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Rhode Island Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

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

Hearing Aid Dealer/Fitter License

License to dispense, sell, fit, and order the use of hearing aids; certificates of endorsement are registered in the same manner as licensees.

Licensing authority: Rhode Island Board of Hearing Aid Dealers & Fitters · Application information

Licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 21 years old under § 5-49-7(a)(1).
Application
Submit the completed application with cover page; applications remain valid for one year after RIDOH receipt.
Board application ile demand
{"locator":"Page 2, endorsement applicants, IHS demand","quote":"Additional requirements for Hearing Aid Dealer/Fitter Endorsement applicants (already licensed in another state) Proof of successful completion of the National International Hearing Society (IHS) written exam (Scores sent directly from the IHS). (Note: The Board has adopted the International Hearing Society’s passing score on the International Licensing Exam (ILE).","requirement":"The April 16, 2026 application asks endorsement applicants for ILE results sent directly from IHS. This implementing demand is retained as an applicant condition because § 5-49-6(c) expressly exempts endorsement applicants from a qualifying examination.","source":"https://health.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur1006/files/applications/HearingAidDealer.pdf"}
Character
Good moral character under § 5-49-7(a)(2).
Current other jurisdiction license
Hold a current, unsuspended, unrevoked certificate or license to fit and sell hearing aids in another jurisdiction.
Disclosures
Disclose other licenses, criminal convictions or pending charges, and disciplinary or denial history; provide complete details when answering yes.
Education
Education equivalent to a four-year accredited high-school course; provide an official high-school diploma or GED record.
Equivalence
The Board determines that the other jurisdiction has equivalent or higher requirements and an equivalent or stricter applicant qualification program.
Fee
Pay the prescribed nonrefundable application/license fee.
Good standing
Provide verification of good standing from every jurisdiction where a license or certification is or has been held; verification must be sent directly by those authorities.
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease under § 5-49-7(a)(4).
Identification
Provide a copy of a driver license or state-issued identification.
Military expedition
Qualifying active-duty members, reservists, spouses, and honorably discharged veterans may request expedited processing with the military documentation identified in the application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination
Age
At least 21 years old under § 5-49-7(a)(1).
Application
Submit the completed application with cover page; applications remain valid for one year after RIDOH receipt.
Character
Good moral character under § 5-49-7(a)(2).
Disclosures
Disclose other licenses, criminal convictions or pending charges, and disciplinary or denial history; provide complete details when answering yes.
Education
Education equivalent to a four-year accredited high-school course; provide an official high-school diploma or GED record.
Fee
Pay the prescribed nonrefundable application/license fee.
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease under § 5-49-7(a)(4).
Identification
Provide a copy of a driver license or state-issued identification.
Ile score
Successful ILE completion, with scores sent directly from IHS; the Board adopts the IHS passing score.
Military expedition
Qualifying active-duty members, reservists, spouses, and honorably discharged veterans may request expedited processing with the military documentation identified in the application.
Other board approved national examinations
§ 31.3.4(A)(1) also permits other national examinations approved by the Board without identifying another examination; that open approval remainder is an applicant condition.
Qualifying exam
Pass the Board-directed qualifying examination, administered through written and practical tests; the application calls it the practical examination administered by the Board.
Reexamination
After failure, reexamination is available with fees resubmitted. After two failures and each subsequent failure, complete additional preparation directed and approved by the Board.
Renewal during the thirty day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Exam exemption
The application is within two years of expiration and § 5-49-11(e) bars an examination as a condition of renewal.
Expired license
Apply during the 30-day grace period after expiration.
Fee
Pay the prescribed fee for each year of the renewal term.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military member or spouse professional service license recognition
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Criminal record
No disqualifying criminal record as determined by the Board under § 28-5.1-14.
Equivalence
For ordinary recognition, the Board finds the other jurisdiction requirements substantially equivalent.
Fees
Pay all applicable Rhode Island fees.
Good standing
The other licensing board holds the applicant in good standing.
Military documents
Submit military-status evidence, change-of-station orders, proof of good standing, applicable background check, and signed attestations requested by the military expedition form.
Military status
A United States armed-forces member or the spouse of one.
Other jurisdiction license
Certified or licensed for at least one year in another state to perform the professional services.
Pending proceedings
No pending out-of-state complaint, allegation, or investigation concerning unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime.
Relocation
Military change-of-station or transfer orders to Rhode Island; a spouse must have left employment to accompany the military member.
Revocation history
No revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct by another board.
Surrender history
No surrender of an occupational credential for negligence or intentional misconduct.
Territorial limit
The authorization is valid in Rhode Island and does not independently authorize interstate compact or reciprocal practice elsewhere.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal or reinstatement within two years of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Department discretion
The Department may renew under § 5-49-11(c).
Exam exemption
No examination may be required as a condition of this renewal under § 5-49-11(e).
Expired license
Apply after the 30-day grace period and within two years of expiration.
Fee
Pay the prescribed renewal fee and reinstatement surcharge.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certificate
Post the renewed certificate conspicuously at each business location.
Existing license
Hold the ordinary hearing aid dealer/fitter license or certificate of endorsement registered in the same manner.
Expiration
Licenses expire January 31 of each even-numbered year, unless sooner suspended or revoked.
Renewal application
Complete the renewal application and pay the biennial renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Hearing Aid Dealer/Fitter Temporary License for Military Member or Spouse

Temporary professional-service authorization for a relocating military member or spouse who needs time to complete Rhode Island education, training, or experience requirements.

