TexasHearing Aid Specialist Licensing Requirements

An apprentice permit allows an individual to provide services to clients while under the supervision of a licensed hearing instrument fitter and dispenser or audiologist.

Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for an apprentice permit, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must hold a current temporary training permit
• You must have completed the supervised practicum
• You have successfully met the examination requirements

Jurisprudence Test

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 Texas Hearing Instrument Fitter and Dispenser Jurisprudence Examination content is based on the state and federal laws, rules, and regulations relating to the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments.

Location and Dates of Jurisprudence Test
The test is offered online. After paying the fees, you may log in and begin taking the test. Your certificate will be available to print upon successful completion

Fees

• Apprentice Permit Application Fee – $205/li>
• Jurisprudence Exam Fee – $34

An apprentice permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Documents Required

• Apprentice Permit Application
• Supervisor’s Affidavit
• Certificate of completion of the Jurisprudence Test

Apprenticeship Requirements

An apprentice must work under the direct or indirect supervision of a Texas licensed hearing instrument fitter and dispenser or audiologist for at least one year. A supervisor of an apprentice is responsible for services to the client that may be performed by the apprentice.

Continuing Education

As part of the apprenticeship, the permit holder must complete 20 hours of classroom continuing education in one or more of the approved subjects during the one year permit timeframe.

Eligibility

To apply for a Hearing Instrument Fitter and Dispenser License in Texas, you must first have completed an apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed individual.

You must also have completed 20 hours of classroom continuing education in approved subject matter during the one year apprentice permit timeframe.

Fees

• Hearing Instrument Fitter and Dispenser Application Fees – $205

A hearing instrument fitter and dispenser license is valid for two years from the date of issuance and may be renewed every two years.

Written Test

The written test is the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Instrument Dispensers test administered by the International Hearing Society (IHS). The IHS will contact eligible candidates by email with instructions to schedule your test. Please ensure TDLR has your current email address on file.

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the written test, you must either hold a current temporary training permit, or apply as an out-of-state license holder.

TDLR will approve temporary training permit holders to take the written test once the direct supervised practicum has been completed and the Temporary Training Permit Supervised Practicum Affidavit (PDF) has been approved by the department.

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility to take the written test, please contact TDLR — do not contact IHS. Applicable fees are paid directly to IHS upon registration for taking the test.

Practical Test

TDLR has contracted a third-party vendor, PSI, to develop and administer the Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Practical State Licensing Examination, which are the two practical skills licensing tests for the Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Program. For information about the PSI testing program or, if you are eligible, to register, go to www.psiexams.com.

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the practical test, you must either hold a current temporary training permit, or apply as an out-of-state license holder.

TDLR will approve temporary training permit holders to take the practical test once the direct supervised practicum has been completed and the Temporary Training Permit Supervised Practicum Affidavit (PDF) has been approved by the department.

Once your qualifications have been reviewed, and you have been found to meet the eligibility requirements, you will receive an eligibility email notice from PSI. The email includes instructions for registering and scheduling your practical test.

Required Materials

Candidates are required to print and bring the Audiogram to their Hearing Instrument Fitter and Dispenser Practical Test.

For the Audiometric portion, candidates are additionally required to bring a model of their choice who is at least 18 years of age and to print and bring the Release of Liability & Indemnity Agreement in the Candidate Information Bulletin.

Test Results

The applicant must pass the written test and the practical test.

Test results will be sent to your mailing address on file, when they become available. Please ensure that your contact information is kept current.

If you do not pass an test, you may retake the failed test for as long as your temporary training permit or out-of-state license remains valid. There is no limit to the number of times you may re-take a test, but a new test fee will be required each time you take the test.