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Texas Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

US-TX · License preparation

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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 Instrument Fitter and Dispenser Apprentice Permit

Supervised apprentice authorization after the licensing tests and supervised practicum.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · Application information

One extension of an apprentice permit
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit extension form, new or renewed supervisor affidavit and $25 fee; pass the criminal history background check.
Term
One additional period of no more than one year; only one extension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial apprentice permit after training and examinations
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees.
Calibration
Provide calibration certification for each audiometer, completed within the preceding year.
Current Training Permit
Hold a current temporary training permit and complete the supervised practicum.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
Examinations
Have passed the ILE and practical test and submit the jurisprudence completion certificate. Exams passed before applying remain route requirements.
Financial Security
The dispensing business must file $10,000 in acceptable financial security.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and pass the criminal history background check.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age.
Permit Term
Permit is valid for one year, with one extension of no more than one year.
Supervision
Submit the apprentice supervisor affidavit; work under direct or indirect supervision for at least one year.

Hearing Instrument Fitter and Dispenser License

Texas license for fitting and dispensing prescription hearing instruments.

Licensing authority: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · Application information

New original license after expiration beyond the renewal allowance
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees.
Apprentice Continuing Education
Complete 10 hours of approved continuing education during the apprentice year, with no more than five online hours.
Apprenticeship
After passing the licensing tests and completing jurisprudence, obtain an apprentice permit and complete at least one year under direct or indirect supervision.
Calibration
Provide calibration certification for each audiometer, completed within the preceding year.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
Expired License
If no late-renewal allowance applies, comply with original license requirements, including examinations; prior license does not authorize practice.
Financial Security
The dispensing business must file $10,000 in acceptable financial security.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and pass the criminal history background check.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age.
Training
Obtain a temporary training permit before training; complete 150 supervised practicum hours plus 10 masking hours; obtain department approval of the practicum affidavit.
Initial licensure through temporary training and apprenticeship
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees.
Apprentice Continuing Education
Complete 10 hours of approved continuing education during the apprentice year, with no more than five online hours.
Apprenticeship
After passing the licensing tests and completing jurisprudence, obtain an apprentice permit and complete at least one year under direct or indirect supervision.
Calibration
Provide calibration certification for each audiometer, completed within the preceding year.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
Financial Security
The dispensing business must file $10,000 in acceptable financial security.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and pass the criminal history background check.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age.
Training
Obtain a temporary training permit before training; complete 150 supervised practicum hours plus 10 masking hours; obtain department approval of the practicum affidavit.
Late renewal after 90 days but before 18 months
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal form and fee; pass background review and provide calibration within the preceding year; maintain required business financial security.
Continuing Education
Complete 20 hours each two-year license period, including the first renewal after the September 1, 2026 amendments; online and manufacturer hours are each limited to 10. Maintain records and comply with any audit.
Expiration
License expired for more than 90 days but less than 18 months.
Fee
Pay twice the normal renewal fee.
Human Trafficking
Complete the approved human trafficking prevention training.
Outdated Board Statement
The renewal page says: "Except for the first renewal, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education before your license may be renewed." The September 2026 amendment removes that first-renewal exception.
Practice
No licensed practice during the expired period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal within 90 days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal form and fee; pass background review and provide calibration within the preceding year; maintain required business financial security.
Continuing Education
Complete 20 hours each two-year license period, including the first renewal after the September 1, 2026 amendments; online and manufacturer hours are each limited to 10. Maintain records and comply with any audit.
Expiration
License expired for 90 days or less.
Fee
Pay 1.5 times the normal renewal fee.
Human Trafficking
Complete the approved human trafficking prevention training.
Outdated Board Statement
The renewal page says: "Except for the first renewal, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education before your license may be renewed." The September 2026 amendment removes that first-renewal exception.
Practice
No licensed practice during the expired period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal by executive director approval
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal form and fee; pass background review and provide calibration within the preceding year; maintain required business financial security.
Approval
Executive director approval is required.
Continuing Education
Complete 20 hours each two-year license period, including the first renewal after the September 1, 2026 amendments; online and manufacturer hours are each limited to 10. Maintain records and comply with any audit.
Expiration
License expired for at least 18 months but less than three years.
Fee
Pay twice the normal renewal fee.
Human Trafficking
Complete the approved human trafficking prevention training.
Outdated Board Statement
The renewal page says: "Except for the first renewal, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education before your license may be renewed." The September 2026 amendment removes that first-renewal exception.
Practice
No licensed practice during the expired period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal for military servicemembers or veterans with a license held within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Held the same Texas license within the past five years; submit military status proof and military renewal application.
Expiration
An active-duty expiration receives two extra renewal years, up to five years total, without a late fee or licensing exam.
Renewal
Satisfy applicable renewal requirements; ordinary renewal fees remain due.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military servicemember or veteran using service, education or training
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees.
Apprentice Continuing Education
Complete 10 hours of approved continuing education during the apprentice year, with no more than five online hours.
Apprenticeship
After passing the licensing tests and completing jurisprudence, obtain an apprentice permit and complete at least one year under direct or indirect supervision.
Calibration
Provide calibration certification for each audiometer, completed within the preceding year.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
Fees
TDLR military benefits apply; follow the military application instructions.
Financial Security
The dispensing business must file $10,000 in acceptable financial security.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and pass the criminal history background check.
Military Status
Provide verification of qualifying military service.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age.
Separate Work Authorization
TDLR also offers a no-examination Letter of Recognition based on an out-of-state license while stationed in Texas. The official Work Authorization page states: "If you elect to use this method, you may not claim to be licensed in Texas or simply to be a "licensed" member of an occupation." This is recognition of the existing out-of-state license, not issuance of this Texas credential.
