Temporary Training Permits

A temporary training permit allows an individual to obtain training and complete the direct supervised practicum under the supervision of an individual who holds a valid license as a hearing instrument fitter and dispenser or audiologist.

Training Plan Overview

The following steps outline the progression of roles and responsibilities, culminating in licensure as a hearing instrument fitter and dispenser:

1. Apply and obtain a temporary training permit
2. Complete 150 hours of direct supervised practicum and 10 hours of masking
3. Take and pass the written test and the practical test
4. Complete the jurisprudence test
5. Apply for an apprenticeship permit
6. Complete the one-year apprenticeship
7. Apply for licensure as a hearing instrument fitter and dispenser

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years of age to apply and hold at least a high-school diploma or certificate of equivalency.

Application and Fee

To apply for a temporary training permit, submit a completed application form (Apply Online or seeHFD-LIC-001-E - Temporary Training Permit Application (PDF) ) along with the fee of $205 and all required documentation (listed below). A temporary training permit is valid for one year.

Required Documentation

The following items must be included with your application materials before your application will be processed:

• Proof of Educational Requirements - Include proof that you meet the requirements by including a copy of your diploma from an accredited high school, certificate of high-school equivalency, or college transcripts from an accredited institution.
• Supervisor’s Affidavit - As part of the application, you must submit a HFD-LIC-007-E - Temporary Training Permit Supervisor’s Affidavit (PDF) signed by your supervisor, stating that they will be responsible for your direct supervision, education, and delivery of client services.

Begin the Direct Supervised Practicum

After your permit is issued, you may begin the direct supervised practicum under the direction of a qualified individual.

Your permit must remain current and valid for the duration of the supervised practicum.

Extension of Permit Duration

You may request a one-year extension of your permit. A temporary training permit may not be extended more than once.

To extend a temporary training permit, you will need to submit a completed HFD-LIC-011-E - Extension Application for Temporary Training Permit (PDF), an updated supervision agreement (included with the application), and the associated application-fee of $25.

If your permit has expired, you may not practice fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments.

Applicants with Criminal Convictions

If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than a minor traffic violation) or pleaded guilty or no contest (resulting in a deferred adjudication) to any in-state, out-of-state or federal criminal offense, you must provide a completed Criminal History Questionnaire (PDF) along with your application materials.

The department will conduct a criminal history background check on all persons who apply for a Hearing Instrument Fitter and Dispenser Temporary Training Permit. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Licenses may be denied based on the nature of the conviction and how long prior to the application the conviction occurred. Depending on your criminal history, a review can take from one to six weeks to complete.

Individuals may request TDLR review their criminal background before actually applying for a license. TDLR uses the same process for this pre-application evaluation as the process described below. See the Criminal History Evaluation Letter page for more information.

Please see the Guidelines for License Applicants with Criminal Convictions, which describe the process that TDLR uses to determine whether a criminal conviction renders an applicant an unsuitable candidate for the license, or whether a conviction warrants revocation or suspension of a license previously granted.