Applicants/Registrant

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(For Hearing Aid Dispensers)

GENERAL QUESTIONS

How can I find out if my license is up to date?

  • Use our online license verification database to view your license information. Important information regarding your license including when your license was issued, when your license expires, if your license is delinquent, and if your address is incorrect
    https://search.dca.ca.gov/.

How do I change my address of record?

How do I change my name?

  • The request must be in writing and mailed to the Board. You will need to include documentation of the name change. Please note, there is a $25 processing fee per license type to receive updated physical licenses prior to renewing license. Download the Notification of Name Change form from our website:
    https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/forms_pubs/namechg.pdf

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Where do I mail my application and supporting documentation to?

  • 1601 Response Road, Suite 260, Sacramento, CA 95815

How do I submit fingerprints?

In-State:

Out–of–State:

  • If you are submitting fingerprints from out–of–state, submit two completed FD–258 fingerprint cards and an additional $49 processing fee. Download a template for printing the FD–258 fingerprint card onto cardstock paper on our website: https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/forms_pubs/fd_258_6700.pdf
  • Or call ahead to any fingerprinting location to see if they have FD–258 cards available on–site.

How can I check the status of my application?

  • Please allow at least two weeks from the date received for processing. Processing time for incomplete applications will vary dependent upon when supporting documentation is received. You may email the Board at speechandhearing@dca.ca.gov to check the status

EXAMINATIONS

How do I apply 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: https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/applicants/examination_dates.shtml
  • 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.
  • The outline for the practical examination can be found at: https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/applicants/exam_had.shtml
  • The practical examination handbook and additional information about the examination can be found at the link below: https://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/applicants/exam_info.shtml

CONTINUING EDUCATION / CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS

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: http://www.speechandhearing.ca.gov/forms_pubs/reactivate.pdf.
  • 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).

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)

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 QUESTIONS

What are the responsibilities of a supervisor?

  • For HAD–Trainee supervisors, please reference CCR 139.116

How many trainees may I supervise?

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.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: EMPLOYEE OR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

The Board does not offer legal advice regarding employment status. Please reference the information below or seek advice from your legal counsel.

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) oversees worker classifications, wage, and benefit issues and has authority to regulate the wages, hours, and working conditions in California pursuant to the Labor Code. Please visit the DIR FAQ webpage for information regarding independent contractors versus employees.

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)