(a) Before obtaining a license to engage in the practice of dealing in or fitting of hearing- aids, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

(1) The applicant must pass the International Licensing Examination for Hearing Healthcare Professionals, prepared by the International Hearing Society, or an equivalent examination selected by the board.

(2) The applicant must pass a practical examination, which shall be a nationally recognized test selected by the board, or a test designed by the board to test the applicant’s proficiency in the following techniques as they pertain to the fitting of hearing aids: (A) Pure tone audiometry, including air conduction testing;

(B) Live voice or recorded voice speech audiometry, including speech reception threshold testing and speech discrimination testing; and

(C) Masking when indicated and effective masking.

(3) The applicant must pass an examination, which shall be developed by the board, to test an applicant’s competency in the following subjects: (A) Ability to counsel the person or family who will receive the hearing aid relative to the care and use of the instrument;

(B) Knowledge regarding the medical and rehabilitative facilities for hearing-handicapped children and adults in the area being served;

(C) Knowledge and understanding of the grounds for revocation, suspension, or probation of a license as outlined in this article; and

(D) Knowledge and understanding of criminal offenses as outlined in this article.

(b) The board may promulgate rules to implement the requirements of this section, including emergency rules promulgated pursuant to the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code.

(c) The examinations required by this section shall be collectively referred to in this article as “the examination.”