Hearing Aid Specialists Training Program

The Training Program is a minimum of six months in length and is divided into four stages pursuant to Rule 64B6-8.003, F.A.C.:

(a) Stage I – During this Stage, the trainee shall complete the International Hearing Society Home Study Course and shall submit proof of passing the home study course final examination. If the trainee passes the home study course final examination but fails the licensure examination, he or she will not have to repeat the home study course prior to the next available licensure examination.

(b) Stage II – 1 month: During this Stage, the trainee may perform audiometric tests, and make ear mold impressions and modifications, but the sponsor or hearing aid specialist designated by the sponsor shall be physically present, in the same room at all times when the trainee is performing these functions. The trainee may not recommend the selection of a prescription hearing aid, dispense a prescription hearing aid, or counsel a client.

(c) Stage III – 2 months: During this Stage the trainee may perform all tasks in Stage II, recommend the selection of a prescription hearing aid, and counsel a client, but the trainee shall be under the direct supervision of the sponsor or hearing aid specialist designated by the sponsor. The trainee may not deliver a prescription hearing aid.

(d) Stage IV – 3 months: During this Stage the trainee may perform all the tasks in Stages II and III and deliver prescription hearing aids, but the sponsor or hearing aid specialist designated by the sponsor shall be physically present in the same room at the time a prescription hearing aid is delivered to the client, and the receipt required by Section 484.051, F.S., must have the signature and license number of the sponsor or hearing aid specialist designated by the sponsor.

A trainee who is unsuccessful in their first examination attempt must immediately stop functioning as a trainee upon receipt of the examination result. However, a trainee may continue one time in Stage IV of the training program by submitting to the Board within 10 days of receiving the examination results from a Training Program Continuation Request Form.  Failure to sit for or receive a passing score on the next scheduled licensure examination for which he or she qualifies will result in termination of trainee status and the ability to further perform services as a trainee within seven days of the posting of the examination results, but does not preclude submitting another application for examination as provided in Rules 64B6-2.003 and 64B6-2.005, F.A.C.

A trainee who is unsuccessful in their first examination attempt and does not submit a Training Program Continuation Request Form to the Board within 10 days of receiving the examination results may repeat the six (6) month Training Program one time by meeting the criteria in Rule 64B6-8.002, F.A.C., and taking the next available examination. After the second six (6) month Training Program, the trainee will no longer be allowed to train in the Training Program. However, the individual can continue to apply for and take the licensure examination as many times as necessary to pass the examination.

NOTE: Please refer to Rule 64B6-8.003, F.A.C. for more information regarding the Training Program.

Please see the webpage on application by examination or re-examination for more information regarding those processes.