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Minnesota Hearing Instrument Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Hearing Instrument Dispenser Certification

Certification to dispense prescription hearing aids under Minnesota Statutes chapter 153A.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Department of Health · Application information

Annual certification renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Information
Provide requested clarification within 30 days (153A.14, subd. 2e(4)).
Application
Submit the annual commissioner-provided renewal application and fee by October 1; renewal is effective November 1 (153A.14, subds. 2d-2f).
Continuing Education
Ten approved course hours earned November 1 through October 31, reported by December 1, unless certified for less than one year (153A.14, subd. 2i).
Equipment Calibration
If testing hearing, certify current ANSI calibration within 12 months of application (153A.14, subd. 2e(2)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial certification by examination
Application
Use commissioner-provided forms; disclose name, Social Security number, business address and telephone, employer, education, training, and hearing-testing and fitting experience; affirm truth and correctness (153A.14, subd. 1(2)-(4)).
Background Check
Consent to the fingerprint-based criminal-history check, pay required fees, and cooperate with information requests; a new check is required if more than one year has elapsed since the last application; refusal within 90 days or failure to submit fingerprints prevents issuance (153A.14, subds. 1(9) and 2(b)).
Compliance
The commissioner determines compliance with chapter 153A and may deny or reject certification for a violation or failure to comply (153A.14, subd. 2(a)).
Continuing Education
Submit continuing-education credits if required (153A.14, subds. 1(7) and 2i); dispensers certified for less than one year are exempt from the annual ten-hour requirement.
Equipment Calibration
Submit certification that audiometric equipment meets current ANSI standards and has been calibrated within 12 months of application (153A.14, subd. 1(6)).
Examination Order
MDH encourages but does not require taking the ILE before registering for the practical exam; certification still requires passing both exams (MDH Written Exam Instructions and HID Exam Information, After the exam).
Examination Time Limits
Pass all examination portions within two years or retake the entire examination; apply for certification within one year of successful examination completion or retake every portion; no practical portion may be taken more than three times in two years (153A.14, subd. 2h(c)).
Fees
Pay the fees required by 153A.17 (153A.14, subd. 1(8)).
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old (153A.14, subd. 1(1)).
Other Jurisdiction Verification
If the applicant holds or has held a dispensing credential elsewhere, provide verification from every such authority of issuance, expiration, credential number, status, and disciplinary history; the authority may send electronic verification to MDH (MDH certification application, page 4, question 11).
Records Authorization
Provide signed authorization for inquiries to regulatory agencies in jurisdictions where the applicant has sold prescription hearing aids (153A.14, subd. 1(5)).
Return after certification lapse of two years or more
Application
Use commissioner-provided forms; disclose name, Social Security number, business address and telephone, employer, education, training, and hearing-testing and fitting experience; affirm truth and correctness (153A.14, subd. 1(2)-(4)).
Background Check
Consent to the fingerprint-based criminal-history check, pay required fees, and cooperate with information requests; a new check is required if more than one year has elapsed since the last application; refusal within 90 days or failure to submit fingerprints prevents issuance (153A.14, subds. 1(9) and 2(b)).
Compliance
The commissioner determines compliance with chapter 153A and may deny or reject certification for a violation or failure to comply (153A.14, subd. 2(a)).
Continuing Education
The continuing-education requirement of subd. 2i is excepted for this return after a lapse of two years or more (153A.14, subd. 2g).
Equipment Calibration
Submit certification that audiometric equipment meets current ANSI standards and has been calibrated within 12 months of application (153A.14, subd. 1(6)).
Examination Order
MDH encourages but does not require taking the ILE before registering for the practical exam; certification still requires passing both exams (MDH Written Exam Instructions and HID Exam Information, After the exam).
Examination Time Limits
Pass all examination portions within two years or retake the entire examination; apply for certification within one year of successful examination completion or retake every portion; no practical portion may be taken more than three times in two years (153A.14, subd. 2h(c)).
Fees
Pay the fees required by 153A.17 (153A.14, subd. 1(8)).
Lapse
The certification has lapsed for at least two years. All chapter requirements apply except continuing education under subd. 2i; certification application fees are not prorated (153A.14, subd. 2g).
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old (153A.14, subd. 1(1)).
Other Jurisdiction Verification
If the applicant holds or has held a dispensing credential elsewhere, provide verification from every such authority of issuance, expiration, credential number, status, and disciplinary history; the authority may send electronic verification to MDH (MDH certification application, page 4, question 11).
Records Authorization
Provide signed authorization for inquiries to regulatory agencies in jurisdictions where the applicant has sold prescription hearing aids (153A.14, subd. 1(5)).
Return after certification lapse of less than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Information
Provide requested clarification within 30 days (153A.14, subd. 2e(4)).
Application
Submit the annual commissioner-provided renewal application and fee by October 1; renewal is effective November 1 (153A.14, subds. 2d-2f).
Continuing Education
Ten approved course hours earned November 1 through October 31, reported by December 1, unless certified for less than one year (153A.14, subd. 2i).
Equipment Calibration
If testing hearing, certify current ANSI calibration within 12 months of application (153A.14, subd. 2e(2)).
Lapse
The certification has lapsed for less than two years; comply with all chapter requirements except certification by examination under subd. 2h. Pay the late fee; no proration of the application fee (153A.14, subd. 2g).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late certification renewal before lapse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Additional Information
Provide requested clarification within 30 days (153A.14, subd. 2e(4)).
Application
Submit the annual commissioner-provided renewal application and fee by October 1; renewal is effective November 1 (153A.14, subds. 2d-2f).
Continuing Education
Ten approved course hours earned November 1 through October 31, reported by December 1, unless certified for less than one year (153A.14, subd. 2i).
Equipment Calibration
If testing hearing, certify current ANSI calibration within 12 months of application (153A.14, subd. 2e(2)).
Late Fee
Renewal received or postmarked after October 1 requires a late fee. An illegible postmark is timely if received by October 7; certification lapses if not renewed before November 1 (153A.14, subds. 2f-2g).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal while eligible for armed forces or national defense employment exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Exemption Period
Exemption continues during that service or employment and for six months after discharge or return to the United States; certification remains in effect during this period.
Existing Certification
Certification must have been effective on entry into the armed forces or qualifying employment outside the United States essential to a war or national defense (MDH Armed Forces Personnel and Other Exemptions, page 1).
Notice And Evidence
Notify MDH and supply requested evidence of active duty or qualifying employment; notify MDH after discharge or cessation within six months. For multiple renewal periods notify MDH that exemption continues and document status if asked.
Return To Ordinary Renewal
After the six-month period, submit the renewal application and fee and report continuing education prorated from the cessation of exempt status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration or reapproval after denial, rejection, revocation, or suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ceased Behavior
Submit evidence that the disqualifying behavior has ceased (153A.14, subd. 2c).
Orders
Meet every condition and term of any order to which the applicant is subject; the commissioner may restore or approve certification. The statutory restoration provision identifies no additional examination, and an individual order remains an applicant-specific condition (153A.14, subd. 2c).
Waiting Period
Reapplication is available after two years (153A.14, subd. 2c).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Hearing Instrument Dispenser Trainee

