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New Hampshire 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 Dealer Registration

Individual registration for testing hearing and selecting, fitting, selling or renting hearing aids. License conditions are restrictions on this registration, not a separate professional identity.

Licensing authority: New Hampshire Governing Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Hearing Care Providers / Office of Professional Licensure and Certification · Application information

Reapplication after revocation

All of the following:

Application
Complete and personally sign the application, provide required education and training documentation, arrange direct transmission of examination results, and pay the applicable application fee.
Continuing competence
Demonstrate continuing competence for the two-year period before applying, hold required credentials, and obtain the required criminal history check.
Criminal history
Provide the criminal history release, fingerprints, and costs required by RSA 328-F:18-a; the July 1, 2026 provisions allow military security clearance in lieu of a criminal background check.
Education
Hcp 304.03(b): an associate degree in any field, at least 60 credits toward a baccalaureate degree in any field, or NBC-HIS board certification held at least two years. The February 2026 checklist describes these qualifications; the rule supplies their alternative relationship.
Exemption
Hcp 304.05(c): NBC-HIS board-certified applicants and applicants who passed the ILE in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements are exempt from sitting the written and practical examinations. The currently offered examinations remain route leaves and this exemption determines whether the applicant must sit them.
License conditions
Plc 311.06 permits conditions directly related to the licensed activity, no more than reasonably necessary for compliance and public protection; the licensee may appeal them.
Minimum age
At least 18 by the application date under Hcp 304.03(a).
Professional character
Good professional character under Hcp 305.01; no false application information, specified recent adverse professional discipline, or the specified unannulled dishonesty/fraud convictions.
Retakes
Hcp 304.04(f)-(h) and 304.05(e)-(g): register for the first available exams after training; after failure re-enter training and retake the failed portion, with three consecutive attempts and a two-year training/examination period, subject to the stated extension grounds. Unsuccessful applicants must work in the physical presence of a qualified supervisor.
Revocation wait
Wait at least three years and any longer period imposed in the revocation order; satisfy all order terms, pay outstanding penalties and imposed costs, show the cause of revocation no longer exists and corrective actions were implemented.
Training
Complete a supervised training program no longer than 24 months under a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dealer registered at least two years; the supervisor submits a plan, accepts responsibility, approves work, is physically present when the aid is delivered, and supplies written completion documentation. An International Hearing Society-approved distance learning program is accepted under Hcp 304.04(e).
Licensure by endorsement / reciprocity
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Criminal history
Complete the criminal history process required by RSA 328-F:18-a, unless an authorized military-clearance substitution applies.
Jurisdiction qualifications
Plc 313.56(d) compares the licensing jurisdiction’s state-approved training and written/practical examinations. Those unspecified examinations of the other jurisdiction are applicant conditions, not New Hampshire examination leaves; the endorsement grant in RSA 310:17 and Plc 313.06(a) requires no newly identified NH or nationwide examination.
License conditions
Plc 311.06 permits conditions directly related to the licensed activity, no more than reasonably necessary for compliance and public protection; the licensee may appeal them.
Other license
Hold an active, non-temporary, unencumbered license in good standing in a jurisdiction with substantially similar requirements; provide primary-source verification and a completed universal application with fee and required supporting documents.
Temporary page conflict
The OPLC Temporary Licenses page lists Hearing Care Providers among eligible professions, but Plc 305.02(a) and Plc 306.01(b)(2) restrict those temporary processes to professions not covered by Plc 313; hearing aid dealers are covered by Plc 313.56. Ordinary applicants should consult OPLC about the page’s broader statement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-05-03.

Reinstatement not more than one year after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Expiration
License expired not more than one year ago; practice is prohibited until reinstatement.
Renewal requirements
Complete the Plc 308 renewal process, demonstrate all continuing competence requirements, retain or re-obtain required certifications, and pay the reinstatement fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-05-03.

