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Washington Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Hearing Aid Specialist License

Washington state license for hearing aid specialists.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health · Application information

Annual active license renewal
Hearing Aid Specialist Jurisprudence Exam
Continuing Education
Complete 30 hours every three years: at least one hour infection control, one hour successful Board jurisprudence examination, at least 25 hours profession-specific competencies, and the applicable two-hour health equity training. WAC 246-828-510 governs; the Board may grant an exception on written request.
First Cycle Page Statement
The older DOH Continuing Education page says: "Must be completed within the first year of licensure and can only count towards CE credits within the first CE cycle." WAC 246-828-510(2)(b) and the April 2026 Board article state the examination within the three-year CE requirement. The currently offered examination remains a leaf; the older page statement is preserved for the applicant.
Renewal
Renew annually on or before the birthday; pay the applicable fee and submit the required declarations on bond/security, calibrated equipment and continuing education when due.
Initial licensure — 48 of 60 months of licensed practice and advanced certification
Advanced Certification
Submit proof of advanced certification from either the International Hearing Society or the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. Certification, rather than an independently named NCE requirement, is the applicant condition.
Agent
Name a registered agent for service of process under RCW 18.35.230.
Application
Submit the completed application, fee and signed attestation to DOH. Supply official transcripts or the documentation applicable to the chosen endorsement route.
Approved Equivalent Examination
RCW 18.35.040(1)(c)(ii) also accepts a substantially equivalent examination approved by the Board; the open unnamed alternative is a condition. An examination of another jurisdiction remains a condition under the contract.
Board Conditions
The disciplining authority may grant a license subject to conditions under RCW 18.130.040(3). Such terms are applicant conditions on the same license, not a separately named credential.
Bond
Maintain a surety bond or permitted security of at least $10,000 under RCW 18.35.240.
Credential Verification
List all current and previous credentials and obtain verification directly from the issuing jurisdiction.
Existing License
Hold a current, unsuspended and unrevoked hearing aid specialist license from another jurisdiction.
Identity Documentation
An individual taxpayer identification number may be supplied instead of a social security number under RCW 18.415.010(2). Immigration or citizenship status alone does not disqualify an otherwise eligible applicant.
Jurisprudence Timing
WAC 246-828-510(1) requires the Board-approved jurisprudence examination within the first year of licensure. The portal and licensing page call it an initial-license requirement. Passing it after issuance remains an examination dependency under this survey contract.
Mandatory Waiver Overlap
An applicant also satisfying RCW 18.130.077(1) may instead use the two-year substantially equivalent endorsement route and its mandatory waiver.
Practice
Document active licensed practice for at least 48 of the last 60 months.
Professional Fitness
Disclose personal data and disciplinary history; provide explanations and supporting records where required. DOH conducts background checks and may require fingerprints. Licensure requires compliance with the applicable unprofessional-conduct standards.
Licensure by endorsement — National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences certification
Hearing Aid Specialist Jurisprudence Exam
Agent
Name a registered agent for service of process under RCW 18.35.230.
Application
Submit the completed application, fee and signed attestation to DOH. Supply official transcripts or the documentation applicable to the chosen endorsement route.
Board Conditions
The disciplining authority may grant a license subject to conditions under RCW 18.130.040(3). Such terms are applicant conditions on the same license, not a separately named credential.
Bond
Maintain a surety bond or permitted security of at least $10,000 under RCW 18.35.240.
Conduct
Meet RCW 18.130.077(3), including the prescribed disciplinary-history and pending-investigation restrictions.
Credential Verification
List all current and previous credentials and obtain verification directly from the issuing jurisdiction.
Identity Documentation
An individual taxpayer identification number may be supplied instead of a social security number under RCW 18.415.010(2). Immigration or citizenship status alone does not disqualify an otherwise eligible applicant.
Jurisprudence Timing
WAC 246-828-510(1) requires the Board-approved jurisprudence examination within the first year of licensure. The portal and licensing page call it an initial-license requirement. Passing it after issuance remains an examination dependency under this survey contract.
Lower Rank Demand
The general DOH Licensing Requirements page states: "Successful completion of the written exam is a licensure requirement for all applicants." WAC 246-828-035(2) provides the specific certification endorsement qualification; applicants should confirm any additional DOH demand.
National Certification
Hold certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences and submit proof of certification. ASHA clinical competence and American Board of Audiology certifications named in the multi-profession rule pertain to other professions and do not establish hearing aid specialist qualification.
Professional Fitness
Disclose personal data and disciplinary history; provide explanations and supporting records where required. DOH conducts background checks and may require fingerprints. Licensure requires compliance with the applicable unprofessional-conduct standards.