Training
Obtain a temporary training permit before training; complete 150 supervised practicum hours plus 10 masking hours; obtain department approval of the practicum affidavit.
Training Credit
TDLR credits verified military service, education and training toward non-examination prerequisites.
Initial license application by a military spouse
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees.
Apprentice Continuing Education
Complete 10 hours of approved continuing education during the apprentice year, with no more than five online hours.
Apprenticeship
After passing the licensing tests and completing jurisprudence, obtain an apprentice permit and complete at least one year under direct or indirect supervision.
Benefits
Expedited application and no application fee; training, education and examination requirements remain those of the license.
Calibration
Provide calibration certification for each audiometer, completed within the preceding year.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
Financial Security
The dispensing business must file $10,000 in acceptable financial security.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and pass the criminal history background check.
Military Spouse
Currently married to an active-duty servicemember; provide military supplemental documentation.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age.
Training
Obtain a temporary training permit before training; complete 150 supervised practicum hours plus 10 masking hours; obtain department approval of the practicum affidavit.
Renewal for a military spouse after license expiration during spouse active duty
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply by mail; include military supplemental form, spouse orders and proof of marriage.
Eligibility
License expired within the past five years while the spouse served on active duty, and the applicant held the same Texas license within those five years.
Renewal
No licensing exam; satisfy other renewal requirements and pay applicable late fees.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military servicemember, veteran or spouse transferring a license
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees.
Apprentice Continuing Education
Complete 10 hours of approved continuing education during the apprentice year, with no more than five online hours.
Apprenticeship
After passing the licensing tests and completing jurisprudence, obtain an apprentice permit and complete at least one year under direct or indirect supervision.
Calibration
Provide calibration certification for each audiometer, completed within the preceding year.
Discretion
TDLR may require additional training and successful completion of any exams that are part of the license requirements.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
Existing License
Hold a current license in good standing elsewhere; TDLR individually evaluates equivalence.
Fees
TDLR military benefits apply; follow the military application instructions.
Financial Security
The dispensing business must file $10,000 in acceptable financial security.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and pass the criminal history background check.
Military Status
Submit the military supplemental application and service documentation; spouses also submit marriage verification.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age.
Separate Work Authorization
TDLR also offers a no-examination Letter of Recognition based on an out-of-state license while stationed in Texas. The official Work Authorization page states: "If you elect to use this method, you may not claim to be licensed in Texas or simply to be a "licensed" member of an occupation." This is recognition of the existing out-of-state license, not issuance of this Texas credential.
Training
Obtain a temporary training permit before training; complete 150 supervised practicum hours plus 10 masking hours; obtain department approval of the practicum affidavit.
New license application after revocation
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees.
Apprentice Continuing Education
Complete 10 hours of approved continuing education during the apprentice year, with no more than five online hours.
Apprenticeship
After passing the licensing tests and completing jurisprudence, obtain an apprentice permit and complete at least one year under direct or indirect supervision.
Calibration
Provide calibration certification for each audiometer, completed within the preceding year.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
Eligibility
Eligibility to apply under §51.355 does not itself issue a license; comply with the applicable original licensing requirements.
Financial Security
The dispensing business must file $10,000 in acceptable financial security.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and pass the criminal history background check.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age.
Revocation Waiting Period
A person whose license was revoked may apply for a new license after the first anniversary of revocation. Earlier application is allowed when revocation was solely for failure to pay an administrative penalty and the penalty is paid in full or an agreed payment plan is in good standing.
Training
Obtain a temporary training permit before training; complete 150 supervised practicum hours plus 10 masking hours; obtain department approval of the practicum affidavit.
Licensure as an out of state license holder
Application
Submit the prescribed application, required documentation and fees.
Calibration
Provide calibration certification for each audiometer, completed within the preceding year.
Education
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
Existing License
Hold an active hearing instrument fitter and dispenser license in good standing in another state; provide issuing-authority verification and disciplinary history. An out-of-state audiologist is not eligible under §402.209(i).
Financial Security
The dispensing business must file $10,000 in acceptable financial security.
Fingerprints
Submit fingerprints and pass the criminal history background check.
Jurisprudence
Complete the jurisprudence examination and submit its completion certificate.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years of age.
Practical Examination Exemption
The TDLR out-of-state webpage states: "If the state where your license was issued did not require you to pass a practical test, then you will be required to pass the Texas Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Practical State Licensing Examination." The August 2026 HFD-LIC-004 instructions require the Texas practical examination after approval; both demands are retained and the examination remains involved.
Written Examination Exemption
Provide verification that the licensing state required the ILE, or proof of BC-HIS certification. BC-HIS is a certification condition, not an independently named NCE examination requirement. If neither applies, TDLR permits the applicant to take the ILE.
Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal form and fee; pass background review and provide calibration within the preceding year; maintain required business financial security.
Continuing Education
Complete 20 hours each two-year license period, including the first renewal after the September 1, 2026 amendments; online and manufacturer hours are each limited to 10. Maintain records and comply with any audit.
Human Trafficking
Complete the approved human trafficking prevention training.
Outdated Board Statement
The renewal page says: "Except for the first renewal, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education before your license may be renewed." The September 2026 amendment removes that first-renewal exception.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New license for a former Texas licensee returning after practice elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Examination
§51.401(e) expressly permits a new license without reexamination.
Fee
Pay twice the normal renewal fee.
Former Texas License
Previously held this Texas license, moved away, and is currently licensed and has practiced elsewhere for the preceding two years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Application by a Texas licensed audiologist or audiology intern
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Page Demand
TDLR Examination Information states: "Applicants must successfully complete the Texas Fitters and Dispensers of Hearing Instruments Jurisprudence Examination and submit a certificate of completion prior to receiving a hearing instrument fitter and dispenser license or an apprentice permit." The statutory exemption controls this route.
Existing Texas License
Applicant is licensed under Chapter 401 as an audiologist or audiology intern and is applying for the Chapter 402 license.
Statutory Exemption
§402.202(b) exempts this applicant from the examination under Chapter 402; all other requirements remain.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Texas Fitters and Dispensers of Hearing Instruments Jurisprudence Examination

