An official website of the State of Florida 
Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for Hearing Aid Specialists.
Apply for a License
Requirements
The Department shall license each applicant who the board certifies:
- Has completed the application form and remitted the required fees
- Is 18 years of age
- Is a graduate of an accredited high school or its equivalent
- Meets one of the qualifying methods below:
- Has met the requirements of a Florida sponsored training program; or
- Has a valid, current license as a hearing aid specialist or its equivalent from another state and has been actively practicing (as described in s. 64B6-2.002, F.A.C.) in such capacity for at least 12 months; or
- Is currently certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) and has been actively practicing (as described in s. 64B6-2.002, F.A.C.) for at least 12 months.
- Has satisfied one of the examination methods below:
- Has passed the International Licensing Examination (ILE); or
- Has an active certification from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS)
- Has submitted proof of taking a two-hour course relating to Florida Laws and Rules taught by an instructor approved by the Florida Board of Hearing Aid Specialists or its designee.
If licensed in another state, territory, or jurisdiction of the United States, must have license verification form sent directly to the Board office from that office that issued the license or certification.
Process
Application-Florida Training Program Participants
Applicants who have completed the Florida Training Program, pursuant to Rule 64B6-8.003, F.A.C., and are seeking examination approval shall complete the following:
- Apply for licensure by examination. Submit a completed Application for Licensure by Examination form and pay licensure fees.
- Submit proof of minimum age requirement. Provide a copy of either a driver’s license or birth certificate demonstrating the applicant is at least 18 years old.
- Submit proof of education. Provide ONE of the following forms of verification of completion of a high school diploma or equivalent:
- Copy of high school transcript with graduation date; OR
- Copy of diploma; OR
- Copy of transcripts from a completed associate’s or higher degree; OR
- Copy of GED certificate.
- Submit Sponsor Report Form(s). The Sponsor Report Form shall be completed and signed by the approved Sponsor. Refer to Rule 64B6-8.003, F.A.C. for additional information regarding supervision during the Training Program.
- Complete Florida Laws and Rules course. Submit proof of completion of a 2-hour Florida Laws and Rules course. Course must be delivered by a board-approved provider listed on CE Broker.
- Request License Certification or Verification (if applicable). Applicants who hold or have ever held a license in another state, U.S. territory, or foreign country; no matter the status are required to provide verification of licensure. A copy of the online verification is acceptable if current and provides disciplinary history status.
- Examination Eligibility Notification. Once the application is deemed complete, the applicant and the International Hearing Society (IHS) are notified that the candidate has become examination eligible. The candidate will receive registration information and instructions for the examination from IHS.
- Examination Completion: Once the applicant completes licensure examination, the results are provided within 2-4 weeks following the examination.
- Licensure Eligibility Notification: Upon receipt of successful examination completion, the Board office will notify the applicant of eligibility for licensure. The applicant will complete the Initial Licensure Application and submit the required fees. Once the licensure application and fee are received by the Board office, the licensee will be issued a license and mailed the approval letter and license within 7-10 business days.
- Applicants who do not successfully pass the examination will be notified.
Application – Actively Practicing and Licensed as Hearing Aid Specialist or Equivalent without NBC-HIS Certification or Has Not Passed the International Licensing Examination (I.L.E.)
Applicants who have been actively practicing in another state for at least 12 months and do not possess NBC-HIS certification or have not passed the International Licensing Examination (I.L.E.) shall complete the following.
- Apply for licensure by examination. Submit a completed form DH‐MQA 1155, Application for Licensure by Examination and checkmark the box for “Application for Licensure and Examination”. If you are re-examining, checkmark the box for “Re-Examination”.
- Submit copies of Sales receipts. The applicant must submit copies of 2 sales receipts per month for 12 months.The applicant’s signature must be clearly visible, but for privacy purposes, the client’s last name may be redacted. If receipts are not available, a written statement from the applicant’s previous employer that the applicant was employed and had an average of 2 sales per month, as evidenced by receipts, is an acceptable alternative.
