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South Dakota 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 Dispensing License

Permanent license to practice hearing aid dispensing.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists · Application information

Subsequent annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete at least 12 hours of qualifying continuing education by July 1 and provide completion evidence with renewal (ARSD 20:46:02:02).
Continuing Education Waiver
Apply for a waiver by June 1; the Board may grant it for medically certified illness or undue hardship for good cause (ARSD 20:46:02:03).
Deadline
Remit the annual renewal application by July 1 (ARSD 20:46:04:05).
Disclosures
Provide the practice/contact information and disciplinary, conviction and child-support disclosures requested on the Board renewal application.
Fee
Pay the $200 nonrefundable renewal fee (ARSD 20:46:04:03; renewal application).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after disciplinary action
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply to the Board for reinstatement following disciplinary action (SDCL 36-24-29.2).
Board Decision
Reinstatement requires a majority vote of Board membership (SDCL 36-24-41).
Expired License Fee
If reinstated after expiration, pay the renewal fee in effect on the last regular renewal date preceding reinstatement plus the $50 late fee (SDCL 36-24-29.2; ARSD 20:46:04:03).
Probation
Where probation applies, the Board may require reporting, practice limitations and specified continuing education under SDCL 36-24-29.2.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement

All of the following:

Application Disclosures
Have not committed an act for which disciplinary action may be justified; disclose convictions, complaints, other licenses and rejections or revocations, and provide the explanations and records requested by the application.
National Exam Prior Pass
SDCL 36-24-25.1 exempts the applicant from taking the national examination on proof of a current valid license and passage of a Board-approved national examination. The currently offered ILE remains a leaf because prior passage is involved; the applicant may supply a qualifying existing score.
Other Qualifications
Meet the other requirements of SDCL 36-24-17.2, as the official waiver request requires.
Out Of State License
Hold a current valid hearing aid dispensing license from another state with equivalent licensure standards, apply on the Board form and pay $200 (SDCL 36-24-25.1; ARSD 20:46:04:03).
Practicum Waiver
The Board’s In-Person Practicum Waiver Request (Revised 7/24) states: This form must accompany all applications for licensure by endorsement. The Board must approve all requests to waive the in-person practicum before the Board. An applicant must meet all other requirements of SDCL 36-24-17.2 and 36-24-25.1 and have been actively practicing as a Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser for at least 2 of the last 5 years to be considered.
Verification
Provide license verifications from each state in which the applicant holds or has held licensure and ILE scores from IHS or the verifying state (licensing page and application question 6).
Waiver Discretion
Board approval is required; having actively practiced as a licensed hearing aid dispenser for at least two of the last five years permits consideration of a waiver, rather than removing the practicum from this route.
Licensure by examination

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years old (SDCL 36-24-17.2(3)).
Application
Submit a signed, notarized Board application, the $200 permanent application fee, employment history for the last five years, three personal references and required disclosures (application Rev. 08/2026; ARSD 20:46:04:03).
Child Support
Answer the application’s child-support question concerning $1,000 or more in past-due support (application page 3, question 7).
Discipline
Have not committed an act for which disciplinary action may be justified; disclose convictions, complaints, other licenses and rejections or revocations, and provide the explanations and records requested by the application.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent; proof of diploma or GED sent directly to the Board (SDCL 36-24-17.2(4); application page 1).
Exam Sequence
First pass the ILE written exam before becoming eligible for the in-person practicum before the Board (licensing requirements page).
Incomplete Application
Complete an application deemed incomplete within one year of Board receipt or it is considered withdrawn (ARSD 20:46:04:06).
Score Delivery
ILE scores sent directly to the Board by IHS or the verifying state (application page 3, question 6).
Training Sponsor
Secure a sponsor who will train and guide the applicant using the Board guidelines (licensing requirements page).
First annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
ARSD 20:46:02:02 does not apply to licensees renewing for the first time.
Deadline
Remit the annual renewal application by July 1 (ARSD 20:46:04:05).
Disclosures
Provide the practice/contact information and disciplinary, conviction and child-support disclosures requested on the Board renewal application.
Fee
Pay the $200 nonrefundable renewal fee (ARSD 20:46:04:03; renewal application).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Retroactive renewal within 30 day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Satisfy applicable renewal requirements, including 12 hours of continuing education except on first renewal or where a Board waiver applies.
Deadline
Remit the annual renewal application by July 1 (ARSD 20:46:04:05).
Disclosures
Provide the practice/contact information and disciplinary, conviction and child-support disclosures requested on the Board renewal application.
Fee
Pay the $200 nonrefundable renewal fee (ARSD 20:46:04:03; renewal application).
Grace Period
Within 30 days after expiration, an otherwise eligible licensee may renew retroactively with the renewal fee and $50 late fee (SDCL 36-24-28.1; ARSD 20:46:04:03).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

SCRA recognition of covered professional license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Provide military orders, a marriage certificate if a spouse, and the notarized affidavit required by 50 U.S.C. § 4025a(c), certifying identity, complete truthful statements, understanding and compliance with South Dakota requirements/scope, and good standing in every licensing jurisdiction.
Background Check
The Board may conduct a background check under 50 U.S.C. § 4025a(d).
Compact Limitation
If covered by an applicable interstate compact, its requirements apply instead under 50 U.S.C. § 4025a(e).
Covered License
Hold a license in good standing, with no revocation, discipline, pending unprofessional-conduct investigation or voluntary surrender while under investigation (50 U.S.C. § 4025a(f)(1)).
Military Relocation
An active-duty servicemember or spouse relocates to South Dakota because of military orders; request the SCRA application from the Board (Board licensing page).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New license by endorsement after lapse exceeding 24 months