Waiver
RCW 18.130.077(2) permits the waiver exercised by WAC 246-828-035(2). Certification is an applicant condition; the source does not require or name NCE as a separate examination dependency for this route. Jurisprudence remains required within the first year.
Licensure by endorsement — substantially equivalent license for two immediately preceding years
Hearing Aid Specialist Jurisprudence Exam
Agent
Name a registered agent for service of process under RCW 18.35.230.
Application
Submit the completed application, fee and signed attestation to DOH. Supply official transcripts or the documentation applicable to the chosen endorsement route.
Board Conditions
The disciplining authority may grant a license subject to conditions under RCW 18.130.040(3). Such terms are applicant conditions on the same license, not a separately named credential.
Bond
Maintain a surety bond or permitted security of at least $10,000 under RCW 18.35.240.
Conduct
Meet RCW 18.130.077(3): no basis for denial/conditional license, no disqualifying discipline in the preceding two years or during the application, and no pending investigation or charges.
Credential Verification
List all current and previous credentials and obtain verification directly from the issuing jurisdiction.
Identity Documentation
An individual taxpayer identification number may be supplied instead of a social security number under RCW 18.415.010(2). Immigration or citizenship status alone does not disqualify an otherwise eligible applicant.
Jurisprudence Timing
WAC 246-828-510(1) requires the Board-approved jurisprudence examination within the first year of licensure. The portal and licensing page call it an initial-license requirement. Passing it after issuance remains an examination dependency under this survey contract.
Licensing Exam Waiver
RCW 18.130.077(1) mandates waiver of education, training, experience and licensure-exam requirements. The first-year jurisprudence continuing-education duty in WAC 246-828-510(1) remains a post-issuance dependency.
Licensure History
Currently licensed and licensed for the immediately preceding two years in a substantially equivalent jurisdiction, with no interruption longer than 90 days. Submit proof of licensure history and the required application and fees.
Old Application Demand
The September 2021 application packet instructs applicants to pass the IHS written examination. That instruction predates the current mandatory waiver statute and December 31, 2025 endorsement rule; it is not treated as overriding the waiver.
Professional Fitness
Disclose personal data and disciplinary history; provide explanations and supporting records where required. DOH conducts background checks and may require fingerprints. Licensure requires compliance with the applicable unprofessional-conduct standards.
Expired license reactivation — The license has expired for more than three years and the practitioner has actively practiced in another United States jurisdiction; submit verification of that active practice.
Hearing Aid Specialist Jurisprudence Exam
Continuing Education
Complete 30 hours every three years: at least one hour infection control, one hour successful Board jurisprudence examination, at least 25 hours profession-specific competencies, and the applicable two-hour health equity training. WAC 246-828-510 governs; the Board may grant an exception on written request.
Eligibility
The license has expired for more than three years and the practitioner has actively practiced in another United States jurisdiction; submit verification of that active practice.
First Cycle Page Statement
The older DOH Continuing Education page says: "Must be completed within the first year of licensure and can only count towards CE credits within the first CE cycle." WAC 246-828-510(2)(b) and the April 2026 Board article state the examination within the three-year CE requirement. The currently offered examination remains a leaf; the older page statement is preserved for the applicant.
Reactivation
Meet WAC 246-12-040 declarations, fees and current continuing-education/competency requirements applicable to the lapse length. Do not practice until returned to active status.
Renewal
Renew annually on or before the birthday; pay the applicable fee and submit the required declarations on bond/security, calibrated equipment and continuing education when due.
Expired license reactivation — more than three years, no active United States practice, certificate qualification
Continuing Education
Complete 30 hours every three years: at least one hour infection control, one hour successful Board jurisprudence examination, at least 25 hours profession-specific competencies, and the applicable two-hour health equity training. WAC 246-828-510 governs; the Board may grant an exception on written request.
First Cycle Page Statement
The older DOH Continuing Education page says: "Must be completed within the first year of licensure and can only count towards CE credits within the first CE cycle." WAC 246-828-510(2)(b) and the April 2026 Board article state the examination within the three-year CE requirement. The currently offered examination remains a leaf; the older page statement is preserved for the applicant.
Lapse
License expired for more than three years and no active practice in another United States jurisdiction.
Original Qualification
The original qualification is the nine-month certificate route; WAC 246-828-020(2) identifies its practical examination.
Reactivation
Meet WAC 246-12-040 declarations, fees and continuing-education/competency requirements; successfully complete the examinations specified in WAC 246-828-020. Do not practice until the license is active.
Renewal
Renew annually on or before the birthday; pay the applicable fee and submit the required declarations on bond/security, calibrated equipment and continuing education when due.
