- Apply online
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Getting started
Online Application Instructions
Online application instructions are on our website.
Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.
- Apply on paper
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The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms.
- Renewal requirements
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Hearing aid specialists must renew their licenses every year on or before their birthday. They're required to submit the appropriate fee and attest to having a surety bond or security in lieu of a bond, and that the equipment has been properly calibrated. Hearing aid specialists must complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years, which must include at least one hour of infection control.
- How to renew
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Is your contact information current?
In order to serve you better, we must have your correct mailing address in our system. This is especially important because we mail your courtesy renewal notice and updated credential to the address on file. The U.S. Postal Service does not forward Department of Health mail. If your contact information is not current in our system, please complete and submit the contact information change form. If you have questions, feel free to contact our staff.
How to renew
By mail
In person
Come to our Tumwater location.
Online
Hearing Instrument Fitter/Dispensers may now renew online. If you renew online, you must be able to attest that:
- You have completed your continuing education requirements if they are due this year.*
- The testing equipment used in your establishment has been properly calibrated.
- You are covered by a surety bond or maintain security in lieu of a surety bond per RCW 18.35.240.*
* Licensees may be randomly audited for continuing education and/or surety bond or security in lieu of surety bond compliance.
If you have not notified us of your place of employment, or your employment address has changed, please complete the Employment Update Form.
If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Service staff at 360-236-4700.
Fee Schedule
- See fee information below
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- License application and initial license - $175
- Renewal - $45
- Inactive license - $56
- Late renewal penalty - $40
- Expired license reissuance - $136
- Expired inactive license reissuance - $86
- Verification - $25
- Duplicate license - $30
- Hearing aid specialist practical examination for Washington Hearing Society applicants - $350
Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are non-refundable, per WAC 246-12-340.
Process for Approving/Denying Applications
We finish the final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete and complies with requirements in chapter 18.35 RCW and chapter 246-828 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify that the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.