Licensure Requirements

Licensure Requirements to become a Hearing Aid Specialist in the state of Florida.

To practice as a licensed Hearing Aid Specialist (HAS) in the state of Florida, individuals must meet strict statutory criteria designed to safeguard consumer safety and ensure high clinical capability. Regulated under Florida Statute Chapter 484, Part II, licenses are issued by the Florida Department of Health through the Board of Hearing Aid Specialists.

The state recognizes three distinct pathways to qualify for initial licensure.

General Prerequisites

Regardless of the chosen pathway, all applicants must satisfy the following baseline qualifications:

  • Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age (verified via a copy of a driver's license or birth certificate).
  • Education: Must possess an accredited high school diploma, transcripts, or a GED equivalent.
  • Jurisprudence Education: Must submit proof of completing a mandatory, board-approved 2-hour course on Florida Laws and Rules delivered by an approved provider logged in CE Broker.
  • Licensure Fees: Must remit the non-refundable $150.00 application fee, $320.00 initial licensure fee, and a $5.00 unlicensed activity fee.

Mandatory Background Screening & Fingerprinting

In accordance with Florida law, electronic fingerprinting is a mandatory requirement for initial licensure and enrollment in the training program. Your application cannot be reviewed or approved until this step is completed.

Applicants must undergo a Level 2 background screening by visiting an approved electronic Livescan vendor. You must provide the vendor with the specific Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number for the Florida Board of Hearing Aid Specialists so that your digital photo and fingerprints can be securely routed through the FDLE and FBI to the state's Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.

Pathways to Licensure

Pathway 1: The Florida Training Program: For Entry-Level Applicants.

This track requires registering with the state ($105.00 registration fee) and completing a structured, 6-month training program under the direct supervision of an eligible, licensed sponsor who is board-certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS). The program requires a minimum of 20 hours per week (totaling at least 480 hours) and is broken into 4 mandatory stages: Stage I (1 month orientation), Stage II (1 month of diagnostic testing with the sponsor physically present in the room), Stage III (1 month of fitting and planning), and Stage IV (3 months of final dispensing and delivery with the sponsor physically present in the room).

Pathway 2: Certification by NBC-HIS: For Credentialed Professionals.

Experienced specialists who already hold an active certification in good standing from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) can bypass the state training program. Applicants must request that NBC-HIS send proof of certification directly to the Board office and must submit verified copies of sales receipts documenting active, legal clinical practice for at least the preceding 12 months.

Pathway 3: Out-of-State Licensure: For Endorsement Candidates.

Professionals holding a valid, active license from another state or U.S. territory can apply via endorsement. Candidates must demonstrate that they have been actively and legally practicing under their out-of-state license by submitting verified sales receipts documenting consistent clinical activity for at least 12 months immediately preceding their Florida application.

Required Examinations

Once the general prerequisites are met and a qualifying pathway is approved by the Board, applicants receive an Examination Eligibility Notification and must pass two rigorous assessments to achieve full licensure:

The International Licensing Examination (ILE)

Administered by the International Hearing Society (IHS), this comprehensive, written examination evaluates a candidate's core competencies in audiometric testing, device selection, fitting mechanics, earmold technology, and post-fitting rehabilitation protocols.

The Florida Laws and Rules Examination

A state-specific jurisprudence exam testing the applicant’s thorough understanding of Florida Statute Chapter 484, Part II, and Rule Chapter 64B6 of the Florida Administrative Code. This ensures absolute compliance with state-mandated minimal procedures, certified testing room acoustics, itemized billing transparency, and the mandatory 30-day trial/cancellation laws.

Biennial Renewal and Continuing Education (CE)

To maintain an active license, Hearing Aid Specialists in Florida must renew their credentials biennially by February 28th of odd-numbered years.

Renewal requires the completion of 20 mandatory hours of Continuing Education (CE) during each two-year cycle, satisfying the following strict criteria:

  • In-Person Threshold: At least 10 of the 20 hours must be earned through live, in-person educational settings (such as the annual FHS Convention). The remaining 10 hours may be completed via home study or approved online courses.
  • Medical Errors: A mandatory 2-hour board-approved course dedicated to the prevention of medical errors is required every cycle.
  • HIV/AIDS Course: A one-time, 2-hour course on HIV/AIDS must be completed prior to or during the first renewal cycle that requires continuing education.
  • Tracking: All credits must be accurately logged and reported into the state's CE Broker tracking system before the renewal deadline.

Official Portals & Resources

For applications, exam registrations, and continuing education tracking, please utilize the official portals below: