- Education
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Applicants for hearing aid specialist licenses must provide proof of successfully completing a two-year degree or nine-month certificate program in hearing aid specialist instruction through a program approved by the Board of Hearing and Speech. Official transcripts must indicate the degree or certificate and the date it was granted.
- Examination
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Hearing aid specialist applicants must pass the board-approved hearing aid specialist written examination. Applicants who have completed a nine-month certificate must also pass a board-approved practical examination. Verification must be sent directly from or verified directly with the examination agency.
- Agent registration
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Hearing aid specialist applicants must provide the name of a registered agent to accept service of process for any violation of law.
- Bonding/security in lieu of a bond
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Hearing aid specialist applicants must attest that they are covered by a surety bond, or provide verification of security in lieu of a bond in the amount of at least $10,000.
- State license verification
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Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form. The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.
- Personal data questions
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Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. If there is a positive answer to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition. If a case is pending, the applicant must indicate the status.
- Continuing education
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The purpose of continuing education is to ensure the highest quality professional care. The objectives are to improve and increase the ability to deliver the highest possible quality professional care and keep the professional abreast of current developments.
Audiologists, hearing aid specialists, speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology assistants must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every three years. At least one hour of the continuing education must be on infection control.
For more information on the continuing education requirement, see WAC 246-828-510 and WAC 246-12 Part 7.
Approved Schools for Licensure
- Two-year degree program
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- Spokane Falls Community College, AAS, Hearing Instrument Specialist
- *Nine-month certificate programs
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- Washington Hearing Society, certificate, Hearing Aid Specialist Training
*To enroll in nine-month certificate programs, applicants must have at least an associate or baccalaureate degree in any field of study that includes a minimum of five credits each of 100 level or greater English composition, basic math, and humanities. Each school will verify your degree and coursework.
Written Exam Information
- See written exam information below:
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The Hearing Aid Specialist Written Examination developed by the International Hearing Society (IHS) is a computer-based test. Successful completion of the written exam is a licensure requirement for all applicants. The written exam is available at various testing centers statewide.
Written examination scheduling procedures are as follows:
- Department of Health credentialing staff members will review your application to ensure you're eligible to sit for the exam. If you're eligible, staff will notify IHS of your eligibility.
- IHS will contact you with instructions on how to create an online account, schedule and pay for your exam. They'll also send you a study guide.
- Once you've completed your exam, credentialing staff members will notify you of your exam score by email.
- If you pass the exam, the licensure process will proceed.
- If you don't pass the exam, you're eligible to retake the exam. Credentialing staff will notify IHS of your retake eligibility.
Practical Exam Information
The Hearing Aid Specialist Practical Examination developed by the International Hearing Society (IHS) is a clinical examination administered by members of the Board of Hearing and Speech. Successful completion of the practical exam is a licensure requirement for applicants who have completed a nine-month certificate program approved by the board. It is not a requirement for applicants who have completed a two-year degree program approved by the board. The practical exam is given quarterly at the Department of Health offices in Tumwater.
Practical examination scheduling procedures are as follows:
- Department of Health credentialing staff members will review your application to ensure you're eligible for the exam. You must send a Hearing Aid Specialist Application and fee to the Department of Health at least 60 days before the examination date.
- Your school's program director will send a roster of eligible candidates to the Department of Health for each examination date.
- You will receive an authorization letter from the Department of Health two weeks before the examination date indicating the time and location of your examination.
- If you don't pass the exam, you're eligible to retake the next regularly scheduled exam.
Practical examination dates are:
- March 28, 2025
- June 27, 2025
- September 26, 2025
- December 5, 2025