Time-limited state approval to dispense prescription hearing aids under required supervision.

Licensing authority: Minnesota Department of Health · Application information

Initial trainee approval under direct supervision
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Use commissioner-provided forms; disclose name, Social Security number, business address and telephone, employer, education, training, and hearing-testing and fitting experience; affirm truth and correctness (153A.14, subd. 1(2)-(4)).
Background Check
Consent to the fingerprint-based criminal-history check, pay required fees, and cooperate with information requests; a new check is required if more than one year has elapsed since the last application; refusal within 90 days or failure to submit fingerprints prevents issuance (153A.14, subds. 1(9) and 2(b)).
Compliance
The commissioner determines compliance with chapter 153A and may deny or reject certification for a violation or failure to comply (153A.14, subd. 2(a)).
Direct Supervision
Before passing the practical examination, direct supervision is required in hearing-testing protocol areas and activities tested by the practical examination (153A.14, subd. 4a(b)).
Duration
Approval lasts no more than 12 months and expires automatically two months after notice of passing all examination requirements (153A.14, subds. 4a(a) and 4d).
Equipment Calibration
Submit certification that audiometric equipment meets current ANSI standards and has been calibrated within 12 months of application (153A.14, subd. 1(6)).
Examination Exemption
Initial trainee approval requires all certification requirements except examination passage (153A.14, subd. 4a(a)(3)).
Fees
Pay the fees required by 153A.17 (153A.14, subd. 1(8)).
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old (153A.14, subd. 1(1)).
Other Jurisdiction Verification
If the applicant holds or has held a dispensing credential elsewhere, provide verification from every such authority of issuance, expiration, credential number, status, and disciplinary history; the authority may send electronic verification to MDH (MDH certification application, page 4, question 11).
Records Authorization
Provide signed authorization for inquiries to regulatory agencies in jurisdictions where the applicant has sold prescription hearing aids (153A.14, subd. 1(5)).
Supervision
Work under a certified dispenser satisfying subd. 4a(b). A supervisor may supervise no more than two trainees simultaneously and directly supervise no more than one at a time; disqualifying orders within the preceding five years bar supervision.
Title
Use the title dispenser trainee in contacts with patients, clients, or consumers (153A.14, subd. 4a(a)(4)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Trainee authorization for indirect supervision after passing the practical examination
HID Practical Exam
Application
Use commissioner-provided forms; disclose name, Social Security number, business address and telephone, employer, education, training, and hearing-testing and fitting experience; affirm truth and correctness (153A.14, subd. 1(2)-(4)).
Background Check
Consent to the fingerprint-based criminal-history check, pay required fees, and cooperate with information requests; a new check is required if more than one year has elapsed since the last application; refusal within 90 days or failure to submit fingerprints prevents issuance (153A.14, subds. 1(9) and 2(b)).
Compliance
The commissioner determines compliance with chapter 153A and may deny or reject certification for a violation or failure to comply (153A.14, subd. 2(a)).
Duration
Approval lasts no more than 12 months and expires automatically two months after notice of passing all examination requirements (153A.14, subds. 4a(a) and 4d).
Equipment Calibration
Submit certification that audiometric equipment meets current ANSI standards and has been calibrated within 12 months of application (153A.14, subd. 1(6)).
Examination Exemption
Initial trainee approval requires all certification requirements except examination passage (153A.14, subd. 4a(a)(3)).
Fees
Pay the fees required by 153A.17 (153A.14, subd. 1(8)).
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old (153A.14, subd. 1(1)).
