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Nevada Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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

Hearing Aid Specialist — Provisional License

Nevada licensure for fitting and dispensing hearing aids; provisional license.

Licensing authority: Nevada Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Board · Application information

Reinstatement following a child support related court suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance letter
The Board must receive the statutory enforcement-agency letter establishing compliance with the subpoena or warrant or satisfaction of the arrearage.
Court suspension
The license was suspended pursuant to NRS 425.540.
Fee
Pay the required reinstatement fees; restoration does not replace otherwise applicable license expiration or renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of an expired license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application, all required information, applicable fees, identification, and each intended practice-location street address. License verifications are required for current and former licenses as specified by the Board.
Character
The applicant must be a natural person of good moral character (NRS 637B.160).
Child support
Submit the child-support compliance statement and social security number as required by NRS 637B.166; issuance or renewal is barred for the stated noncompliance.
Continuing education
Provide proof of the required continuing education for the preceding year and pay reinstatement fees. R108-23 section 2 removes the former professional-certification requirement.
Examination waiver
The Board may waive one or both examinations if they were passed in the preceding five years or the applicant is currently licensed and actively practicing elsewhere. Otherwise the Board may require retaking both examinations.
Expiration
Apply within three years after expiry; restoration after thirty days is not retroactive. Provisional restoration remains subject to its maximum license duration.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Practical sequence
Pass the ILE before scheduling the Board-proctored practical examination; bring a portable audiometer and eligible adult test subject.
Prior ile
The Board may accept a substantially identical written examination passed in the preceding 24 months under R108-23 section 3, amended NAC 637B.0373(5).
Provisional licensure with remaining on site training

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application, all required information, applicable fees, identification, and each intended practice-location street address. License verifications are required for current and former licenses as specified by the Board.
Board specific instruction
The Board HAS page describes the provisional applicant as having at least one but less than two years of on-site experience.
Character
The applicant must be a natural person of good moral character (NRS 637B.160).
Child support
Submit the child-support compliance statement and social security number as required by NRS 637B.166; issuance or renewal is barred for the stated noncompliance.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Other license
Hold a hearing-aid-fitting-and-dispensing license in another U.S. jurisdiction.
Practical sequence
Pass the ILE before scheduling the Board-proctored practical examination; bring a portable audiometer and eligible adult test subject.
Prior ile
The Board may accept a substantially identical written examination passed in the preceding 24 months under R108-23 section 3, amended NAC 637B.0373(5).
Qualifications
Meet NRS 637B.193(1)(a), (b), or (c) but have not completed the applicable on-site training and work experience. Under R026-25 section 5(1), the non-hearing-sciences education branch requires completion of academic training and at least one year of qualifying on-site experience.
Term
The license expires after one year and may be renewed no more than twice.
Late or retroactive renewal within 30 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application, child-support statement, other required information and fees.
Continuing education
Complete at least ten hours of approved continuing education in the preceding annual period, including at least one hour of ethics, cultural competence, cultural humility, culturally responsive practices or diversity, equity and inclusion, unless an authorized waiver or extension applies.
Existing license
Hold the provisional license, within its permitted total duration.
Late fee
Pay the additional reinstatement or late fee; the statute requires original licensure rather than renewal or reinstatement after three years.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Training progress
If subject to R026-25 section 5, actively practice fitting and dispensing hearing aids to complete the required on-site training and work experience during the preceding year. Renewal is allowed at most twice; the amended rule removes the former NCE registration and passing provisions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application, child-support statement, other required information and fees.
Continuing education
Complete at least ten hours of approved continuing education in the preceding annual period, including at least one hour of ethics, cultural competence, cultural humility, culturally responsive practices or diversity, equity and inclusion, unless an authorized waiver or extension applies.
Existing license
Hold the provisional license, within its permitted total duration.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Training progress
If subject to R026-25 section 5, actively practice fitting and dispensing hearing aids to complete the required on-site training and work experience during the preceding year. Renewal is allowed at most twice; the amended rule removes the former NCE registration and passing provisions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after disciplinary revocation

All of the following:

Attestations
Attest to no relevant unlawful practice, pending criminal or civil action, or disciplinary action during revocation, as NRS 622A.410 requires.
Board discretion
Meet the additional requirements prescribed by the Board; the Board considers rehabilitation and other statutory factors and may deny restoration or impose restrictions.
Original requirements
Satisfy all current initial requirements for the requested license form, including qualification, training, examination and duration requirements as applicable; apprenticeship issuance retains its statutory exception for an applicant who has not passed the dispensing examination.
Revocation period
Wait the one-to-ten-year exclusion period fixed in the Board’s revocation decision.

Hearing Aid Specialist — Standard License

Nevada licensure for fitting and dispensing hearing aids; standard license.

Licensing authority: Nevada Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Board · Application information

Conversion from apprentice to standard

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application, all required information, applicable fees, identification, and each intended practice-location street address. License verifications are required for current and former licenses as specified by the Board.
Character
The applicant must be a natural person of good moral character (NRS 637B.160).
Child support
Submit the child-support compliance statement and social security number as required by NRS 637B.166; issuance or renewal is barred for the stated noncompliance.
Conversion fee
Pay the conversion fee; conversion does not itself renew the license.
Examination timing
The Board permits application for conversion after 18 months to arrange examinations; completion of the required training remains necessary for standard licensure.
Existing license
Hold an apprentice license.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Practical sequence
Pass the ILE before scheduling the Board-proctored practical examination; bring a portable audiometer and eligible adult test subject.
Prior ile
The Board may accept a substantially identical written examination passed in the preceding 24 months under R108-23 section 3, amended NAC 637B.0373(5).
Training completion
Complete required training and submit the sponsor-signed Apprentice Training Completion & Competency Evaluation form.
Conversion from provisional to standard
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification
The current statute and Board conversion instructions no longer require NBC-HIS certification for this conversion.
Existing license
Hold a provisional hearing-aid-specialist license.
Experience
Submit proof of successful completion of the required two years of on-site training and work experience.
Fee
Pay the conversion fee; conversion does not itself renew the license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following a child support related court suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance letter
The Board must receive the statutory enforcement-agency letter establishing compliance with the subpoena or warrant or satisfaction of the arrearage.
Court suspension
The license was suspended pursuant to NRS 425.540.
Fee
Pay the required reinstatement fees; restoration does not replace otherwise applicable license expiration or renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of an expired license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application, all required information, applicable fees, identification, and each intended practice-location street address. License verifications are required for current and former licenses as specified by the Board.
Character
The applicant must be a natural person of good moral character (NRS 637B.160).
Child support
Submit the child-support compliance statement and social security number as required by NRS 637B.166; issuance or renewal is barred for the stated noncompliance.
Continuing education
Provide proof of the required continuing education for the preceding year and pay reinstatement fees. R108-23 section 2 removes the former professional-certification requirement.
Examination waiver
The Board may waive one or both examinations if they were passed in the preceding five years or the applicant is currently licensed and actively practicing elsewhere. Otherwise the Board may require retaking both examinations.
Expiration
Apply within three years after expiry; restoration after thirty days is not retroactive. Provisional restoration remains subject to its maximum license duration.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Practical sequence
Pass the ILE before scheduling the Board-proctored practical examination; bring a portable audiometer and eligible adult test subject.
Prior ile
The Board may accept a substantially identical written examination passed in the preceding 24 months under R108-23 section 3, amended NAC 637B.0373(5).
Annual renewal while inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Status
Continue annual renewal and satisfy the continuing-education requirements that apply to an active standard license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination — certification qualification

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application, all required information, applicable fees, identification, and each intended practice-location street address. License verifications are required for current and former licenses as specified by the Board.
Character
The applicant must be a natural person of good moral character (NRS 637B.160).
Child support
Submit the child-support compliance statement and social security number as required by NRS 637B.166; issuance or renewal is barred for the stated noncompliance.
Education or certification
Hold current certification issued by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. Certification is the qualification stated in NRS 637B.193(1)(c); no separate NCE passage requirement is stated for this route in the current amended requirements.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Practical sequence
Pass the ILE before scheduling the Board-proctored practical examination; bring a portable audiometer and eligible adult test subject.
Prior ile
The Board may accept a substantially identical written examination passed in the preceding 24 months under R108-23 section 3, amended NAC 637B.0373(5).
Initial licensure by examination — degree qualification

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application, all required information, applicable fees, identification, and each intended practice-location street address. License verifications are required for current and former licenses as specified by the Board.
Character
The applicant must be a natural person of good moral character (NRS 637B.160).
Child support
Submit the child-support compliance statement and social security number as required by NRS 637B.166; issuance or renewal is barred for the stated noncompliance.
Education or certification
Hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in hearing instrument sciences; provide official transcripts.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Practical sequence
Pass the ILE before scheduling the Board-proctored practical examination; bring a portable audiometer and eligible adult test subject.
Prior ile
The Board may accept a substantially identical written examination passed in the preceding 24 months under R108-23 section 3, amended NAC 637B.0373(5).
Initial licensure by examination — training qualification

