484.045  Licensure by examination.--

(1)  Any person desiring to be licensed as a hearing aid specialist shall apply to the department to take the licensure examination, which shall include a clinical practical component. The department shall examine each applicant who the board certifies:

(a)  Has completed the application form and remitted the applicable fee to the board and has paid the examination fee;

(b)  Is of good moral character;

(c)  Is 18 years of age or older;

(d)  Is a graduate of an accredited high school or its equivalent; and

(e)1.  Has met the requirements set forth in s. 484.0445; or

2.a.  Has a valid, current license as a hearing aid specialist or its equivalent from another state and has been actively practicing in such capacity for at least 12 months; or

b.  Is currently certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences and has been actively practicing for at least 12 months. Persons qualifying under this sub-subparagraph need not take the written or practical examination, but must take and pass a test on Florida laws and rules relating to the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids.

(2)  On or after October 1, 1990, every applicant who is qualified to take the examination shall be allowed to take the examination three times. If, after October 1, 1990, an applicant fails the examination three times, the applicant shall no longer be eligible to take the examination.

(3)  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2), any applicant who was eligible for examination prior to October 1, 1990, shall be allowed to take the examination a total of five times, provided that the applicant completes such examinations prior to September 30, 1991.

(4)  The department shall issue a license to practice dispensing hearing aids to any applicant who successfully completes the examination in accordance with this section.