Monitored Activities
Under indirect supervision, complete two monitored activities each week; the supervisor records supervision time and retains the record. Activities may include evaluation of audiograms, written reports, and contracts.
Other Jurisdiction Verification
If the applicant holds or has held a dispensing credential elsewhere, provide verification from every such authority of issuance, expiration, credential number, status, and disciplinary history; the authority may send electronic verification to MDH (MDH certification application, page 4, question 11).
Practical Pass
Pass the practical examination specified in subd. 2h(a)(2) before dispensing under indirect supervision (153A.14, subd. 4a(b)).
Records Authorization
Provide signed authorization for inquiries to regulatory agencies in jurisdictions where the applicant has sold prescription hearing aids (153A.14, subd. 1(5)).
Supervision
Work under a certified dispenser satisfying subd. 4a(b). A supervisor may supervise no more than two trainees simultaneously and directly supervise no more than one at a time; disqualifying orders within the preceding five years bar supervision.
Title
Use the title dispenser trainee in contacts with patients, clients, or consumers (153A.14, subd. 4a(a)(4)).
Trainee reciprocity with initial indirect supervision
HID Practical Exam
Application
Use commissioner-provided forms; disclose name, Social Security number, business address and telephone, employer, education, training, and hearing-testing and fitting experience; affirm truth and correctness (153A.14, subd. 1(2)-(4)).
Background Check
Consent to the fingerprint-based criminal-history check, pay required fees, and cooperate with information requests; a new check is required if more than one year has elapsed since the last application; refusal within 90 days or failure to submit fingerprints prevents issuance (153A.14, subds. 1(9) and 2(b)).
Compliance
The commissioner determines compliance with chapter 153A and may deny or reject certification for a violation or failure to comply (153A.14, subd. 2(a)).
Credential Held
Provide a copy of a current dispensing credential issued by the District of Columbia or a United States state or territory (153A.14, subd. 4c(a)(3)).
Disciplinary Affidavit
Provide a signed and dated affidavit that no current or past disciplinary action applies and that the applicant is not disqualified under 153A.15, subd. 1 (153A.14, subd. 4c(a)(2)).
Duration
Approval lasts no more than 12 months and expires automatically two months after notice of passing all examination requirements (153A.14, subds. 4a(a) and 4d).
Equipment Calibration
Submit certification that audiometric equipment meets current ANSI standards and has been calibrated within 12 months of application (153A.14, subd. 1(6)).
Examination Exemption
Initial trainee approval requires all certification requirements except examination passage (153A.14, subd. 4a(a)(3)).
Experience
Previously dispensed prescription hearing aids in another jurisdiction (153A.14, subd. 4c(a)).
Fees
Pay the fees required by 153A.17 (153A.14, subd. 1(8)).
Minimum Age
At least 21 years old (153A.14, subd. 1(1)).
Next Practical Exam
Take and pass the next offered practical examination; otherwise cease dispensing unless under direct supervision. Passage is a leaf although it follows approval (153A.14, subd. 4c(b)).
Other Jurisdiction Verification
If the applicant holds or has held a dispensing credential elsewhere, provide verification from every such authority of issuance, expiration, credential number, status, and disciplinary history; the authority may send electronic verification to MDH (MDH certification application, page 4, question 11).
Records Authorization
Provide signed authorization for inquiries to regulatory agencies in jurisdictions where the applicant has sold prescription hearing aids (153A.14, subd. 1(5)).
Supervision
Work under a certified dispenser satisfying subd. 4a(b). A supervisor may supervise no more than two trainees simultaneously and directly supervise no more than one at a time; disqualifying orders within the preceding five years bar supervision.
Title
Use the title dispenser trainee in contacts with patients, clients, or consumers (153A.14, subd. 4a(a)(4)).