- Submit proof of minimum age requirement. Provide a copy of either a driver’s license or birth certificate demonstrating the applicant is at least 18 years old.
- Submit proof of education. Provide ONE of the following forms of verification
of completion of a high school diploma or equivalent:- Copy of high school transcript with graduation date; OR
- Copy of diploma; OR
- Copy of transcripts from a completed associate’s or higher degree; OR
- Copy of GED certificate.
- Complete Florida Laws and Rules course. Submit proof of completion of a 2-hour Florida Laws and Rules course. Course must be delivered by a board-approved provider listed on CE Broker
- Request License Certification or Verification. Applicants who hold or have ever held a license in another state, U.S. territory, or foreign country; no matter the status are required to provide verification of licensure. A copy of the online verification is acceptable if current and provides disciplinary history status.
- Examination Eligibility Notification. Once the application is deemed complete, the applicant and the International Hearing Society (IHS) are notified that the candidate has become examination eligible. The candidate will receive registration information and instructions for the examination from IHS.
- Examination Completion: Once the applicant completes licensure examination, the results are provided within 2-4 weeks following the examination.
- Licensure Eligibility Notification: Upon receipt of successful examination completion, the Board office will notify the applicant of eligibility for licensure. The applicant will complete form DH-MQA 1156, Initial Licensure Application and submit the required fees. Once the licensure application and fee are received by the Board office, the licensee will be issued a license and mailed the approval letter and license within 7-10 business days.
- Applicants who do not successfully pass the examination will be notified.
Application – Actively Practicing and Licensed as a Hearing Aid Specialist or Equivalent with NBC-HIS Certification or Has Passed the International Licensing Examination (I.L.E.)
Applicants who have been actively practicing in another state for at least 12 months and possess current NBC-HIS certification or has passed the International Licensing Examination (I.L.E.) shall complete the following.
- Apply for licensure by examination. Submit a completed form, DH‐MQA 1155, and checkmark the box for “Hearing Aid Specialist Licensure”.
- Submit copies of Sales receipts. Applicant must submit at least two (2) sales receipts per month for twelve (12) months each receipt bearing the applicant’s signature and address of place(s) of business. The applicant’s signature must be clearly visible, but for privacy purposes, the client’s last name may be redacted. If receipts are not available, a written statement from the applicant’s previous employer that the applicant was employed and had an average of two (2) sales per month, as evidenced by receipts, is an acceptable alternative.
- Submit proof of current National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS) certification. The applicant must contact the NBC-HIS and request they send proof of your current National Board Certification directly to the Board Office.
- Submit proof of minimum age requirement. Provide a copy of either a driver’s license or birth certificate demonstrating the applicant is at least 18 years old.
- Submit proof of education. Provide ONE of the following forms of verification of completion of a high school diploma or equivalent:
- Copy of high school transcript with graduation date; OR
- Copy of diploma; OR
- Copy of transcripts from an associate’s or higher degree; OR
- Copy of GED certificate.
- Complete Florida Laws and Rules course. Submit proof of completion of a 2-hour Florida Laws and Rules course. Course must be delivered by a board-approved provider listed on CE Broker.
- Request License Certification or Verification (if applicable). Applicants who hold or have ever held a license in another state, U.S. territory, or foreign country; no matter the status are required to provide verification of licensure. A copy of the online verification is acceptable if current and provides disciplinary history status.
- Examination Eligibility Notification. Once the application has been deemed complete and the applicant has submitted the required fees by the Board office, the license will be issued a license and mailed the approval letter and license within 7-10 business days.
Application by Re-examination
If you did not pass your most recent examination attempt, you are eligible to apply for re-examination. Please see the following steps below:
- Apply for licensure by re-examination. Applicant submits the Application for Licensure by Examination along with the appropriate licensure fees listed on the application instructions, pursuant to Rule 64B6-2.005, F.A.C.