Licensing authority: rhode island department of health · Application information

Temporary professional service authorization for military member or spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Criminal record
No disqualifying criminal record as determined by the Board under § 28-5.1-14.
Duration
A limited period; these sources do not specify a fixed temporary military-license term.
Experience credit
The Board determines whether substantially equivalent military education, training, or experience fully or partly satisfies Rhode Island requirements under § 5-88-6.
Fees
Pay all applicable Rhode Island fees.
Good standing
The other licensing board holds the applicant in good standing.
Military documents
Submit military-status evidence, change-of-station orders, proof of good standing, applicable background check, and signed attestations requested by the military expedition form.
Military status
A United States armed-forces member or the spouse of one.
Other jurisdiction license
Certified or licensed for at least one year in another state to perform the professional services.
Pending proceedings
No pending out-of-state complaint, allegation, or investigation concerning unprofessional conduct or an alleged crime.
Relocation
Military change-of-station or transfer orders to Rhode Island; a spouse must have left employment to accompany the military member.
Remaining requirements
Complete any Rhode Island-specific requirements not required in the former licensing jurisdiction during the limited temporary authorization.
Revocation history
No revocation for negligence or intentional misconduct by another board.
Surrender history
No surrender of an occupational credential for negligence or intentional misconduct.
Temporary discretion
RIDOH may grant a temporary license case by case when a military member or spouse needs additional time to complete education, training, or experience requirements.
Territorial limit
The authorization is valid in Rhode Island and does not independently authorize interstate compact or reciprocal practice elsewhere.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Hearing Aid Dealer/Fitter Temporary Permit

One-year supervised training permit, renewable or reissuable once if the holder has not passed the licensing examination.

Licensing authority: Department of Health · Application information

Initial supervised temporary training permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age
At least 21 years old under § 5-49-7(a)(1).
Application
Submit the completed application with cover page; applications remain valid for one year after RIDOH receipt.
Character
Good moral character under § 5-49-7(a)(2).
Disclosures
Disclose other licenses, criminal convictions or pending charges, and disciplinary or denial history; provide complete details when answering yes.
Education
Education equivalent to a four-year accredited high-school course; provide an official high-school diploma or GED record.
Fee
Pay the prescribed nonrefundable application/license fee.
First thirty days
Receive 20 hours per week of direct supervision for the first 30 days, with the supervisor physically present, authorizing and overseeing activities, and reviewing/documenting results.
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease under § 5-49-7(a)(4).
Identification
Provide a copy of a driver license or state-issued identification.
Later license
Passing the licensing examinations is the ordinary-license pathway, rather than a prerequisite to initial training-permit issuance.
Military expedition
Qualifying active-duty members, reservists, spouses, and honorably discharged veterans may request expedited processing with the military documentation identified in the application.
Permit term
The initial permit authorizes fitting and sale of hearing aids for one year.
Prior experience
Previous experience and a waiting period are not required to obtain the permit.
Remaining training
The supervisor periodically reviews audiograms, sales, and other records for the rest of training.
Second thirty days
The supervisor reviews all audiograms, sales, and other records for the second 30 days.
Supervisor
Designate a Rhode Island licensed hearing aid dealer/fitter, or a Rhode Island licensed audiologist with at least two years of active dispensing/fitting experience and written Department approval.
Supervisor change
Maintain supervision for the entire permit period and notify RIDOH if supervision ends or the supervisor changes.
Supervisor statement
Provide the completed Supervisor Statement; an audiologist supervisor also submits the experience attestation and required Department approval.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

One time temporary training permit renewal or reissuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
Pay the prescribed temporary-permit renewal fee.
First thirty days
Receive 20 hours per week of direct supervision for the first 30 days, with the supervisor physically present, authorizing and overseeing activities, and reviewing/documenting results.
Remaining training
The supervisor periodically reviews audiograms, sales, and other records for the rest of training.
Renewal limit
The temporary permit may be renewed or reissued once.
Second thirty days
The supervisor reviews all audiograms, sales, and other records for the second 30 days.
Supervisor
Designate a Rhode Island licensed hearing aid dealer/fitter, or a Rhode Island licensed audiologist with at least two years of active dispensing/fitting experience and written Department approval.
Supervisor change
Maintain supervision for the entire permit period and notify RIDOH if supervision ends or the supervisor changes.
Supervisor statement
Provide the completed Supervisor Statement; an audiologist supervisor also submits the experience attestation and required Department approval.
Unpassed licensing exam
The permit holder has not successfully passed the licensing examination within one year after permit issuance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Hearing Aid Dealer and Fitter Qualifying Examination

Examination outline
  • Testing knowledge in the following areas as they pertain to the fitting and sale of hearing aids
    • Basic physics of sound
    • The anatomy and physiology of the ear
    • The function of hearing aids
  • Testing practical proficiency in the following techniques as they pertain to the fitting of hearing aids
    • Pure-tone audiometry, including air-conduction testing and bone-conduction testing
    • Live voice or recorded voice-speech audiometry, including speech-reception threshold testing and speech-discrimination testing
    • Masking when indicated
    • Recording and evaluating audiograms and speech audiometry to determine proper selection and adaptation of a hearing aid
    • Taking ear mold impressions
  • Testing knowledge of the medical and rehabilitation facilities for children and adults in the area being served
  • R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 6-45, Consumer Enforcement of Assistive Technology Device Warranties
  • Rules and regulations as contained in 216-RICR-40-05-31, Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters
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