The International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals (ILE) is the practice-based licensing examination owned and operated by the International Hearing Society (IHS). It is used as the written licensing exam for Hearing Aid Specialists by the majority of states and provinces across the United States and Canada.
Exam Results
Most candidates* will receive their exam results right away, in an email containing your Pass/Fail result as well as section-level results for the five main topic areas per the Exam Outline (Competency Model). Exam results are simultaneously sent to your licensing agency who will notify you of next steps in your licensing process. If you fail the exam and wish to re-take it, the rules vary between jurisdictions. Your post-exam email will contain more details about re-taking the exam.
*Candidates in the following jurisdictions will not receive their results right away: Alberta, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Oregon. For these jurisdictions, exam results are sent to your licensing agency immediately upon your completion of the exam. You will then receive the results directly from your licensing agency. IHS is contractually prohibited from releasing the result to you. However, you can request your topic/domain level feedback. Requests should be submitted via the online request form by the candidate only.
Scoring & Result Contents
Exam Results and Domain Feedback will only be released to the test-taker and the licensing agency.
Examination Scoring
The exam consists of 105 questions, 80 of which are scored. Each scored question is worth 1 point if answered correctly and 0 points if incorrect. There is no penalty for guessing, so you should answer every question.
Pass/Fail Results
The actual scoring of the examination is not released. Instead, you will receive a result of either “Pass” or “Fail” based on the passing score of the exam.
While IHS has a recommended passing score, the ultimate decision lies with the licensing agency. If you receive immediate results, that jurisdiction has adopted IHS’ recommended passing score.
Topic/Domain Feedback
As a tool to inform additional study efforts, you will also receive an email upon exam completion that details your performance in each of the five main topic areas. Refer to the Exam Outline (Competency Model) for the domains.
Please note: Domain-level results are provided for informational purposes only. They are not considered psychometrically reliable and should not be used to make Pass/Fail decisions. The ILE is scored on an overall raw score, which means that the domain-level results are not considered when determining the Pass/Fail result.
Score Transfers & Reciprocity
Some Hearing Aid Specialists seek to hold a license in multiple jurisdictions. If you have already passed the ILE and are seeking licensure in another jurisdiction, some licensing agencies will allow you to bypass taking the ILE again if official proof is provided of your previous passing result. This only applies in jurisdictions that use the ILE as their licensing exam. Check with the licensing agency to verify their process.
A Score Transfer Letter is a confidential report created by IHS containing information that documents the candidate’s test result. It does not in any way indicate the candidate is currently licensed or in good standing in the jurisdiction in which they took the ILE or any other jurisdiction.
How to Request a Score Transfer Letter
- Contact your licensing agency to confirm they will accept a Score Transfer Letter in lieu of you re-taking the ILE.
- Contact IHS at 734-522-7200 or exam@ihsinfo.org to make your request.
- Requests must include:
- Your name
- The jurisdiction for which you originally took the ILE
- When you originally took the ILE
- Which jurisdiction(s) you want to receive your results
- Payment: Score Transfer Letters are $50 each, or free for IHS members.
Important:
- Score Transfer Letters must be requested by the candidate. Requests will not be taken from or granted to any third-party individuals.
- Score Transfer Letters are processed weekly and sent directly to the licensing agency by IHS. They are not sent to the candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact our professional development team for additional questions.
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Do I need to re-take the exam if I want to be licensed in another state/province?
If you have already passed the ILE, some licensing agencies will allow you to bypass taking the ILE again if official proof is provided of your previous passing result. This only applies in jurisdictions that use the ILE as their licensing exam. Check with the licensing agency to verify their process. If your licensing agency will allow you to bypass re-taking the ILE, then you will need to follow steps to request a Score Transfer. Learn more here.
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When can I expect to get my results?
It varies based on the jurisdiction, but most candidates will receive their results via email immediately after the test. Learn more here.
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Do I need to bring anything with me the day of my exam?
Yes, when going to the testing center for your exam appointment, you will need to bring a valid, physical, unexpired photo ID – the name on your ID must match exactly the name on your test-taker web account. If your name has changed recently, it is strongly recommended that you call IHS to confirm the name on your test-taker account prior to your exam. You will also need to bring your Registration Confirmation email, either printed or on your phone. Phones must be stored in your car or the secure storing area provided by the testing center after presenting the confirmation email. If you don’t have the email, check your spam/junk folder. Call IHS if you cannot locate it. Arrive early, giving yourself plenty of time to park and figure out where you’re going. If you arrive late, you may not be permitted to take the exam. You cannot bring personal possessions. Any testing aids (calculator, scratch paper, etc.) are not permitted in the testing center. Most testing centers have a secure area for storing your essential items (i.e., car keys) during your test.
You must adhere to IHS’ standards of conduct during the exam as well as any instructions or directives from testing center staff. Refer to the Standards of Conduct as listed here.
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Do I need formal training in order to take the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals (ILE)?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so please contact your licensing agency for information. Because the exam is practice-based, it is unlikely that you can be successful on the ILE without clinical experience. Both the academic training and workplace training pathways into becoming a Hearing Aid Specialist can provide the knowledge and skills needed to be successful. Learn more about preparing to become a Hearing Aid Specialist here.