- After review, if the application is deemed complete, the applicant is notified in writing by the International Hearing Society (IHS) that the individual is an eligible examination candidate. The candidate will receive registration information and instructions for the examination from IHS.
- Applicant sits for licensure examination. Applicant will be notified within 2-4 weeks of their pass/fail status. Note: The Board office is not able to provide the applicant with his or her score or score report.
- Passing applicants will be notified of their eligibility for licensure and will be mailed the Initial Licensure Form which will need to be submitted, along with the licensure fee, to the P.O. Box address listed on the application. Once the Board Office receives the licensure form and fee, the licensee will be issued a license and sent the approval letter.
- Failing applicants will be notified of their unsuccessful examination attempt and may apply for future examinations, under the specific requirements as outlined in Rule 64B6-2.005, F.A.C.
Fees
Licensure by Exam Fees:
| Application Fee | $150.00 (non-refundable) |
| Initial Licensure Fee: | $320.00 |
| Unlicensed Activity Fee | $5.00 |
Make checks or money orders payable to the “Department of Health.” Applicants and licensees are responsible for the fees outlined in applicable board or department rule at the time an application is received.
Statutes and Rules
Click on Chapter or Section Number to View
Florida Statutes
You will be connected to the Florida Legislature website, which is the official custodian of the statutes.
Chapter 484, Part II, Title XXXII – Hearing Aid Specialist
Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120: Administrative Procedure Act
Chapter 119: Public Records
Chapter 408: Health Care Administration
Chapter 112: Public Officers and Employees: General Provisions
Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)
You will be connected to the Florida Department of State: State Library and Archives of Florida website, which is the official custodian of the administrative codes.
Rules: Chapter 64B6: Board of Hearing Aid Specialists
Rules: Chapter 64B: Division of Medical Quality Assurance
License by MOBILE Endorsement
Click on the appropriate tab below to see the Initial Licensing Requirements, Process, Fees, Statutes and Administrative Rules for MOBILE Endorsement.
Requirements
SB 1600, Mobile Endorsement was signed into law with an effective date of July 1, 2024. This legislation establishes a new universal process for licensure by endorsement for health care professions regulated by the Florida Department of Health’s (the Department’s) Division of Medical Quality Assurance. To qualify, the health care practitioner must meet specific criteria, including various testing, training, and experience qualifications for their profession. The bill also repeals existing licensure by endorsement statutes from various individual practice acts.
To be licensed as a hearing aid specialist in Florida through the MOBILE Endorsement pathway you must meet the following requirements in section 456.0145(2)(a), Florida Statutes:
- Must hold an active, unencumbered license issued by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States in a profession with a similar scope of practice, determined by the board or the department, as applicable.
- Must have obtained a passing score on a national licensure examination or hold a national certification recognized by the Board;
- Must have actively practiced the profession for at least three years during the four-year period immediately preceding the date of submission of this application.
- Must not have ever been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant successfully appealed to have the report removed.
- Must not be the subject of a disciplinary proceeding in a jurisdiction in which he or she holds a license or by the United States Department of Defense for reason related to the practice of the profession for which the applicant is applying.
- Must not have had disciplinary action taken in the five years immediately preceding the date of submission of the application.
Pursuant to section 456.0145(2)(c), Florida Statutes, a person is ineligible for endorsement if they:
- Have a complaint, an allegation, or an investigation pending before a licensing entity in another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or territory of the United States;
- Have been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, any felony or misdemeanor related to the practice of a health care profession;
- Have had a health care provider license revoked or suspended by another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States, or have voluntarily surrendered any such license in lieu of having disciplinary action taken against the license; or
- Has been reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless the applicant has successfully appealed to have his or her name removed from the data bank.