Initial registration for NBC HIS board certified applicants

All of the following:

Applicant pathway
Applicant holds National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences board certification. This certification is an applicant credential; no New Hampshire provision names the NCE as a required examination. Hcp 304.05(c)(1) exempts sitting both examinations.
Application
Complete and personally sign the application, provide required education and training documentation, arrange direct transmission of examination results, and pay the applicable application fee.
Criminal history
Provide the criminal history release, fingerprints, and costs required by RSA 328-F:18-a; the July 1, 2026 provisions allow military security clearance in lieu of a criminal background check.
Education
Hcp 304.03(b): an associate degree in any field, at least 60 credits toward a baccalaureate degree in any field, or NBC-HIS board certification held at least two years. The February 2026 checklist describes these qualifications; the rule supplies their alternative relationship.
Exemption
Hcp 304.05(c): NBC-HIS board-certified applicants and applicants who passed the ILE in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements are exempt from sitting the written and practical examinations. The currently offered examinations remain route leaves and this exemption determines whether the applicant must sit them.
License conditions
Plc 311.06 permits conditions directly related to the licensed activity, no more than reasonably necessary for compliance and public protection; the licensee may appeal them.
Minimum age
At least 18 by the application date under Hcp 304.03(a).
Professional character
Good professional character under Hcp 305.01; no false application information, specified recent adverse professional discipline, or the specified unannulled dishonesty/fraud convictions.
Retakes
Hcp 304.04(f)-(h) and 304.05(e)-(g): register for the first available exams after training; after failure re-enter training and retake the failed portion, with three consecutive attempts and a two-year training/examination period, subject to the stated extension grounds. Unsuccessful applicants must work in the physical presence of a qualified supervisor.
Training
Complete a supervised training program no longer than 24 months under a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dealer registered at least two years; the supervisor submits a plan, accepts responsibility, approves work, is physically present when the aid is delivered, and supplies written completion documentation. An International Hearing Society-approved distance learning program is accepted under Hcp 304.04(e).
Initial registration by examination

All of the following:

Applicant pathway
Applicant seeking initial registration without either Hcp 304.05(c) examination exemption.
Application
Complete and personally sign the application, provide required education and training documentation, arrange direct transmission of examination results, and pay the applicable application fee.
Criminal history
Provide the criminal history release, fingerprints, and costs required by RSA 328-F:18-a; the July 1, 2026 provisions allow military security clearance in lieu of a criminal background check.
Education
Hcp 304.03(b): an associate degree in any field, at least 60 credits toward a baccalaureate degree in any field, or NBC-HIS board certification held at least two years. The February 2026 checklist describes these qualifications; the rule supplies their alternative relationship.
Exemption
Hcp 304.05(c): NBC-HIS board-certified applicants and applicants who passed the ILE in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements are exempt from sitting the written and practical examinations. The currently offered examinations remain route leaves and this exemption determines whether the applicant must sit them.
License conditions
Plc 311.06 permits conditions directly related to the licensed activity, no more than reasonably necessary for compliance and public protection; the licensee may appeal them.
Minimum age
At least 18 by the application date under Hcp 304.03(a).
Professional character
Good professional character under Hcp 305.01; no false application information, specified recent adverse professional discipline, or the specified unannulled dishonesty/fraud convictions.
Retakes
Hcp 304.04(f)-(h) and 304.05(e)-(g): register for the first available exams after training; after failure re-enter training and retake the failed portion, with three consecutive attempts and a two-year training/examination period, subject to the stated extension grounds. Unsuccessful applicants must work in the physical presence of a qualified supervisor.
Training
Complete a supervised training program no longer than 24 months under a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dealer registered at least two years; the supervisor submits a plan, accepts responsibility, approves work, is physically present when the aid is delivered, and supplies written completion documentation. An International Hearing Society-approved distance learning program is accepted under Hcp 304.04(e).
Initial registration based on ILE passed in a substantially equivalent jurisdiction

All of the following:

Applicant pathway
Applicant has passed the currently offered ILE in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent licensing requirements. Hcp 304.05(c)(2) exempts sitting both examinations; the prior ILE remains a leaf because it is still offered.
Application
Complete and personally sign the application, provide required education and training documentation, arrange direct transmission of examination results, and pay the applicable application fee.
Criminal history
Provide the criminal history release, fingerprints, and costs required by RSA 328-F:18-a; the July 1, 2026 provisions allow military security clearance in lieu of a criminal background check.
Education
Hcp 304.03(b): an associate degree in any field, at least 60 credits toward a baccalaureate degree in any field, or NBC-HIS board certification held at least two years. The February 2026 checklist describes these qualifications; the rule supplies their alternative relationship.
Exemption
Hcp 304.05(c): NBC-HIS board-certified applicants and applicants who passed the ILE in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements are exempt from sitting the written and practical examinations. The currently offered examinations remain route leaves and this exemption determines whether the applicant must sit them.
License conditions
Plc 311.06 permits conditions directly related to the licensed activity, no more than reasonably necessary for compliance and public protection; the licensee may appeal them.
Minimum age
At least 18 by the application date under Hcp 304.03(a).
Professional character
Good professional character under Hcp 305.01; no false application information, specified recent adverse professional discipline, or the specified unannulled dishonesty/fraud convictions.
Retakes
Hcp 304.04(f)-(h) and 304.05(e)-(g): register for the first available exams after training; after failure re-enter training and retake the failed portion, with three consecutive attempts and a two-year training/examination period, subject to the stated extension grounds. Unsuccessful applicants must work in the physical presence of a qualified supervisor.
Training
Complete a supervised training program no longer than 24 months under a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dealer registered at least two years; the supervisor submits a plan, accepts responsibility, approves work, is physically present when the aid is delivered, and supplies written completion documentation. An International Hearing Society-approved distance learning program is accepted under Hcp 304.04(e).
Reapplication after expiration of more than one year

All of the following:

Application
Complete and personally sign the application, provide required education and training documentation, arrange direct transmission of examination results, and pay the applicable application fee.
Criminal history
Provide the criminal history release, fingerprints, and costs required by RSA 328-F:18-a; the July 1, 2026 provisions allow military security clearance in lieu of a criminal background check.
Education
Hcp 304.03(b): an associate degree in any field, at least 60 credits toward a baccalaureate degree in any field, or NBC-HIS board certification held at least two years. The February 2026 checklist describes these qualifications; the rule supplies their alternative relationship.
Exemption
Hcp 304.05(c): NBC-HIS board-certified applicants and applicants who passed the ILE in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements are exempt from sitting the written and practical examinations. The currently offered examinations remain route leaves and this exemption determines whether the applicant must sit them.
License conditions
Plc 311.06 permits conditions directly related to the licensed activity, no more than reasonably necessary for compliance and public protection; the licensee may appeal them.
Minimum age
At least 18 by the application date under Hcp 304.03(a).
Previous registration
Former registration expired more than one year; apply for initial licensure under Plc 304 and satisfy any additional applicable competence requirements. No late fee or penalty beyond initial application fees.
Professional character
Good professional character under Hcp 305.01; no false application information, specified recent adverse professional discipline, or the specified unannulled dishonesty/fraud convictions.
Retakes
Hcp 304.04(f)-(h) and 304.05(e)-(g): register for the first available exams after training; after failure re-enter training and retake the failed portion, with three consecutive attempts and a two-year training/examination period, subject to the stated extension grounds. Unsuccessful applicants must work in the physical presence of a qualified supervisor.
Training
Complete a supervised training program no longer than 24 months under a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dealer registered at least two years; the supervisor submits a plan, accepts responsibility, approves work, is physically present when the aid is delivered, and supplies written completion documentation. An International Hearing Society-approved distance learning program is accepted under Hcp 304.04(e).
Reactivation after reserve military inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Military status
Registration placed inactive on request when a reserve-component or National Guard registrant was called to active duty; request reactivation within one year after release from active duty.
Renewal
Submit the written reactivation request. If the registration term expired, pay the renewal fee and provide proof of current continuing competence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-05-03.

