criminal/action verification. This is discretionary general provisional permission under 37-1-144, MCA.

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