Expired license reactivation — more than three years, no active United States practice, degree qualification
Continuing Education
Complete 30 hours every three years: at least one hour infection control, one hour successful Board jurisprudence examination, at least 25 hours profession-specific competencies, and the applicable two-hour health equity training. WAC 246-828-510 governs; the Board may grant an exception on written request.
First Cycle Page Statement
The older DOH Continuing Education page says: "Must be completed within the first year of licensure and can only count towards CE credits within the first CE cycle." WAC 246-828-510(2)(b) and the April 2026 Board article state the examination within the three-year CE requirement. The currently offered examination remains a leaf; the older page statement is preserved for the applicant.
Lapse
License expired for more than three years and no active practice in another United States jurisdiction.
Original Qualification
The original qualification is the two-year degree route; WAC 246-828-020(2) limits the practical examination to nine-month certificate applicants.
Reactivation
Meet WAC 246-12-040 declarations, fees and continuing-education/competency requirements; successfully complete the examinations specified in WAC 246-828-020. Do not practice until the license is active.
Renewal
Renew annually on or before the birthday; pay the applicable fee and submit the required declarations on bond/security, calibrated equipment and continuing education when due.
Expired license reactivation — The license has expired for three years or less.
Hearing Aid Specialist Jurisprudence Exam
Continuing Education
Complete 30 hours every three years: at least one hour infection control, one hour successful Board jurisprudence examination, at least 25 hours profession-specific competencies, and the applicable two-hour health equity training. WAC 246-828-510 governs; the Board may grant an exception on written request.
Eligibility
The license has expired for three years or less.
First Cycle Page Statement
The older DOH Continuing Education page says: "Must be completed within the first year of licensure and can only count towards CE credits within the first CE cycle." WAC 246-828-510(2)(b) and the April 2026 Board article state the examination within the three-year CE requirement. The currently offered examination remains a leaf; the older page statement is preserved for the applicant.
Reactivation
Meet WAC 246-12-040 declarations, fees and current continuing-education/competency requirements applicable to the lapse length. Do not practice until returned to active status.
Renewal
Renew annually on or before the birthday; pay the applicable fee and submit the required declarations on bond/security, calibrated equipment and continuing education when due.
Return from inactive military related status to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Applicable CE resumes during the following renewal; this status-return rule imposes no registered examination prerequisite.
Deadline
May return to active status at any time. Following qualifying discharge, submit DD214 and change status within six months; later compliance is subject to late fees.
Documentation
Pay applicable active renewal fee/surcharge and provide current service or discharge documentation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from inactive status — actively licensed elsewhere in good standing, within five year nonpractice threshold
Hearing Aid Specialist Jurisprudence Exam
Affidavit
Submit an affidavit of knowledge of current Washington hearing aid fitting/dispensing statutes and rules. The practical examination is waived by RCW 18.35.095(2).
Continuing Education
Complete 30 hours every three years: at least one hour infection control, one hour successful Board jurisprudence examination, at least 25 hours profession-specific competencies, and the applicable two-hour health equity training. WAC 246-828-510 governs; the Board may grant an exception on written request.
Eligibility
Inactive in Washington, actively licensed and in good standing elsewhere, and not subject to the more-than-five-year nonpractice written-examination trigger.
First Cycle Page Statement
The older DOH Continuing Education page says: "Must be completed within the first year of licensure and can only count towards CE credits within the first CE cycle." WAC 246-828-510(2)(b) and the April 2026 Board article state the examination within the three-year CE requirement. The currently offered examination remains a leaf; the older page statement is preserved for the applicant.
Reactivation
Meet the general active-status declarations and fees.
Renewal
Renew annually on or before the birthday; pay the applicable fee and submit the required declarations on bond/security, calibrated equipment and continuing education when due.
Return from inactive status — more than five years without fitting or dispensing
Board Selection
RCW 18.35.095(2) permits the practical or written examination or both. The anyOf node means at least one; the Board may require both and additional requirements.
Continuing Education
Complete 30 hours every three years: at least one hour infection control, one hour successful Board jurisprudence examination, at least 25 hours profession-specific competencies, and the applicable two-hour health equity training. WAC 246-828-510 governs; the Board may grant an exception on written request.
Eligibility
More than five years without fitting or dispensing from expiration of the last full-fee license; not qualifying for the separate active-out-of-state practical waiver.
First Cycle Page Statement
The older DOH Continuing Education page says: "Must be completed within the first year of licensure and can only count towards CE credits within the first CE cycle." WAC 246-828-510(2)(b) and the April 2026 Board article state the examination within the three-year CE requirement. The currently offered examination remains a leaf; the older page statement is preserved for the applicant.
