Continuing Education Provider Approval
Continuing education providers must be approved by the department before they may offer continuing education courses.
Before You Apply
Applicants for a new Hearing Fitter Continuing Education Provider license must meet all requirements in TDLR's rules and statute.
Provider Approval
An individual or organization may apply to be a continuing education provider by submitting a completed online application on the Online Licensing Services website and pay the non-refundable application fee of $400.00. The applicant must select whether they are seeking to be registered as a “manufacturer" or a "non-manufacturer" continuing education provider. Providers must attach a brief description of the applicant's capability in developing and instructing continuing education courses and they must provide a business plan with clearly defined purposes such as policies on inclement weather, refunds, and cancellations.
The approved provider status will be effective for two years from the date of issuance.
Provider and Course Requirements
During the application process, continuing education providers must select the method(s) of delivering continuing education courses (online, In-person, and/or virtual). If a provider offers the same course content through different methods of delivery (in-person, online, or virtual), the course is considered to be the same course.
Providers and their courses must meet the following standards:
- Include subject matter to increase or support the development of skills and competence in the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments or in studies or disciplines related to fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments;
- Ensure instructors possess both the subject matter knowledge they are teaching, and the teaching ability required to impart the information;
- Have objectives of specific information and skills to be learned;
- Use educational methods and materials and qualified instructors and presenters to adequately implement learner objectives; and
- A registered provider is responsible for the conduct and administration of its courses, including the punctuality of classroom sessions, verification of participant attendance, and instructor performance.
Provider Renewal
A continuing education provider registration is valid for two years from the date of issuance. Providers may submit the online renewal form using the Online Licensing Services website 90 days prior to the expiration date on their license and pay the non-refundable $400.00 renewal fee.
An initial provider registration is valid for one year if the initial registration was issued before May 1, 2025; or two years if the initial registration was issued on or after May 1, 2025.
A renewed provider registration is valid for one year if the renewed registration was issued before May 1, 2025; or two years if the renewed registration was issued on or after May 1, 2025.
Advertising
A continuing education provider may advertise as a registered continuing education provider for the Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers program. A registered provider must include in all advertisements for a continuing education course the provider's registration number assigned by the department. A registered provider's website announcements concerning courses are also considered advertisements for the purposes of this rule.
Certificates of Completion
No later than 20 days after the date of the course, a registered provider shall issue a certificate of completion to each participant who attended and completed the entire continuing education course.
The certificate of completion must contain the following:
- Registered provider's name, registration number, and manufacturer or non-manufacturer status;
- Name of the participant and participant's license or permit number;
- Title of the course;
- Date and location of the course;
- Subject(s) included in the course;
- Delivery method of the course (in-person, online, or virtual);
- Number of continuing education credit hours given; and
- Signature of the registered provider.
A continuing education provider shall not provide a certificate of completion to a participant who did not attend or complete the full continuing education course. A participant who is late or who leaves early will not receive credit for attending the continuing education course.
Apply for a Hearing Fitter Provider License
Apply using the Online Licensing Services website.
