HAD FAQs

Examinations

How do I apply for the written examination?

Submit an application to the board to begin the process.

The written examination is offered six days a week at 13 different locations throughout California.

You will receive results the day of the examination.

You may take the examination as many times as needed to pass but you must pay the fee of $225 and submit an application to the board for a new eligibility.

Please review the outline for the written examination.

How do I apply for the practical examination?

Passing the written examination is required before you can apply for the practical examination.

You will be given an application for the practical examination when you pass the written examination.

Currently the practical exam is only being offered in Sacramento.

Mail the application and fee of $500 during the filing period. You will be notified via e-mail as to whether you have been accepted.

Practical examination dates and filing periods can be found on the website.

Results come back 4-6 weeks after taking the examination.

When you pass the practical examination, you will be given an application for the permanent license.

Please review the outline for the written examination.

Please review the practical examination handbook and additional information.

Continuing Education / Professional Development

When are my continuing education (CE) hours due?

CE hours must be completed from the license issue date or the assigned renewal date to the date a completed renewal form is submitted to the Board. Courses completed outside of those dates will not be counted towards completion of the required twelve (12) hours of CE.

Is there a grace period to complete my CE hours?

There is no grace period.

If you do not complete the required CE hours by your license expiration date, you may place your license on inactive status. You must cease practice with an inactive license. To place your license on inactive status, submit a completed renewal form and renewal fee to the Board. To reactivate your license, you must submit the Request for Reactivation of License and provide proof of completing the required continuing education.

If you let your license expire, you must cease practice until you renew your license or place your license on inactive statue. It is unlicensed practice and a violation of the law to practice with an expired license (Business and Professions Code Section 2538.48 (external link)).

Are there exemptions from the CE requirements?

You may request an exemption from CE hours for the following reasons:

  • If you were called to active duty as defined in Business and Professions Code section 114.3 for any amount of time;
  • If you resided in another country for at least one year; or
  • If you or an immediate family member, where you have primary responsibility for the care of that family member, was suffering from or suffered a disability. A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual. The disability shall be verified by a licensed physician or psychologist with special expertise in the area of disability.

To request an exemption, submit a written request and your supporting documentation to the Board. If granted, exemption will be valid only for the current renewal period Verification of exemption due to a disability shall include:

  • the nature and extent of the disability;
  • an explanation of how the disability hinders you from completing the continuing education requirement; and
  • the name, title, address, telephone number, professional license or certification number, and original signature of the licensed physician or psychologist verifying the disability.

How long do I need to maintain record of my CE hours?

You are required to maintain records of completion for a minimum of two years beyond the date you renew your license. CCR 1399.140(b) (external link)

How do I submit my CE hours?

By submitting a completed renewal form you are certifying to the Board that you have completed the requirement. You do not need to submit evidence of completion for the CE requirement unless requested by the Board.

Supervision

What are the responsibilities of a supervisor?

For HAD-Trainee supervisors, please reference CCR 1399.116 (external link)

How many licensees may I supervise?

One HAD-Trainee (CCR 1399.116 (external link))

Hearing Aid Dispensing (Private Practice)

The Board does not offer legal advice for corporations. Please reference the following codes or seek advice from your legal counsel.

Temporary License Holders

How long is my TEMPORARY (licensed in another state) license valid for?

One year (it is not renewable).

If you fail the written or practical examination, you are no longer authorized to practice as a hearing aid dispenser with your temporary license. You must immediately surrender your temporary license.

Trainee License Holders

How long is my TRAINEE (supervised) license valid for?

The trainee license is issued for six months (it may be renewed twice).

How much supervision is required?

Twenty percent direct supervision is required. The supervisor must be immediately available all the time.

If you fail any examination, the supervising dispenser is required to be physically present at all fittings and sales made by the trainee–applicant regardless of whether these occur in or outside the supervising dispenser's business location. CCR 1399.119(d) (external link)