Reactivation
Written request, appropriate fee and WAC 246-12-110 declarations.
Renewal
Renew annually on or before the birthday; pay the applicable fee and submit the required declarations on bond/security, calibrated equipment and continuing education when due.
Return from inactive status — more than five years of nonpractice but active license elsewhere
Continuing Education
Complete 30 hours every three years: at least one hour infection control, one hour successful Board jurisprudence examination, at least 25 hours profession-specific competencies, and the applicable two-hour health equity training. WAC 246-828-510 governs; the Board may grant an exception on written request.
Eligibility
More than five years without fitting or dispensing, while still actively licensed and in good standing elsewhere.
First Cycle Page Statement
The older DOH Continuing Education page says: "Must be completed within the first year of licensure and can only count towards CE credits within the first CE cycle." WAC 246-828-510(2)(b) and the April 2026 Board article state the examination within the three-year CE requirement. The currently offered examination remains a leaf; the older page statement is preserved for the applicant.
Practical Waiver
RCW 18.35.095(2) exempts the practical assessment; its nonpractice trigger still identifies the written examination. Submit the required affidavit of Washington-law knowledge.
Reactivation
Meet active-status declarations and fees; the Board determines other requirements.
Renewal
Renew annually on or before the birthday; pay the applicable fee and submit the required declarations on bond/security, calibrated equipment and continuing education when due.
Return from inactive status — no more than five years without fitting or dispensing
Hearing Aid Specialist Jurisprudence Exam
Continuing Education
Complete 30 hours every three years: at least one hour infection control, one hour successful Board jurisprudence examination, at least 25 hours profession-specific competencies, and the applicable two-hour health equity training. WAC 246-828-510 governs; the Board may grant an exception on written request.
Eligibility
Inactive Washington license; the more-than-five-year nonpractice examination trigger in RCW 18.35.095(2) has not occurred.
First Cycle Page Statement
The older DOH Continuing Education page says: "Must be completed within the first year of licensure and can only count towards CE credits within the first CE cycle." WAC 246-828-510(2)(b) and the April 2026 Board article state the examination within the three-year CE requirement. The currently offered examination remains a leaf; the older page statement is preserved for the applicant.
Reactivation
Request active status in writing, pay the appropriate active fee, provide WAC 246-12-110 declarations and meet the applicable competency requirements.
Renewal
Renew annually on or before the birthday; pay the applicable fee and submit the required declarations on bond/security, calibrated equipment and continuing education when due.
Return from military status to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Continuing-education requirements resume after the first post-discharge renewal, rather than as an examination prerequisite to this status conversion.
Deadline
Request the status change within six months of a qualifying discharge; later compliance is subject to WAC 246-12-040 late fees.
Documentation
Notify DOH in writing of changed service status; provide official discharge papers and pay applicable active renewal fee/surcharge.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure — prior degree and Board approved nine month certificate
Agent
Name a registered agent for service of process under RCW 18.35.230.
Application
Submit the completed application, fee and signed attestation to DOH. Supply official transcripts or the documentation applicable to the chosen endorsement route.
Board Conditions
The disciplining authority may grant a license subject to conditions under RCW 18.130.040(3). Such terms are applicant conditions on the same license, not a separately named credential.
Bond
Maintain a surety bond or permitted security of at least $10,000 under RCW 18.35.240.
Credential Verification
List all current and previous credentials and obtain verification directly from the issuing jurisdiction.
Education
Complete a Board-approved two-year or four-year prerequisite degree and a Board-approved nine-month certificate in hearing aid specialist instruction. WAC 246-828-600 requires the degree before entry; prerequisite coursework is five quarter or four semester credits each of English composition and humanities, and four quarter or three semester credits of basic math, at 100 level or higher.
Identity Documentation
An individual taxpayer identification number may be supplied instead of a social security number under RCW 18.415.010(2). Immigration or citizenship status alone does not disqualify an otherwise eligible applicant.
Jurisprudence Timing
WAC 246-828-510(1) requires the Board-approved jurisprudence examination within the first year of licensure. The portal and licensing page call it an initial-license requirement. Passing it after issuance remains an examination dependency under this survey contract.
Open Written Alternative
WAC 246-828-020(1) also permits another entity approved by the Board; no additional identifiable examination is named.
Practical Scheduling
Submit the application and fee at least 60 days before the practical examination. The program sends the eligible-candidate roster; DOH sends examination authorization.
Professional Fitness
Disclose personal data and disciplinary history; provide explanations and supporting records where required. DOH conducts background checks and may require fingerprints. Licensure requires compliance with the applicable unprofessional-conduct standards.
Written Exam Timing
The written examination may be taken no more than 90 days before the verified anticipated program completion date.
