(a) The qualifying examination provided in Section 34-14-4 shall be designed to demonstrate the applicant's adequate technical qualifications by testing the applicant in three separate sections consisting of a written examination, a practical examination, and a state law examination. The board may revise standards for the qualifying examination, so long as the following minimum requirements are satisfied:
(1) Written examination scores from states with existing reciprocity agreements with the board are considered valid for 12 months from the date of examination in the other state if the examination is determined by the board to be similar in content to the qualifying examination required for licensure in this state.
(2) An applicant who fails one or more sections of the qualifying examination may retest failed sections for the qualifying examination in the following manner:
a. An applicant who fails the written examination section shall retake the entire written examination section.
b. An applicant who fails the Alabama law section shall retake the entire Alabama law section.
c. An applicant who fails the practical examination section shall be retested in only those portions of the practical examination that he or she failed.
d. An applicant who fails to successfully complete a retest pursuant to paragraphs a., b., or c., or any combination of these, may retake the entire three-section qualifying examination within one year from the initial test.
(b) The three-section qualifying examination may not include questions requiring a medical or surgical education. The purpose of the examination, at a minimum, is to provide the opportunity for a person with a high school level education, or its equivalent, with appropriate study through the apprentice training program and training and supervision under the direction of a licensed dispenser, to enter the profession.
(c) The practical examination section of the qualifying examination shall include all of the following areas:
(1) Pretest procedure.
(2) Pure tone air conduction and masking.
(3) Pure tone bone conduction and masking.
(4) Speech audiometry and masking.
(5) Ear impressions.
(6) Audiogram interpretation and fitting.
(7) Troubleshooting hearing aids.
Last modified: May 3, 2021