Conversion of provisional endorsement license to regular registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background results
Under Plc 313.06(d)(1), OPLC issues the regular license when the results do not show grounds for denial; results showing grounds for denial are referred for a hearing.
Provisional status
The applicant already holds a provisional endorsement license issued pending criminal background results.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-05-03.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide the renewal disclosures and attestation specified by Hcp 401.03 and Plc 308.
Continuing education
Complete applicable continuing education and submit its documentation. Hcp 402.01(b) states 16 credit hours as a condition of annual renewal, while the controlling statute makes registration biennial; the applicant should follow the Board’s applicable CE determination.
License conditions
Plc 311.06 permits conditions directly related to the licensed activity, no more than reasonably necessary for compliance and public protection; the licensee may appeal them.
License status
Submit the complete renewal application and fee on or before expiration. RSA 326-F:9 and RSA 310:8 establish the biennial term; RSA 310:8 supersedes conflicting licensing terms.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-01.

Reinstatement after suspension and license expiration within one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Corrective actions
Comply with all suspension conditions, pay imposed penalties and any imposed suspension costs, and supply corrective-action documentation.
Renewal
Meet Plc 312.02 reinstatement requirements, continuing competence and required certifications, and pay application-related fees.
Time limit
Apply within 30 days after the suspension term ends and within one year of registration expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-05-03.

Initial application after missing the suspension restoration period

All of the following:

Application
Complete and personally sign the application, provide required education and training documentation, arrange direct transmission of examination results, and pay the applicable application fee.
Criminal history
Provide the criminal history release, fingerprints, and costs required by RSA 328-F:18-a; the July 1, 2026 provisions allow military security clearance in lieu of a criminal background check.
Education
Hcp 304.03(b): an associate degree in any field, at least 60 credits toward a baccalaureate degree in any field, or NBC-HIS board certification held at least two years. The February 2026 checklist describes these qualifications; the rule supplies their alternative relationship.
Exemption
Hcp 304.05(c): NBC-HIS board-certified applicants and applicants who passed the ILE in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements are exempt from sitting the written and practical examinations. The currently offered examinations remain route leaves and this exemption determines whether the applicant must sit them.
License conditions
Plc 311.06 permits conditions directly related to the licensed activity, no more than reasonably necessary for compliance and public protection; the licensee may appeal them.
Minimum age
At least 18 by the application date under Hcp 304.03(a).
Previous suspension
Former registrant missed the Plc 312.04(a) restoration/reinstatement period and must apply for initial licensure under Plc 304; demonstrate compliance with applicable disciplinary conditions.
Professional character
Good professional character under Hcp 305.01; no false application information, specified recent adverse professional discipline, or the specified unannulled dishonesty/fraud convictions.
Retakes
Hcp 304.04(f)-(h) and 304.05(e)-(g): register for the first available exams after training; after failure re-enter training and retake the failed portion, with three consecutive attempts and a two-year training/examination period, subject to the stated extension grounds. Unsuccessful applicants must work in the physical presence of a qualified supervisor.
Training
Complete a supervised training program no longer than 24 months under a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dealer registered at least two years; the supervisor submits a plan, accepts responsibility, approves work, is physically present when the aid is delivered, and supplies written completion documentation. An International Hearing Society-approved distance learning program is accepted under Hcp 304.04(e).
Restoration after suspension before license expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Corrective actions
Demonstrate compliance with the suspension order and correction plan, all ordered continuing competence activities and monetary penalties; submit supporting documentation. The order may impose applicant-specific additional obligations; no named examination is identified by these restoration provisions.
Fees
No additional application or restoration fee for timely restoration before expiration.
Time limit
Request restoration within 30 days after the suspension term ends and before the registration expires.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-05-03.

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

Hearing Aid Dealer Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
New Hampshire Governing Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Hearing Care Providers
Format
Practical examination
Passing score
70% or higher on every part
Examination outline
  • Knowledge and mastery of FDA criteria for mandatory medical referral
  • Otological examination
  • Testing procedures and techniques during hearing aid selection and fitting, air conduction testing, bone conduction testing, and masking techniques
  • Ear mold impressions
  • Hearing aid trouble-shooting and servicing
Examination sources