Initial licensure — current substantially equivalent jurisdiction credential
Hearing Aid Specialist Jurisprudence Exam
Agent
Name a registered agent for service of process under RCW 18.35.230.
Application
Submit the completed application, fee and signed attestation to DOH. Supply official transcripts or the documentation applicable to the chosen endorsement route.
Board Conditions
The disciplining authority may grant a license subject to conditions under RCW 18.130.040(3). Such terms are applicant conditions on the same license, not a separately named credential.
Bond
Maintain a surety bond or permitted security of at least $10,000 under RCW 18.35.240.
Credential Verification
List all current and previous credentials and obtain verification directly from the issuing jurisdiction.
Existing License
Hold a current, unsuspended and unrevoked hearing aid specialist license from a jurisdiction whose licensing standards are substantially equivalent to RCW 18.35.040(1)(a). This route covers applicants not qualifying for the separate two-year mandatory waiver route.
Identity Documentation
An individual taxpayer identification number may be supplied instead of a social security number under RCW 18.415.010(2). Immigration or citizenship status alone does not disqualify an otherwise eligible applicant.
Jurisprudence Timing
WAC 246-828-510(1) requires the Board-approved jurisprudence examination within the first year of licensure. The portal and licensing page call it an initial-license requirement. Passing it after issuance remains an examination dependency under this survey contract.
Lower Rank Demand
WAC 246-828-035(3) directs applicants licensed for less than two years to initial licensure under RCW 18.35.040; DOH Licensing Requirements states: "Successful completion of the written exam is a licensure requirement for all applicants." Applicants should obtain Board confirmation of any ILE demand or waiver. The lower-ranked demand is retained as an applicant condition under the contract's source-precedence rule.
Professional Fitness
Disclose personal data and disciplinary history; provide explanations and supporting records where required. DOH conducts background checks and may require fingerprints. Licensure requires compliance with the applicable unprofessional-conduct standards.
Statutory Alternative
RCW 18.35.040(1)(b) is an alternative to the examination-and-education branch in subsection (1)(a); it does not make the ILE a condition of this statutory qualification. The separate post-licensure jurisprudence duty remains.
Automatic reinstatement after compliance with support or visitation order
Hearing Aid Specialist Jurisprudence Exam
Continuing Education
Complete 30 hours every three years: at least one hour infection control, one hour successful Board jurisprudence examination, at least 25 hours profession-specific competencies, and the applicable two-hour health equity training. WAC 246-828-510 governs; the Board may grant an exception on written request.
Eligibility
Suspended for noncompliance with support or visitation order; provide the required DSHS release and any reinstatement fee. Continue meeting all other reinstatement requirements during suspension.
First Cycle Page Statement
The older DOH Continuing Education page says: "Must be completed within the first year of licensure and can only count towards CE credits within the first CE cycle." WAC 246-828-510(2)(b) and the April 2026 Board article state the examination within the three-year CE requirement. The currently offered examination remains a leaf; the older page statement is preserved for the applicant.
Reinstatement
The Secretary automatically reissues the license upon the statutory release, continuing compliance and applicable fee. The jurisprudence leaf records the continuing-education examination dependency, not an additional sanction examination.
Renewal
Renew annually on or before the birthday; pay the applicable fee and submit the required declarations on bond/security, calibrated equipment and continuing education when due.
Initial licensure — Board approved two year hearing aid specialist degree
Agent
Name a registered agent for service of process under RCW 18.35.230.
Application
Submit the completed application, fee and signed attestation to DOH. Supply official transcripts or the documentation applicable to the chosen endorsement route.
Board Conditions
The disciplining authority may grant a license subject to conditions under RCW 18.130.040(3). Such terms are applicant conditions on the same license, not a separately named credential.
Bond
Maintain a surety bond or permitted security of at least $10,000 under RCW 18.35.240.
Credential Verification
List all current and previous credentials and obtain verification directly from the issuing jurisdiction.
Education
Complete a Board-approved two-year degree in hearing aid specialist instruction. The current DOH approved-school list names Spokane Falls Community College.
Identity Documentation
An individual taxpayer identification number may be supplied instead of a social security number under RCW 18.415.010(2). Immigration or citizenship status alone does not disqualify an otherwise eligible applicant.
Jurisprudence Timing
WAC 246-828-510(1) requires the Board-approved jurisprudence examination within the first year of licensure. The portal and licensing page call it an initial-license requirement. Passing it after issuance remains an examination dependency under this survey contract.
Professional Fitness
Disclose personal data and disciplinary history; provide explanations and supporting records where required. DOH conducts background checks and may require fingerprints. Licensure requires compliance with the applicable unprofessional-conduct standards.
Written Exam Timing
The written examination may be taken no more than 90 days before the program's verified anticipated completion date. Other Board-approved entity alternatives remain subject to Board approval.