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application, all required information, applicable fees, identification, and each intended practice-location street address. License verifications are required for current and former licenses as specified by the Board.
Character
The applicant must be a natural person of good moral character (NRS 637B.160).
Child support
Submit the child-support compliance statement and social security number as required by NRS 637B.166; issuance or renewal is barred for the stated noncompliance.
Education or certification
Hold a high school diploma or equivalent, or a degree in another field, and complete the prescribed academic training plus at least two years of competency-based on-site training and work experience. Equivalent supervised experience under a license in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction may count.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Practical sequence
Pass the ILE before scheduling the Board-proctored practical examination; bring a portable audiometer and eligible adult test subject.
Prior ile
The Board may accept a substantially identical written examination passed in the preceding 24 months under R108-23 section 3, amended NAC 637B.0373(5).
Late or retroactive renewal within 30 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application, child-support statement, other required information and fees.
Continuing education
Complete at least ten hours of approved continuing education in the preceding annual period, including at least one hour of ethics, cultural competence, cultural humility, culturally responsive practices or diversity, equity and inclusion, unless an authorized waiver or extension applies.
Existing license
Hold the standard license, within its permitted total duration.
Late fee
Pay the additional reinstatement or late fee; the statute requires original licensure rather than renewal or reinstatement after three years.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion of inactive standard license to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Status
Submit a written request, Board application and any materials required by NAC 637B.0355. The Board conversion page permits reactivation at renewal or another time with the applicable conversion fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Original reapplication after three years of expiration or expiration of a temporary license

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application, all required information, applicable fees, identification, and each intended practice-location street address. License verifications are required for current and former licenses as specified by the Board.
Character
The applicant must be a natural person of good moral character (NRS 637B.160).
Child support
Submit the child-support compliance statement and social security number as required by NRS 637B.166; issuance or renewal is barred for the stated noncompliance.
Eligibility
A license expired for three years or more requires original application. A former temporary licensee whose license has expired also needs a standard application, as the Board HAS page states.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Practical sequence
Pass the ILE before scheduling the Board-proctored practical examination; bring a portable audiometer and eligible adult test subject.
Prior ile
The Board may accept a substantially identical written examination passed in the preceding 24 months under R108-23 section 3, amended NAC 637B.0373(5).
Qualifications
Meet current standard education or training or certification requirements.
Waiver
For a former Nevada licensee the Board may waive one or both dispensing exams under its stated five-year-score or current-other-license policy.
Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application, child-support statement, other required information and fees.
Continuing education
Complete at least ten hours of approved continuing education in the preceding annual period, including at least one hour of ethics, cultural competence, cultural humility, culturally responsive practices or diversity, equity and inclusion, unless an authorized waiver or extension applies.
Existing license
Hold the standard license, within its permitted total duration.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after disciplinary revocation

All of the following:

Attestations
Attest to no relevant unlawful practice, pending criminal or civil action, or disciplinary action during revocation, as NRS 622A.410 requires.
Board discretion
Meet the additional requirements prescribed by the Board; the Board considers rehabilitation and other statutory factors and may deny restoration or impose restrictions.
Original requirements
Satisfy all current initial requirements for the requested license form, including qualification, training, examination and duration requirements as applicable; apprenticeship issuance retains its statutory exception for an applicant who has not passed the dispensing examination.
Revocation period
Wait the one-to-ten-year exclusion period fixed in the Board’s revocation decision.
Conversion of standard license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Status
The standard license must not be suspended, revoked or otherwise restricted. Request conversion with renewal and attest to no practice or representation of authority to practice while inactive.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Conversion from temporary to standard

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application, all required information, applicable fees, identification, and each intended practice-location street address. License verifications are required for current and former licenses as specified by the Board.
Character
The applicant must be a natural person of good moral character (NRS 637B.160).
Child support
Submit the child-support compliance statement and social security number as required by NRS 637B.166; issuance or renewal is barred for the stated noncompliance.
Existing license
Hold an active temporary license, complete all standard requirements and pay the conversion fee. Conversion does not itself renew the license.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Practical sequence
Pass the ILE before scheduling the Board-proctored practical examination; bring a portable audiometer and eligible adult test subject.
Prior ile
The Board may accept a substantially identical written examination passed in the preceding 24 months under R108-23 section 3, amended NAC 637B.0373(5).

Hearing Aid Specialist — Temporary License

Nevada licensure for fitting and dispensing hearing aids; temporary license.