Provider
eStrategy Solutions, Inc.
Format
Online jurisprudence examination
Practice scope

The authority has not published an examination outline; the practice questions follow the scope of the existing question bank.

  • Licensure, scope, and credentials
    • Practice scope, statutory definitions, licensing coverage, and exemptions
    • Examination, application, issuance, renewal, and change-reporting requirements
  • Supervision, training, and practice operations
    • Temporary-training and apprentice supervision, practicum, and transfer duties
    • Business postings, license display, financial security, and consumer notices
  • Client assessment, equipment, and standard of care
    • Prospective-candidate information, referrals, competence, confidentiality, and medical boundaries
    • Audiometric equipment, calibration, testing systems, and ambient-noise controls
  • Sales, contracts, refunds, and records
    • Written contracts, trial periods, replacement instruments, minors, and refunds
    • Client records, access, retention, privacy notices, and related documentation
  • Communications, professional conduct, and telehealth
    • Advertising, solicitation, titles, credentials, and manufacturer representations
    • Ethical conduct, impairment, discrimination, telehealth consent, privacy, and standard of care
  • Prescription-hearing-aid requirements and enforcement
    • Texas adoption of federal prescription-hearing-aid labeling requirements
    • Complaints, discipline, sanctions, investigations, and compliance consequences
Examination sources

Texas Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Practical State Licensing Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
PSI Services LLC
Format
Observed practical demonstrations
Time limit
Audiometric portion 90 minutes; Ear Impression portion 30 minutes
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