Hearing Aid Specialist License — Inactive Status

Inactive status available to a licensed hearing aid specialist who is not actively practicing, at the licensee's written request to the department.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health — Board of Hearing and Speech · Application information

Annual inactive license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Inactive renewal under WAC 246-12-100 does not require an examination or continuing-education declaration; competency declarations apply when returning to active status under WAC 246-12-110.
Renewal
Pay the inactive renewal fee and any profession-required surcharge. Maintain inactive status and do not practice in Washington.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Hold an active Washington hearing aid specialist license in good standing and cease practice in Washington. Request inactive status in writing.
Fees
The initial inactive fee is due when the active credential expires; the current active renewal fee is not prorated or refunded.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Hearing Aid Specialist License — Inactive Military-Related Status

Inactive military-related status for an existing active Washington credential, obtained through a written request and official service orders for a qualifying spouse or registered domestic partner.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health — Board of Hearing and Speech · Application information

Maintenance of inactive military related status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Not required during inactive military-related status; no Washington practice.
Documentation
Submit official service orders with maintenance requests.
Eligibility
The marriage/registered partnership and the service member's stationing or deployment outside Washington continue.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement in inactive military related status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Written request, official service orders and marriage/domestic-partnership certificate. No placement fee and no prorated refund.
Eligibility
Active Washington credential in good standing; spouse or registered domestic partner is a member of the United States Armed Forces or Public Health Service Commissioned Corps deployed or stationed outside Washington.
Practice
May not practice in Washington while in this inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Hearing Aid Specialist License — Military Status

Military status permits practice throughout Washington while service continues, unless sooner suspended or revoked by the regulatory entity.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health — Board of Hearing and Speech · Application information

Maintenance of military status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Not required while the credential remains in military status.
Maintenance
Submit official service orders with the maintenance notice; remain in military service.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement in military status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Documentation
Submit a written status request and official service orders. There is no fee for military status; no prorated refund of an existing renewal fee.
Eligibility
Active Washington license valid and in force and effect, in good standing; membership in the United States Armed Forces, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps or Merchant Marine.
Practice
Military status permits practice in Washington while service continues unless sooner suspended or revoked.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Hearing Aid Specialist Temporary Practice Permit

A temporary practice permit granting full scope of practice while the national background check is completed for otherwise qualified applicants.

