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Louisiana Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Certificate of Endorsement

Individual credential based on an equivalent or higher out-of-jurisdiction license and qualifying program.

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board for Hearing Aid Dealers · Application information

Certificate of endorsement
Open Book Licensing Examination
Application fee
The Board application requires a $200 nonrefundable application fee; initial credential issuance fee is the same as for an initial license.
Equivalence
Board determines the other jurisdiction requirements and qualification program are equivalent to or higher than Louisiana requirements.
Existing license
Current, unsuspended and unrevoked license or certificate to sell and fit hearing aids in another jurisdiction.
Open book
The Board bylaws require endorsement applicants to take the Louisiana Licensing Act and Bylaws open-book examination.
Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Calibration
The Board bylaws require a current annual audiometric equipment calibration certificate at renewal.
Deadline
Renew annually for the license period ending December 31.
Education
12 Board-approved continuing-education hours per year; maximum 4 internet/correspondence hours; documentary proof required. A license issued July 1 or later first needs the 12 hours by December 31 of the following year.
Fee
$200 annual renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal during 30 day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Calibration
Submit current annual audiometric calibration certificate at renewal.
Education
Meet the statutory renewal continuing-education requirements.
Eligibility
Within the 30-day grace period after expiration.
Fee
$300 renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal after suspension for nonrenewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Calibration
Submit current audiometric calibration certificate.
Discretion
Board may renew upon payment of $400.
Education
Satisfy the renewal/reinstatement continuing-education requirements.
Eligibility
Credential suspended after failure to renew by expiration of the grace period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply by registered or certified mail.
Discretion
Reinstatement is at the sole discretion of the Board; no identified examination is specified in the governing reinstatement provision.
Education
Satisfy statutory reinstatement continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reacquisition after suspension period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Contact Board by registered or certified mail and arrange reacquisition for the duration of the licensed period.
Education
Satisfy statutory reinstatement continuing education.
Eligibility
Suspension period has expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Hearing Aid Dealer License

Individual license to sell and fit hearing aids in Louisiana.

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board for Hearing Aid Dealers · Application information