Process
Applicants must complete the following steps:
- Have a license verification submitted to Florida from any state board(s), U.S. territory, or foreign country in which you held a license. If the state has an online verification including disciplinary actions, we will accept the online verification. License verification may be submitted by mail or by secure electronic delivery to HearingAid@flhealth.gov
- Submit proof of passing the International Licensing Examination (I.L.E.) or providing proof of current certification by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences (NBC-HIS). Proof of passing the I.L.E. must be sent directly to this office from the International Hearing Society (I.H.S.), or if providing proof of certification, from NBC-HIS. Documentation may be submitted via mail or by secure electronic delivery to HearingAid@flhealth.gov
- Apply online at flhealthsource.gov, or mail a completed application to the address provided below along with the applicable fees, and submit any supplemental documentation.
Department of Health
Board of Hearing Aid Specialists
P.O. Box 6330
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6330
- If applicants have any affirmative answers in the Criminal History, Health History, or Disciplinary History sections of the application, the following must be submitted:
-
- Self-Explanation – A letter personally describing the circumstances of the offense. The letter must include the date of the original offense, the charge, and the jurisdiction where the incident occurred.
- Completion of Sanctions– Probation and financial sanction records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. Parole records for offenses can be obtained from the Department of Corrections or at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, a letter on court letterhead must be sent from the clerk of the court attesting to records unavailability.
- Final Dispositions/Arrest Records– Final disposition records for offenses can be obtained at the clerk of the court in the arresting jurisdiction. If the records are not available, a letter on court letterhead must be sent from the clerk of the court attesting to records unavailability.
- Board Actions– If applicant has disciplinary action against any license, submit certified copies of documents relative to those disciplinary action. The documents must be certified and submitted by the agency or board that finalized the disciplinary action.
- Health History– If the applicant answered in the affirmative to any of the questions, submit supporting documentation including the relevant dates and circumstances and the names and addresses of the medical practitioners or hospitals who performed related treatments.
- Please allow up to 30 business days for initial review of new applications. All applications and document submissions are reviewed in the order they are received. After your application is reviewed, any deficiencies will be communicated to you in writing by our Board staff. To expedite processing, please submit all required supporting documentation with your application and the requisite fees. If you are having documentation submitted by another entity on your behalf, please verify the Board office’s mailing address to ensure delivery.
- When all requirements are met the license will be issued within 7 days pursuant to section 456.0145(2)(e), Florida Statutes.
There are several ways to submit supporting documents:
- Upload to your online account at https://mqa-vo.doh.state.fl.us/datamart/voservicesportal
- Email to HearingAid@flhealth.gov,
- Fax to 850-413-6982, or mail to the address below:
Department of Health
Board of Hearing Aid Specialists
4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-08
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258
| Documents to Gather for the Application Process: |
|---|
| License Verification(s).National Exam Score or NBC-HIS Certification.Self-Explanation statement and supporting documents if any affirmative answers were provided in the Criminal, Health, or Disciplinary History sections of the application. |
Fees
Licensure by Exam Fees:
Make checks or money orders payable to the “Department of Health.”
| Initial Licensure Fee: | $320.00 |
| Unlicensed Activity Fee | $5.00 |
| Total | $325.00 |
Statutes and Rules
Click on Chapter or Section Number to View
Florida Statutes
You will be connected to the Florida Legislature website, which is the official custodian of the statutes.
Chapter 484, Part II, Title XXXII – Hearing Aid Specialist
Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120: Administrative Procedure Act
Chapter 119: Public Records
Chapter 408: Health Care Administration
Chapter 112: Public Officers and Employees: General Provisions
Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)
You will be connected to the Florida Department of State: State Library and Archives of Florida website, which is the official custodian of the administrative codes.
Rules: Chapter 64B6: Board of Hearing Aid Specialists
Rules: Chapter 64B: Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Processing Times
Florida law provides that an initial application must be reviewed within 30 days. Below is the average number of days at which we are currently processing.
Apply Online / Return to Login
To apply online visit MQA Services Portal to create an account or return to your account by clicking the button below.
Renew Your License
Requirements
Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on February 28, 2025.