HID Practical Exam

Provider
Minnesota Department of Health
Format
Virtual and in-person practical assessment across four content areas, including multiple-choice troubleshooting questions.
Passing score
Passing score required in each of the four content areas; incorrectly performed or omitted critical patient-safety activities cause failure regardless of score.
Examination outline
  • Audiometry (Pure Tone and Speech)
    • Pure-tone air and bone conduction thresholds using the modified Hughson-Westlake technique and masking as necessary
    • Correct preparation of audiograms, including the virtual simulated audiogram
    • Audiometer setup for speech testing
    • Speech audiometric tests
    • Appropriate client interviewing and identification of ear conditions requiring medical referral
    • Hands-on audiometry skills at the in-person exam
  • Ear mold impressions
    • Client instructions for ear mold impression taking
    • Cleansing procedures for hands and equipment
    • Proper technique in otoscopic ear examination
    • Visual evaluation of eardrum photographs and medical referral decisions
    • Production of a satisfactory ear mold impression
    • Boxing ear mold impressions for shipment
  • Hearing aid fitting and servicing
    • Diagnosis of malfunctioning hearing aids
    • Interpretation of audiometric test results and selection of the most appropriate hearing aid
    • Procedures for remedying hearing aid problems commonly experienced by clients
    • Counseling on comparative advantages and disadvantages of hearing aid styles
  • Minnesota law
    • Minn. Stat. § 148.5195 — Investigation process and grounds for disciplinary action
    • Minn. Stat. § 148.5197 — Hearing Aid Dispensing
    • Minn. Stat. § 148.5198 — Restriction on Sale of Hearing Aid
    • Minn. Stat. ch. 153A — Hearing Instrument Dispenser Certification
    • Minn. Stat. § 325G.06 — Definitions
    • Minn. Stat. § 325G.07 — Buyer's Right to Cancel
    • Minn. Stat. § 325G.08 — Writing Required; Notice of Right to Cancel; Notice of Cancellation
    • Minn. Stat. § 325G.09 — Return of Payments or Goods
    • Minn. Stat. § 325G.10 — Penalties for Violation
    • Minn. Stat. § 325G.11 — Damages
    • Minn. Stat. § 325G.12 — Definitions
    • Minn. Stat. § 325G.13 — Disclosure Obligation
    • Minn. Stat. § 325G.14 — Penalties; Remedies
    • Minn. Stat. § 325G.203 — Definitions
    • Minn. Stat. § 325G.204 — Express Warranties
    • Minn. Stat. § 325G.205 — Assistive Device Replacement or Refund
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