Licensing authority: Nevada Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Board · Application information

Reinstatement following a child support related court suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Compliance letter
The Board must receive the statutory enforcement-agency letter establishing compliance with the subpoena or warrant or satisfaction of the arrearage.
Court suspension
The license was suspended pursuant to NRS 425.540.
Fee
Pay the required reinstatement fees; restoration does not replace otherwise applicable license expiration or renewal requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary licensure — currently licensed and otherwise qualified

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application, all required information, applicable fees, identification, and each intended practice-location street address. License verifications are required for current and former licenses as specified by the Board.
Board application instruction
The Board HAS page states: A temporary license is appropriate for an applicant holding a current, equivalent license issued by any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, and meeting all requirements for a standard license, EXCEPT passage of both written and practical hearing aid dispensing examinations.
Character
The applicant must be a natural person of good moral character (NRS 637B.160).
Child support
Submit the child-support compliance statement and social security number as required by NRS 637B.166; issuance or renewal is barred for the stated noncompliance.
Eligibility
Hold an equivalent license in another U.S. jurisdiction and meet all Nevada licensure qualifications.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Practical sequence
Pass the ILE before scheduling the Board-proctored practical examination; bring a portable audiometer and eligible adult test subject.
Prior ile
The Board may accept a substantially identical written examination passed in the preceding 24 months under R108-23 section 3, amended NAC 637B.0373(5).
Temporary term
The license lasts at most six months and may be renewed once. NAC 637B.0374 requires taking both dispensing examination portions within six months after temporary issuance.
Temporary licensure — spouse of an Armed Forces member

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application, all required information, applicable fees, identification, and each intended practice-location street address. License verifications are required for current and former licenses as specified by the Board.
Board application instruction
The Board HAS page states: A temporary license is appropriate for an applicant holding a current, equivalent license issued by any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, and meeting all requirements for a standard license, EXCEPT passage of both written and practical hearing aid dispensing examinations.
Character
The applicant must be a natural person of good moral character (NRS 637B.160).
Child support
Submit the child-support compliance statement and social security number as required by NRS 637B.166; issuance or renewal is barred for the stated noncompliance.
Eligibility
Be the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces, hold a corresponding license in another U.S. jurisdiction, and attest to meeting Nevada qualifications.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Practical sequence
Pass the ILE before scheduling the Board-proctored practical examination; bring a portable audiometer and eligible adult test subject.
Prior ile
The Board may accept a substantially identical written examination passed in the preceding 24 months under R108-23 section 3, amended NAC 637B.0373(5).
Temporary term
The license lasts at most six months and may be renewed once. NAC 637B.0374 requires taking both dispensing examination portions within six months after temporary issuance.
Temporary licensure — otherwise qualified pending dispensing examinations

All of the following:

Application
Submit the Board application, all required information, applicable fees, identification, and each intended practice-location street address. License verifications are required for current and former licenses as specified by the Board.
Board application instruction
The Board HAS page states: A temporary license is appropriate for an applicant holding a current, equivalent license issued by any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, and meeting all requirements for a standard license, EXCEPT passage of both written and practical hearing aid dispensing examinations.
Character
The applicant must be a natural person of good moral character (NRS 637B.160).
Child support
Submit the child-support compliance statement and social security number as required by NRS 637B.166; issuance or renewal is barred for the stated noncompliance.
Eligibility
Meet all hearing-aid-specialist qualifications except passing the dispensing examination. NRS 637B.200(1)(b) does not require an existing out-of-jurisdiction license; the Board HAS page nonetheless asks for one.
Optional jurisprudence
The Board describes jurisprudence as optional; its own jurisprudence page is under construction. NAC 637B.0356 permits the Board to require a laws examination, but the current implementing pages do not identify a currently offered required jurisprudence assessment.
Practical sequence
Pass the ILE before scheduling the Board-proctored practical examination; bring a portable audiometer and eligible adult test subject.
Prior ile
The Board may accept a substantially identical written examination passed in the preceding 24 months under R108-23 section 3, amended NAC 637B.0373(5).
Temporary term
The license lasts at most six months and may be renewed once. NAC 637B.0374 requires taking both dispensing examination portions within six months after temporary issuance.
One renewal of a temporary license

All of the following:

Application
Request manual Board approval and pay the renewal fee; a temporary license cannot be reinstated after it expires.
Board instruction
The Board renewal page accepts either a passing written ILE score or documentation of a scheduled written ILE sitting; that implementing instruction is quoted in this route’s evidence, but the higher-ranked rule requires attempted examination portions.
Examination progress
Under amended NAC 637B.0374 both portions must be attempted within six months; renewal is permitted if a passing score on one or both portions was not achieved.
Term
The license may be renewed once for an additional six months.
Reinstatement after disciplinary revocation

All of the following:

Attestations
Attest to no relevant unlawful practice, pending criminal or civil action, or disciplinary action during revocation, as NRS 622A.410 requires.
Board discretion
Meet the additional requirements prescribed by the Board; the Board considers rehabilitation and other statutory factors and may deny restoration or impose restrictions.
Original requirements
Satisfy all current initial requirements for the requested license form, including qualification, training, examination and duration requirements as applicable; apprenticeship issuance retains its statutory exception for an applicant who has not passed the dispensing examination.
Revocation period
Wait the one-to-ten-year exclusion period fixed in the Board’s revocation decision.

International Hearing Society Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

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