Licensure by examination
Application
Complete notarized Board application, $200 nonrefundable application fee, transcripts, birth certificate, photograph, references and the requested licensure, disciplinary and conviction disclosures.
Board education evidence
The Board application states a minimum of 60 earned credit hours or an associate degree from an accredited institution, with a certified transcript sent directly by the registrar.
Education
High-school equivalent plus two years of college or accredited higher education; alternatively, continuous hearing-aid fitting and selling and good standing for a period of no less than two years from the date of application, as Act 887 states. The Act deletes the former reference to practice during the two years preceding the original effective date of the Chapter.
Exam retakes
After two successive failed attempts of practical, written and/or open-book examination the Board bylaws require a new application; only failed practical sections are retaken.
Health
Free of contagious or infectious disease; the application requires a physician certificate within 60 days of postmark.
Military training credit
R.S. 37:3651(D) allows comparable military education, training or experience to satisfy those requirements wholly or partly as determined by the Board.
Minimum age
At least 21 years old under R.S. 37:2445(2).
Moral character
Good moral character to the satisfaction of the Board.
Training permit holders
If applying following a temporary training permit, complete at least 150 directly supervised practicum hours and continue direct supervision after those hours.
Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Calibration
The Board bylaws require a current annual audiometric equipment calibration certificate at renewal.
Deadline
Renew annually for the license period ending December 31.
Education
12 Board-approved continuing-education hours per year; maximum 4 internet/correspondence hours; documentary proof required. A license issued July 1 or later first needs the 12 hours by December 31 of the following year.
Fee
$200 annual renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal during 30 day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Calibration
Submit current annual audiometric calibration certificate at renewal.
Education
Meet the statutory renewal continuing-education requirements.
Eligibility
Within the 30-day grace period after expiration.
Fee
$300 renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal after suspension for nonrenewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Calibration
Submit current audiometric calibration certificate.
Discretion
Board may renew upon payment of $400.
Education
Satisfy the renewal/reinstatement continuing-education requirements.
Eligibility
Credential suspended after failure to renew by expiration of the grace period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply by registered or certified mail.
Discretion
Reinstatement is at the sole discretion of the Board; no identified examination is specified in the governing reinstatement provision.
Education
Satisfy statutory reinstatement continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reacquisition after suspension period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Contact Board by registered or certified mail and arrange reacquisition for the duration of the licensed period.
Education
Satisfy statutory reinstatement continuing education.
Eligibility
Suspension period has expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military family work experience recognition
Open Book Licensing Examination
Exclusions
No dishonorable discharge for the applicant or military spouse; the statutory exclusions for judicially regulated occupations, compact-covered persons and nationwide licensure/registration apply.
Fees
Pay applicable Louisiana fees.
Governing law
The Louisiana occupation laws and the jurisdiction of this Board continue to apply.
Jurisprudence discretion
Under R.S. 37:3651(E), the Board may require the identified Louisiana open-book law and bylaws examination.
License history
No negligence/misconduct-related revocation or surrender; pending unprofessional-conduct or crime complaint/investigation must be resolved or the applicant must otherwise satisfy Louisiana criteria to the Board.
Military eligibility
The applicant must fit the military, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent categories stated in the applicable subsection of R.S. 37:3651; assignment or legal-residence requirements in subsection A apply to that route.
Permanent application
Simultaneously apply for a permanent license; any pending permit terminates automatically if the permanent application fails qualification.
Qualifications
At least three years of work in a jurisdiction that does not license or government-certify this occupation, with similar scope determined by the Board.
Military family existing license recognition
Open Book Licensing Examination
Exclusions
No dishonorable discharge for the applicant or military spouse; the statutory exclusions for judicially regulated occupations, compact-covered persons and nationwide licensure/registration apply.
Fees
Pay applicable Louisiana fees.
Governing law
The Louisiana occupation laws and the jurisdiction of this Board continue to apply.
Jurisprudence discretion
Under R.S. 37:3651(E), the Board may require the identified Louisiana open-book law and bylaws examination.
License history
No negligence/misconduct-related revocation or surrender; pending unprofessional-conduct or crime complaint/investigation must be resolved or the applicant must otherwise satisfy Louisiana criteria to the Board.
Military eligibility
The applicant must fit the military, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent categories stated in the applicable subsection of R.S. 37:3651; assignment or legal-residence requirements in subsection A apply to that route.
Permanent application
Simultaneously apply for a permanent license; any pending permit terminates automatically if the permanent application fails qualification.
Qualifications
Current valid other-jurisdiction license in similar scope for at least one year, prior jurisdiction examinations or educational/training/experience standards satisfied, good standing and no disqualifying criminal record.
Military family private certification and experience recognition
Open Book Licensing Examination
Exclusions
No dishonorable discharge for the applicant or military spouse; the statutory exclusions for judicially regulated occupations, compact-covered persons and nationwide licensure/registration apply.
Fees
Pay applicable Louisiana fees.
Governing law
The Louisiana occupation laws and the jurisdiction of this Board continue to apply.
Jurisprudence discretion
Under R.S. 37:3651(E), the Board may require the identified Louisiana open-book law and bylaws examination.
License history
No negligence/misconduct-related revocation or surrender; pending unprofessional-conduct or crime complaint/investigation must be resolved or the applicant must otherwise satisfy Louisiana criteria to the Board.
Military eligibility
The applicant must fit the military, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent categories stated in the applicable subsection of R.S. 37:3651; assignment or legal-residence requirements in subsection A apply to that route.
Permanent application
Simultaneously apply for a permanent license; any pending permit terminates automatically if the permanent application fails qualification.
Qualifications
At least two years of work in an unlicensed/non-government-certified jurisdiction, plus a current valid private certification held in good standing; no named private-certification examination is specified.
Welcome Home Act recognition
Open Book Licensing Examination
Existing credential
Hold a current valid out-of-state license or certification in a similar scope of practice for at least one year; prior examination or education, training or experience standards of that jurisdiction are applicant evidence.
Fees
Pay applicable Louisiana fees.
Mobility
The recognized license is valid only in Louisiana and does not itself create compact or reciprocal practice eligibility elsewhere.
Residency
Louisiana residency evidenced by a state ID, voter registration, homestead exemption, or employment/promise-of-employment evidence; employment-based evidence must be supplemented after six months.
Standing
Good standing, no disqualifying criminal record, and no pending disciplinary action or investigation unless resolved or otherwise accepted by the Board under the statute.
State law exam discretion
R.S. 37:54(A) permits the Board to require the identified Louisiana open-book law and bylaws examination.