To ensure you receive your renewal notification from the department, your current mailing address must be on file. Failure to renew an active or inactive license by the expiration date will result in the license being placed in delinquent status. Failure by a delinquent licensee to renew before the expiration of the current licensure cycle renders the license null and void without any further action by the board or the department.
A licensee who remains on inactive status for more than two consecutive biennial licensure cycles and who wishes to reactivate the license may be required to demonstrate the competency to resume active practice by sitting for a special purpose examination or by completing other reactivation requirements.
Licensees requesting to reactivate their license from inactive or retired status are required to pay additional fees and comply with specific continuing education requirements. Please contact the board office at info@floridashearingaidspecialists.gov to request your reactivation requirements.
If you are reactivating your license, please refer to the Laws & Rules governing your practice for additional requirements.
The department will renew your license upon receipt of:
- Completed renewal application
- Required fees
Process
Renewal Instructions:
- Go to www.flhealthsource.gov and click the “Renew A License” button.
- Enter your Personal Identifying Information (PII), then click the Login button.
- Confirm or update your MQA Services Account email address, then click the “Continue” button.
- You are now in the Dashboard. During renewals, a “Renew My License” option will populate no later than 90 days prior to your license expiration date. (Note: If you do not see the “Renew My License” option, please check back at a later time.)
*** If the “PII Failed” screen displays, click the “Other Login Option” button and enter your existing User ID and password to access your account.***
Additional Information:
You may renew online if you have a credit or debit card to complete the transaction. Please note that you can now renew online, print a copy of your application summary and mail it with your cashier’s check or money order to:
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
P.O. Box 6320
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6320
Fees
Certified check or money order should be made payable to the Florida Department of Health. If renewing BEFORE your license expires, your fees will be:
| Active to Active | $380.00 |
| Inactive to Inactive | $380.00 |
| Active to Inactive | $380.00 |
| Inactive to Active | $530.00 |
| Active to Retired | $55.00 |
| Inactive to Retired | $55.00 |
If renewing AFTER your license expires, your fees will be:
| Active to Active | $755.00 |
| Inactive to Inactive | $755.00 |
| Active to Inactive | $1,130.00 |
| Inactive to Active | $1,280.00 |
| Active to Retired | $805.00 |
| Inactive to Retired | $805.00 |
If renewing 120 day Notified Delinquent, your fees will be:
| Active to Active | $1,260.00 |
| Inactive to Inactive | $1,135.00 |
| Active to Inactive | $1,135.00 |
| Inactive to Active | $1,410.00 |
| Active to Retired | $935.00 |
| Inactive to Retired | $810.00 |
Licenses become Null & Void1 on March 1, 2025.
By submitting the appropriate renewal fees to the department, a licensee acknowledges compliance with all requirements for renewal, including continuing education.
A licensee who remains on inactive status for more than two consecutive biennial licensure cycles and who wishes to reactivate the license may be required to demonstrate competency to resume active practice by sitting for a special purpose examination or by completing other reactivation requirements.
1Null & Void -The licensed practitioner failed to renew their licensure status for two renewal cycles, resulting in their license expiring.
Continuing Education
Pursuant to Rule 64B6-5.001, Florida Administrative Code, as a condition of the biennial renewal of an active license, each hearing aid specialist shall attend and certify attending 20 credit hours (per biennium) of Board approved continuing education. Ten (10) of the required twenty (20) hours must be earned in-person, and the other ten (10) of the required twenty (20) hours may be earned by courses that are self-paced, such as home study or courses offered anytime on-line.
| REQUIRED SUBJECT AREA | REQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURS | IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|
| General Hours | 14 | Not required for those initially licensed in the biennium of the first renewal. Required for all subsequent renewals |
| Laws and Rules | 2 | Not required for those initially licensed in the biennium of the first renewal. Required for all subsequent renewals. |
| HIV/AIDS | 2 | **Optional for those initially licensed in the biennium of the first renewal. Required for the subsequent renewal as a one-time mandatory course. Once completed, there is no further requirement. |
| Medical Error | 2 | Required for ALL renewals, including those initially licensed in the biennium of the first renewal. |
Helpful Information
- Hearing Aid Specialists initially licensed in the biennium of the first renewal are exempt from attending continuing education programs as a condition of renewing the license, except for a 2-hour course in Medical Errors.
