Advisory Council on Hearing Aids - License Information

Education and training

The following documents describe the training requirements for licensure (520 hours of practical training and completion of the International Hearing Society's Distance Learning Program for Professionals in Hearing Health Sciences under direct supervision):

• Step-By-Step Guide to Become a Hearing Aid Specialist
• Training Program information
• Practical Training Checklist
• Training Program Certification of Training

Examination information

The Health Licensing Office and the Advisory Council on Hearing Aids have approved the following exams required to obtain licensure as a Hearing Aid Specialist in the State of Oregon:

• State-prepared written laws and rules exam
• International Hearing Society (IHS) Written International Licensing Examination (ILE) and
• State-prepared practical exam

State-prepared written laws and rules exam

The state-prepared laws and rules exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions. The time limit is 30 minutes. Passing the exam requires a score of 70 percent or higher.

The written exam is given at the HLO on a walk-in basis, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.

The state-prepared examination covers regulations for Hearing Aid Specialists listed within the Advisory Council on Hearing Aids Oregon Administrative Rules. Chapter 331, Division 601 is solely for the purpose of preparing for the exam and is not inclusive of all the regulations governing Hearing Aid Specialists in Oregon. The Administrative rules are posted online.

• Hearing Aid Oregon Laws and Rules Examination Information Bulletin

International Licensing Examination

The ILE consists of 80 scored and 25 non-scored (pilot) practice-scenario-based, multiple-choice test questions. Pilot (non-scored) questions allow the IHS to collect data on new test questions. Candidates are given two hours to complete the exam.

The exam is separated into 10 competency areas based on knowledge, skills and abilities required of Hearing Aid Specialists for safe and effective practice. Competency areas and recommended reference materials are listed in the IHS study guide. IHS textbooks are available for purchase at www.ihsinfo.org.

The ILE is offered at authorized testing centers located throughout Oregon. Applicants must obtain authorization from the HLO to proceed with registration through the IHS to sit for the ILE.

Official documentation of ILE results must be sent directly by the IHS to the HLO. Candidates will be notified by the HLO of a pass/fail based on their overall examination performance.

State-prepared practical exam

The state-prepared practical examination is used to determine the qualification, fitness and ability of an applicant to practice as a hearing aid specialist.

The practical segment of the examination consists of four sections: audiometric testing, masking, taking earmold impressions and fitting hearing aids.

Time allotted for each section is as follows:

The practical exam is given by appointment only. The exam application and all application requirements must be received at the HLO 30 days prior to the scheduled practical exam date.

State-prepared laws and rules exam retakes

To provide a standardized process for all regulated professions when applicants for licensure fail state-prepared written qualifying examinations for licensure, the Health Licensing Office has established the following requirements:

• After first failed attempt, applicant may not retake until the office's next business day
• After second failed attempt, applicant may not retake until the office's next business day
• After third failed attempt, applicant may not retake until the office's next business day
• After fourth failed attempt, applicant may not retake for seven calendar days
• After fifth failed attempt, applicant may not retake for seven calendar days
• After sixth failed attempt, applicant may not retake for seven calendar days
• After seventh failed attempt, ability to retake, requirements for retake, or both, will be determined by the office or appropriate board or council on a case-by-case basis

This requirement does not apply to professions that have their own examination retake requirements.

Application process

In addition to completing an application, paying fees and providing documentation regarding proof of age, identification and secondary education, applicants must provide the following:

Trainee Registration

Applicants must complete a Trainee Registration Agreement and Declaration of Responsibility required by ORS 694.065(2).

Temporary License

Individuals who have obtained the required training may apply for a temporary license, which allows them to practice under the supervision of a licensed specialist until they are able to pass the written and practical examinations. A Certification of Training form must be completed before an application for a temporary license may be submitted.

Hearing aid specialist forms

Identification requirements

See the Identification Requirements page for details.

Out-of-state applicants

Applicants must provide documentation, in the form of an affidavit of licensure, submitted directly to the Health Licensing Office from the originating state's regulatory office, providing evidence that the applicant currently holds or held a hearing aid specialist license within the past three years.

Please note: Applicants currently licensed in another state who wish to obtain Oregon licensure must also take and pass the state-prepared written and practical examinations.

Continuing education

Licensees must complete and attest to 12 hours of continuing education each year. Learn more on the continuing education page.