Permit Pending Normal License

Military-family occupational permit pending the simultaneous permanent-license application under R.S. 37:3651.

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board for Hearing Aid Dealers · Application information

Military family work experience recognition pending normal licensure
Open Book Licensing Examination
Exclusions
No dishonorable discharge for the applicant or military spouse; the statutory exclusions for judicially regulated occupations, compact-covered persons and nationwide licensure/registration apply.
Fees
Pay applicable Louisiana fees.
Governing law
The Louisiana occupation laws and the jurisdiction of this Board continue to apply.
Jurisprudence discretion
Under R.S. 37:3651(E), the Board may require the identified Louisiana open-book law and bylaws examination.
License history
No negligence/misconduct-related revocation or surrender; pending unprofessional-conduct or crime complaint/investigation must be resolved or the applicant must otherwise satisfy Louisiana criteria to the Board.
Military eligibility
The applicant must fit the military, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent categories stated in the applicable subsection of R.S. 37:3651; assignment or legal-residence requirements in subsection A apply to that route.
Permanent application
Simultaneously apply for a permanent license; any pending permit terminates automatically if the permanent application fails qualification.
Qualifications
At least three years of work in a jurisdiction that does not license or government-certify this occupation, with similar scope determined by the Board.
Military family existing license recognition pending normal licensure
Open Book Licensing Examination
Exclusions
No dishonorable discharge for the applicant or military spouse; the statutory exclusions for judicially regulated occupations, compact-covered persons and nationwide licensure/registration apply.
Fees
Pay applicable Louisiana fees.
Governing law
The Louisiana occupation laws and the jurisdiction of this Board continue to apply.
Jurisprudence discretion
Under R.S. 37:3651(E), the Board may require the identified Louisiana open-book law and bylaws examination.
License history
No negligence/misconduct-related revocation or surrender; pending unprofessional-conduct or crime complaint/investigation must be resolved or the applicant must otherwise satisfy Louisiana criteria to the Board.
Military eligibility
The applicant must fit the military, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent categories stated in the applicable subsection of R.S. 37:3651; assignment or legal-residence requirements in subsection A apply to that route.
Permanent application
Simultaneously apply for a permanent license; any pending permit terminates automatically if the permanent application fails qualification.
Qualifications
Current valid other-jurisdiction license in similar scope for at least one year, prior jurisdiction examinations or educational/training/experience standards satisfied, good standing and no disqualifying criminal record.
Military family private certification and experience recognition pending normal licensure
Open Book Licensing Examination
Exclusions
No dishonorable discharge for the applicant or military spouse; the statutory exclusions for judicially regulated occupations, compact-covered persons and nationwide licensure/registration apply.
Fees
Pay applicable Louisiana fees.
Governing law
The Louisiana occupation laws and the jurisdiction of this Board continue to apply.
Jurisprudence discretion
Under R.S. 37:3651(E), the Board may require the identified Louisiana open-book law and bylaws examination.
License history
No negligence/misconduct-related revocation or surrender; pending unprofessional-conduct or crime complaint/investigation must be resolved or the applicant must otherwise satisfy Louisiana criteria to the Board.
Military eligibility
The applicant must fit the military, qualifying Department of Defense civilian, spouse or dependent categories stated in the applicable subsection of R.S. 37:3651; assignment or legal-residence requirements in subsection A apply to that route.
Permanent application
Simultaneously apply for a permanent license; any pending permit terminates automatically if the permanent application fails qualification.
Qualifications
At least two years of work in an unlicensed/non-government-certified jurisdiction, plus a current valid private certification held in good standing; no named private-certification examination is specified.

Registration of Corporation, Partnership, Trust, Association or Other Like Organization

Organization registration for the sale and fitting of hearing aids through licensed individuals.

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board for Hearing Aid Dealers · Application information

Annual organization registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Board corporation form requires entity, ownership, business-site and licensed-personnel information and audiometer calibration certificates; its attestation also states that a corporation/legal-entity chief executive officer is licensed.
Changes
The Board form requires notice of information changes within 15 days.
Licensed personnel
Report all directly or indirectly employed/contracted licensed hearing aid dealers and agree to Board rules and Chapter 30; this organization route does not substitute for an individual dealer credential.
Timing
File on or before the first day of each calendar year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial organization registration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Board corporation form requires entity, ownership, business-site and licensed-personnel information and audiometer calibration certificates; its attestation also states that a corporation/legal-entity chief executive officer is licensed.
Changes
The Board form requires notice of information changes within 15 days.
Licensed personnel
Report all directly or indirectly employed/contracted licensed hearing aid dealers and agree to Board rules and Chapter 30; this organization route does not substitute for an individual dealer credential.
Timing
Register intention before selling or offering hearing aids or accessories.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Training Permit

Supervised participation in fitting and selling hearing aids while preparing for the required examinations.

Licensing authority: Louisiana Board for Hearing Aid Dealers · Application information

Temporary training permit renewal after examination failure
Board discretion
Board may grant one renewal only.
Duration
Ends 30 days after conclusion of the next examination.
Eligibility
Took and failed the next required examination.
Fee
$75 renewal fee.
Retakes
Retake failed practical sections as the Board bylaws provide; passing results and individual retake eligibility determine what the applicant must repeat.
Supervision
Continued direct supervision; the application sponsor affidavit requires repetition of the practicum after examination failure.
Temporary training permit renewal for good cause after not taking examination
Eligibility
Did not take the next required examination; good cause must be shown to the satisfaction of the Board.
Supervision
Continued supervised training and the next required examinations; renewal does not excuse qualification for the ordinary license.
Initial temporary training permit
Eligibility
Fulfill R.S. 37:2445 and have not previously applied to take the R.S. 37:2446 examination.
Exam timing
Permit may issue before examinations, but the holder must take the next required examination; the permit ends 30 days after it. The Board bylaws require holders issued permits four months before the next examination to take it.
Fee
$100 temporary training permit fee.
Practice limit
Routine fitting and dispensing as judged by the sponsor or co-sponsor; no independent ownership, management or operation, and no representation as a fully licensed dispenser.
Supervision
Qualified licensed or endorsed sponsor and co-sponsor; 150 directly supervised practicum hours under R.S. 37:2449.1; continued direct supervision thereafter.

Open Book Licensing Examination

Provider
Louisiana Board for Hearing Aid Dealers
Format
Open-book written examination; may be submitted online
Examination outline
  • Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 37, Chapter 30 — Hearing Aid Dealers
  • Louisiana Board for Hearing Aid Dealers Bylaws, as amended July 2022
  • Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXIX, Chapter 3 — Ethics
  • Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXIX, Chapter 5 — Application for License
  • Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part XXXIX, Chapter 9 — License
Examination sources

IHS Practical Examination

This assessment does not have a question bank.

Provider
Louisiana Board for Hearing Aid Dealers
Format
Board-proctored practical examination
Exam fee
$200.00 per occurrence; nonrefundable
Examination sources

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