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Health — Board of Hearing and Speech · Application information

Temporary practice permit — fingerprint based national background check pending
Hearing Aid Specialist Jurisprudence Exam
Agent
Name a registered agent for service of process under RCW 18.35.230.
Application
Submit the full license application, fees and verification; when DOH requires a national background check, submit a fingerprint card and a written temporary-permit request.
Board Conditions
The disciplining authority may grant a license subject to conditions under RCW 18.130.040(3). Such terms are applicant conditions on the same license, not a separately named credential.
Bond
Maintain a surety bond or permitted security of at least $10,000 under RCW 18.35.240.
Credential Verification
List all current and previous credentials and obtain verification directly from the issuing jurisdiction.
Duration
Nonrenewable, nonreissuable and nonextendable; ends upon licensure, decision notice unless expressly extended by that notice, or 180 days after issuance.
Eligibility
Hold an unrestricted active hearing aid specialist license from a substantially equivalent jurisdiction, satisfy all other licensing requirements, have no Washington criminal record and no basis for denial or a restricted/conditional license.
Identity Documentation
An individual taxpayer identification number may be supplied instead of a social security number under RCW 18.415.010(2). Immigration or citizenship status alone does not disqualify an otherwise eligible applicant.
Jurisprudence Timing
The jurisprudence leaf belongs to the full-license application involved in this permit pathway; WAC 246-828-510(1) sets its first-year-of-licensure deadline.
Licensure Basis
The accompanying full-license application uses the substantially equivalent credential pathway. If it qualifies for RCW 18.130.077(1), the licensure examination waiver is mandatory; otherwise RCW 18.35.040(1)(b) provides the statutory alternative and any lower-ranked DOH written-exam demand remains an applicant condition.
Professional Fitness
Disclose personal data and disciplinary history; provide explanations and supporting records where required. DOH conducts background checks and may require fingerprints. Licensure requires compliance with the applicable unprofessional-conduct standards.
Temporary practice permit — military spouse or registered domestic partner
Hearing Aid Specialist Jurisprudence Exam
Agent
Name a registered agent for service of process under RCW 18.35.230.
Application
Submit the completed application, fee and signed attestation to DOH. Supply official transcripts or the documentation applicable to the chosen endorsement route.
Board Conditions
The disciplining authority may grant a license subject to conditions under RCW 18.130.040(3). Such terms are applicant conditions on the same license, not a separately named credential.
Bond
Maintain a surety bond or permitted security of at least $10,000 under RCW 18.35.240.
Credential Verification
List all current and previous credentials and obtain verification directly from the issuing jurisdiction.
Documentation
Submit the full license application, fees and fingerprints if required, license verification, transfer orders, proof of marriage/partnership or the specified military ID, and a written temporary-permit request under WAC 246-12-051.
Duration
Ends upon full licensure, a decision notice unless it extends the permit, or 180 days after issuance.
Eligibility
Military spouse or registered domestic partner moving to Washington due to the service member's transfer. Hold an unrestricted active license in a substantially equivalent jurisdiction, with no pending investigation, charges or disciplinary action.
Identity Documentation
An individual taxpayer identification number may be supplied instead of a social security number under RCW 18.415.010(2). Immigration or citizenship status alone does not disqualify an otherwise eligible applicant.
Jurisprudence Timing
The jurisprudence leaf is the exam involved in the accompanying full-license application, with the first-year deadline. A mandatory RCW 18.130.077 waiver or RCW 18.35.040(1)(b) qualification governs the written licensing examination.
Professional Fitness
Disclose personal data and disciplinary history; provide explanations and supporting records where required. DOH conducts background checks and may require fingerprints. Licensure requires compliance with the applicable unprofessional-conduct standards.
Training And Practice
Meet all profession-specific training, education and practice standards. The permit permits time to complete additional requirements unrelated to those standards.

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 Specialist Jurisprudence Exam

Provider
Washington State Department of Health / Board of Hearing and Speech
Format
Online open-book examination
Passing score
100 percent correct answers
Practice scope

Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.

  • Chapter 18.35 RCW — Hearing and Speech Services
  • Chapter 246-828 WAC — Hearing and Speech
  • Chapter 18.130 RCW — Uniform Disciplinary Act, enumerated sections
  • Chapter 246-12 WAC — Administrative Procedures and Requirements, enumerated section
Examination sources

Hearing Aid Specialist Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Washington State Board of Hearing and Speech
Format
Clinical practical examination
Passing score
Passing score recommended by the examination administrator and approved by the Board
Examination sources