- **Each licensee shall be required to complete a 2-hour HIV/AIDS course upon the second renewal. For those initially licensed in the biennium of the first renewal, it is optional. For those who choose not to complete during the first renewal, the course is REQUIRED for next renewal. This is a one time mandatory course. Once completed, there is no further HIV/AIDS course requirement.
- After renewal when HIV/AIDS mandatory course is completed, the licensee may choose to take up to four (4) hours per biennium of HIV/AIDS continuing education and other communicable illness to be credited as General Hours.
Other Methods of Obtaining Continuing Education per Biennium
- 2 hours for attending a Board meeting
Board Rule Approved Providers
- Courses approved by the International Hearing Society
- Board approved courses – listed in CEBroker
Statutes and Rules
Click on Chapter or Section Number to View
Florida Statutes
You will be connected to the Florida Legislature website, which is the official custodian of the statutes.
Chapter 484, Part II, Title XXXII – Hearing Aid Specialist
Chapter 456: Health Professions and Occupations: General Provisions
Chapter 120: Administrative Procedure Act
Chapter 119: Public Records
Chapter 408: Health Care Administration
Chapter 112: Public Officers and Employees: General Provisions
Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)
You will be connected to the Florida Department of State: State Library and Archives of Florida website, which is the official custodian of the administrative codes.
Rules: Chapter 64B6: Board of Hearing Aid Specialists
Rules: Chapter 64B: Division of Medical Quality Assurance
Renew Online
To renew online visit the MQA Services Portal by clicking the button below.
Continuing Education
Pursuant to Rule 64B6-5.001, Florida Administrative Code, as a condition of the biennial renewal of an active license, each hearing aid specialist shall attend and certify attending 20 credit hours (per biennium) of Board approved continuing education. Ten (10) of the required twenty (20) hours must be earned in-person, and the other ten (10) of the required twenty (20) hours may be earned by courses that are self-paced, such as home study or courses offered anytime on-line.
| REQUIRED SUBJECT AREA | REQUIRED NUMBER OF HOURS | IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|
| General Hours | 14 | Not required for those initially licensed in the biennium of the first renewal. Required for all subsequent renewals |
| Laws and Rules | 2 | Not required for those initially licensed in the biennium of the first renewal. Required for all subsequent renewals. |
| HIV/AIDS | 2 | **Optional for those initially licensed in the biennium of the first renewal. Required for the subsequent renewal as a one-time mandatory course. Once completed, there is no further requirement. |
| Medical Error | 2 | Required for ALL renewals, including those initially licensed in the biennium of the first renewal. |
Helpful Information
- Hearing Aid Specialists initially licensed in the biennium of the first renewal are exempt from attending continuing education programs as a condition of renewing the license, except for a 2-hour course in Medical Errors.
- **Each licensee shall be required to complete a 2-hour HIV/AIDS course upon the second renewal. For those initially licensed in the biennium of the first renewal, it is optional. For those who choose not to complete during the first renewal, the course is REQUIRED for next renewal. This is a one time mandatory course. Once completed, there is no further HIV/AIDS course requirement.
- After renewal when HIV/AIDS mandatory course is completed, the licensee may choose to take up to four (4) hours per biennium of HIV/AIDS continuing education and other communicable illness to be credited as General Hours.
Other Methods of Obtaining Continuing Education per Biennium
- 2 hours for attending a Board meeting
Board Rule Approved Providers
- Courses approved by the International Hearing Society
- Board approved courses – listed in CEBroker
