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How to become a licensed Hearing Aid Specialist in New Mexico. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Hearing Aid Specialist — HAS/HIS
Governing Authority
New Mexico Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board
Official website →Yes
License Required
Not Required
NBC-HIS Required
6 months
Apprenticeship
Not Required
Practical Exam
16 hrs
CE Hours
$125
Total Initial Fees
Pre-Licensing Education & Apprenticeship
VerifiedPre-Licensing Education
Not Required
Hours Required
None
Apprenticeship
Required
Apprenticeship Duration
6 months
Approved Programs
High school diploma or equivalent required. Training provided during supervised apprenticeship/trainee period.
Hearing aid specialist education requirements vary by state. Most states require a supervised apprenticeship period of 6 to 12 months under a licensed hearing aid specialist or audiologist. Training covers hearing science, audiometric testing, hearing aid technology, earmold impressions, fitting and verification procedures, patient counseling, and state/federal regulations. The IHS (International Hearing Society) and NBC-HIS offer nationally recognized certification programs.
National Certification & State Requirements
VerifiedNBC-HIS Certification Not Required
National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences
IHS Certification Accepted
Yes
State Practical Exam
Not Required
Certification Details
New Mexico does not require NBC-HIS certification but accepts it as a pathway to licensure. The IHS International Licensing Examination (ILE) is accepted as the written exam.
NBC-HIS (National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences) is the primary national certification body for hearing aid specialists. Many states require NBC-HIS certification as a condition of licensure. The IHS (International Hearing Society) also offers certification that is accepted by many states. Some states administer their own practical examinations that evaluate clinical competency in audiometric testing, hearing aid fitting, and earmold impression techniques.
Examination Requirements
VerifiedWritten Exam Required
State Licensing Examination
Exam Topics
Hearing science, hearing aid technology, audiometric testing, earmold impressions, hearing aid fitting and verification, patient counseling, state and federal regulations. The IHS International Licensing Examination (ILE) is used as the written exam in most states.
Passing Score
70%
No Practical Exam
State Practical Examination
Hearing aid specialist examinations typically cover hearing science, hearing aid technology, audiometric testing procedures, earmold impressions, hearing aid fitting and verification, patient counseling, and state/federal regulations. Some states require a state-administered practical examination in addition to the written test, which evaluates hands-on skills in audiometric testing, hearing aid fitting, and earmold impression techniques. Passing scores generally range from 70% to 75%.
State Licensing Requirements
VerifiedState License Required
State License Title
Hearing Aid Dispenser
Additional Notes
New Mexico requires licensure/registration for hearing aid specialists who test hearing and fit/dispense hearing aids.
Nearly all 50 states and the District of Columbia require licensure for hearing aid specialists who test hearing and fit/dispense hearing aids. Licensing is typically overseen by a state board of hearing aid specialists, speech-language pathology and audiology, or health department. Requirements generally include supervised training, written and/or practical examinations, and national certification.
Fitting, Dispensing & Testing Authority
VerifiedHearing Testing
Authorized
Fitting & Dispensing
Authorized
Instrument Categories
All hearing instruments including behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-canal (CIC), receiver-in-canal (RIC), and bone conduction devices
Supervision Requirements
Trainees must complete a 6 months supervised apprenticeship under a licensed hearing aid specialist or audiologist. Direct supervision required during patient contact and hearing aid fitting procedures.
OTC Hearing Aids
OTC hearing aids (established by FDA in 2022) are available without a prescription for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Licensed hearing aid specialists continue to dispense prescription-level devices and provide professional fitting, programming, and follow-up services.
Hearing aid specialists are authorized to conduct hearing tests for the purpose of fitting and dispensing hearing aids. They fit, program, and dispense all categories of hearing instruments including behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), completely-in-canal (CIC), and receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices. Trainees must work under direct supervision during the apprenticeship period. The FDA's 2022 OTC hearing aid rule created a new category of over-the-counter devices, but licensed specialists continue to provide professional services for prescription-level devices.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $75 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application and license fees (excludes exam fees and national certification costs) | $125 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
16 hrs
CE Hours Required
$75
Renewal Fee
CE Details
16 continuing education hours per 2 years renewal cycle; must include courses in hearing aid technology, audiometric testing, fitting procedures, patient counseling, ethics, and state/federal regulations.
Regulatory Board
Hearing aid specialist licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state licensing authority. Most states require biennial renewal with 10-24 continuing education hours per cycle. CE requirements typically cover hearing aid technology advancements, audiometric testing procedures, fitting and verification techniques, patient counseling, ethics, and state/federal regulatory updates. NBC-HIS certification renewal also requires ongoing continuing education.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedEndorsement Available
Yes
Comity Available
No
Reciprocity Requirements
Most states offer reciprocity or endorsement for hearing aid specialists licensed in other states. Requirements typically include verification of current licensure, national certification (NBC-HIS or IHS), documented supervised training or apprenticeship experience, and background check clearance. Some states may require a state-specific practical examination. Reciprocity agreements vary and should be verified with the specific state licensing authority.
New Mexico licenses hearing aid dispensers through a combined Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board.
New Mexico requires licensure/registration for hearing aid specialists who test hearing and fit/dispense hearing aids.
A 6 months supervised apprenticeship under a licensed hearing aid specialist or audiologist is required.
NBC-HIS certification is accepted but not required. The IHS International Licensing Examination (ILE) is used as the written exam.
New Mexico requires a written licensing examination (ILE).
16 continuing education hours are required per 2 years renewal cycle.
The FDA's 2022 OTC hearing aid rule allows adults to purchase certain hearing aids without a prescription, but licensed specialists continue to provide professional fitting, programming, and follow-up services for prescription-level devices.
Hearing aid specialists work alongside audiologists and ENT physicians in providing comprehensive hearing healthcare services.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Mexico.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#4 of 51
Salary
#3 of 51
Cost
#2 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Hearing Aid Specialists (SOC 29-2092)
Entry Level
$64,290
25th percentile
Median
$79,930
+30% vs. national avg ($61,560)Experienced
$115,630
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
50 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Hearing Aid Specialists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+17.7%
Very High DemandNew Jobs
+2,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
1,200
per year (avg.)
12,200 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 44–56 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4-12 weeks after complete application
Estimated processing time
Study guides for the hearing aid dispensing licensing exam.
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New Mexico requires licensing for hearing aid specialists. A 6 months apprenticeship is required. All licensing is managed through the New Mexico Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.