California requires a state-level hearing aid specialist license. The licensing authority is State Board of Hearing Aid Dealers. The median salary is $80,964 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
California requires a hearing aid specialist to hold a state license. Test hearing, fit, and dispense hearing aids to individuals with hearing loss. Licensing is administered by the State Board of Hearing Aid Dealers.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Training program + supervised practice (6-24 months) |
| Experience Details | Training program + supervised practice (6-24 months) |
California requires passing the California IHS/NBC-HIS Certification Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $100.
| Exam Name | California IHS/NBC-HIS Certification Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | IHS/NBC-HIS Certification Exam |
| Application Fee | $100 |
Getting licensed as a hearing aid specialist in California takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $100 and renewal fees of $100 every 2 years. Continuing education of 20 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $100 |
| License Renewal | $100 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 20 hours |
Hearing Aid Specialists in California earn a median salary of $80,964, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in California |
| National average | $58,670 |
Yes — California requires a state-level hearing aid specialist license. Test hearing, fit, and dispense hearing aids to individuals with hearing loss.
The required exam is the California IHS/NBC-HIS Certification Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $100.
The median annual salary for hearing aid specialists in California is $80,964. The national median is $58,670.
California requires 20 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.