All of the following:

Application Disclosures
Have not committed an act for which disciplinary action may be justified; disclose convictions, complaints, other licenses and rejections or revocations, and provide the explanations and records requested by the application.
Expired License
The previous South Dakota license was not renewed within 24 months; apply for a new license under this chapter and establish a qualifying current license elsewhere.
National Exam Prior Pass
SDCL 36-24-25.1 exempts the applicant from taking the national examination on proof of a current valid license and passage of a Board-approved national examination. The currently offered ILE remains a leaf because prior passage is involved; the applicant may supply a qualifying existing score.
Other Qualifications
Meet the other requirements of SDCL 36-24-17.2, as the official waiver request requires.
Out Of State License
Hold a current valid hearing aid dispensing license from another state with equivalent licensure standards, apply on the Board form and pay $200 (SDCL 36-24-25.1; ARSD 20:46:04:03).
Practicum Waiver
The Board’s In-Person Practicum Waiver Request (Revised 7/24) states: This form must accompany all applications for licensure by endorsement. The Board must approve all requests to waive the in-person practicum before the Board. An applicant must meet all other requirements of SDCL 36-24-17.2 and 36-24-25.1 and have been actively practicing as a Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser for at least 2 of the last 5 years to be considered.
Verification
Provide license verifications from each state in which the applicant holds or has held licensure and ILE scores from IHS or the verifying state (licensing page and application question 6).
Waiver Discretion
Board approval is required; having actively practiced as a licensed hearing aid dispenser for at least two of the last five years permits consideration of a waiver, rather than removing the practicum from this route.
New license by examination after lapse exceeding 24 months

All of the following:

Age
At least 18 years old (SDCL 36-24-17.2(3)).
Application
Submit a signed, notarized Board application, the $200 permanent application fee, employment history for the last five years, three personal references and required disclosures (application Rev. 08/2026; ARSD 20:46:04:03).
Child Support
Answer the application’s child-support question concerning $1,000 or more in past-due support (application page 3, question 7).
Discipline
Have not committed an act for which disciplinary action may be justified; disclose convictions, complaints, other licenses and rejections or revocations, and provide the explanations and records requested by the application.
Education
High school graduate or equivalent; proof of diploma or GED sent directly to the Board (SDCL 36-24-17.2(4); application page 1).
Exam Sequence
First pass the ILE written exam before becoming eligible for the in-person practicum before the Board (licensing requirements page).
Expired License
The previous license was not renewed within 24 months; SDCL 36-24-29.1 requires application for a new license under this chapter.
Incomplete Application
Complete an application deemed incomplete within one year of Board receipt or it is considered withdrawn (ARSD 20:46:04:06).
Score Delivery
ILE scores sent directly to the Board by IHS or the verifying state (application page 3, question 6).
Training Sponsor
Secure a sponsor who will train and guide the applicant using the Board guidelines (licensing requirements page).
Reinstatement after lapse within 24 months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Deadline
Apply for reinstatement after the 30-day grace period and within 24 months of expiration (SDCL 36-24-29.1).
Fee
Pay the renewal fee in effect on the last regular renewal date preceding reinstatement plus the $50 late fee (SDCL 36-24-29.1; ARSD 20:46:04:03).
Renewal Eligibility
Meet the Board’s conditions for license renewal, including applicable continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal while license remains suspended
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Meet applicable renewal and continuing education requirements.
Deadline
Remit the annual renewal application by July 1 (ARSD 20:46:04:05).
Disclosures
Provide the practice/contact information and disciplinary, conviction and child-support disclosures requested on the Board renewal application.
Fee
Pay the $200 nonrefundable renewal fee (ARSD 20:46:04:03; renewal application).
Suspension
Renewal does not authorize licensed activity or conduct violating the suspension order until reinstatement (SDCL 36-24-29.2).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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

South Dakota Hearing Aid Dispensing Practicum Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
South Dakota Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists
Format
In-person proficiency demonstration, including sanitation, equipment sterilization and a full audiogram; applicants define and interpret example audiograms.
Passing score
Pass/fail recorded by the Board; no numerical threshold stated in the pinned implementing materials.
Examination outline
  • Tests of knowledge in the following areas as they pertain to the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids
    • Basic physics of sound
    • The human hearing mechanism, including the science of hearing and the rehabilitation of abnormal hearing disorders
    • Structure and function of hearing aids
  • Tests of proficiency in the following techniques as they pertain to the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids
    • Pure tone audiometry, including air conduction and bone conduction testing
    • Live voice and recorded voice speech audiometry, including speech threshold testing and speech discrimination testing
    • Effective masking
    • Recording and evaluation of audiograms and speech audiometry tests to determine hearing aid candidacy
    • Selection and adaptation of hearing aids and testing of hearing aids
    • Taking earmold impressions
    • Any other skills as they pertain to the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids
Examination sources