Your Roadmap to Success

A Guide to Entering the Hearing Healthcare Profession

Professional Development Home

Become a Hearing Aid Specialist

Licensing Board Contacts

Distance Learning Course

ILE Test Prep

Overview

Eligibility and Registration

Preparing for the ILE

Exam Accommodations

Important Test Day Info

Exam Results

Score Transfer Letters

FAQs

Requirements for Success

Continuing Education Resources

e-Certificate Request Form

Request a Continuing Education Transcript

Continuing Education Opportunities

Tinnitus Care Provider Program

Advanced Education

Course Approval

2021 Guidelines

Course Approval Process

Process for IHS Chapters

Approved Categories of Instruction

Annual Provider Registration Form

Course Application

Submitting Rosters

Course Approval Fees

CE Approval Stamp and Required Approval Statement

There are two pathways into the profession: on-the-job training along with the IHS Distance Learning Course, or an academic degree in hearing instrument fitting and dispensing, offered at a few colleges in the US and Canada.

Students who are using the Distance Learning Course should have by now received several email communications from the IHS Professional Development team about the course and your journey to become a hearing aid specialist.

There are many preparatory tools and options available. Therefore, we’ve put together a Success Checklist (below). Each step is critical to your attainment of the core knowledge and skills necessary to become licensed and fully equipped to practice as a hearing aid specialist.

Success Checklist

Check off the steps as you complete them.

YOU MUST START HERE à Contact your state/provincial licensing board for requirements in your area.
Each state/province has different rules and regulations.

Find a mentor in your area. Use this IHS directory.

Purchase the Distance Learning Course (DLC) and register your book.
IHS Members can purchase the DL Course and Trainer Package at a discounted rate.

View key IHS webinars (for Free):

FDA Red Flags
Infection Control
Fitting Methods
Real Ear Measures
Tympanometry
Ethics: Exercise (or Exorcise) Legal and Ethical Dilemmas
How to Avoid the Top Ethics Pitfalls

Take all 17 DLC chapter tests and the Final Exam online.

Test your skills.
Insist your sponsor test you on each core skill presented in the Trainer Manual and provide you feedback and assessment.

Complete a self-assessment on each core skill and review it with your mentor.
This provides an opportunity for you to reflect on your professional development and gives you an active role in the assessment process.

Confirm your Exam Eligibility!
Check with your state/provincial board about your eligibility to sit for the IHS International Licensing Exam. When IHS is informed by your state/provincial board that you meet the requirements, the IHS Study Guide will be made available to you (applies to 43 U.S. states and 5 Canadian provinces using the IHS International Licensing Exam*).

Keep working toward proficiency in each core skill.
Continue to practice until you reach mastery level. Competency assessments are the key to your success.

Purchase suggested reading materials.
Materials are noted in the IHS Study Guide (some are sold by IHS; others can be purchased elsewhere). Be sure you have studied all material mentioned in the IHS Study Guide.

Use ILE Test Prep to prepare for the IHS International Licensing Examination.

When you are ready, schedule your exam appointment(s).

Take your licensing exam(s).

Study the IHS Code of Ethics and display it in your office.
As an IHS member, it shows patients you take your profession and their care seriously.

Join your state or provincial chapter of hearing healthcare professionals.

Continue reinforcing your skills and engaging in continuing education.
Check out the IHS Continuing Education Resources for different opportunities for continuing education.

*IHS International Licensing Exam refers to the written International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals.

IHS is your partner and we’re here to support you. Keep a look out for more tips and guides on working in the profession.

Still have questions? Call us at 734.522.7200 or email education@ihsinfo.org.