Hearing Instrument Dispensing

Canadian-educated applicants to become a Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner (RHIP) in BC must first practise as a RHIP (Conditional), under the supervision of a practicum supervisor (who must be a RHIP in BC), to meet the RHIP (Conditional) practicum requirements.

RHIP (Conditional) registrants:

• May hold their Conditional registration status for up to two (2) years, during which they may attempt the entry-to-practice examinations up to three (3)
• Must practise under the supervision of a RHIP holding Full registration. For details on the level of supervision required during and after completion of their practicum, see the RHIP Practicum Requirements (Conditional Registrants) (PDF) and the Conditional Registration Requirements (PDF) policies.
• May use the reserved title “RHIP (Conditional)”

Important: Effective December 15, 2022, the College no longer accepts applications for HIP Intern status. Applicants seeking to become a RHIP in BC must first apply for and be granted RHIP (Conditional) registration. HIP Intern applications received prior to December 15, 2022, will not be required to convert to RHIP (Conditional) registration status. Current HIP Interns may complete their RHIP registration requirements (supervised practicum, written and practical examinations) as HIP Interns.

Graduates of recognized Canadian hearing instrument dispensing programs, as outlined in the College bylaws, may apply for registration as a RHIP (Conditional) by having the information and documents listed below ready, and completing and submitting the application form (PDF) to registration@chcpbc.org.

1. Official transcripts

After your credential has been awarded, arrange to have your hearing instrument dispensing program’s official transcripts sent directly from the institution to CHCPBC, either by email to registration@chcpbc.org or by mail to CHCPBC.

Important: your official transcripts must indicate “Awarded” or “Conferred”. Unofficial or administrative transcripts that do not indicate “Awarded” or “Conferred” cannot be accepted. If your diploma has not yet been awarded, arrange to have a Letter of Completion, signed by the Dean, sent directly from the institution to CHCPBC.

2. RHIP (Conditional) practicum supervisor

Secure a supervisor for your RHIP (Conditional) practicum, and own or have access to the minimum equipment necessary for the practice of the profession. To qualify as a RHIP (Conditional) practicum supervisor, the individual must:

• Be a Full RHIP registrant who is currently practising in BC, with a minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a Full registrant in BC or elsewhere.
• Provide a training setting that allows for practical experience with the relevant client population.
• Be located at the same place of business as the RHIP (Conditional) registrant, except where the RHIP (Conditional) registrant is under general supervision.

See the RHIP Practicum Requirements (Conditional Registrants) policy (PDF) for more information. 

You must have your RHIP (Conditional) practicum supervisor approved by CHCPBC. To propose your supervisor, you and your supervisor must complete the Proposed RHIP (Conditional) Practicum Supervisor form (PDF). If at any time you wish to request to change your supervisor, you must submit a new form to registration@chcpbc.org.

3. Recency of practice/practice competency

Applicants must provide evidence of meeting the recency of practice requirement for registration as a RHIP – i.e., that you have graduated from a recognized hearing instrument dispensing program within the last three (3) years, or that you have practised hearing instrument dispensing for a minimum of 750 hours in a regulated jurisdiction – by emailing a completed Confirmation of Practice Hours form (PDF) to registration@chcpbc.org.

Substantially equivalent recency of practice/practice competency

If, in the three (3) years immediately preceding the date you submit your application for registration, you have not graduated from a CHCPBC-recognized academic program or practised a minimum of 750 regulated hours in a regulated jurisdiction, but otherwise meet the requirements of registration, you will need to email a completed Application for Registration: Substantially Equivalent Practice Competency form (PDF) to the College’s Registration Committee at registration@chcpbc.org. The Committee will review your application to determine whether your knowledge, skills, and abilities meet the College’s recency of practice/practice competency requirements for registration under substantial equivalency.

4. Reference letters

Applicants must provide two character references from individuals who have known you for at least two years, and who are not family members, classmates, or friends, or stand to benefit from your application, and who can attest to your values, morals, and conduct. These references must be dated within 60 days of your application to CHCPBC.

Each of your references must submit a letter of reference directly to the College by email to registration@chcpbc.org or by mail to CHCPBC, and it must contain that individual’s contact information.

5. Proof of eligibility to work in Canada

Upload a copy of one of the following documents in the portal:

• Canadian passport (photo and signature page)
• Canadian citizenship certificate or card (front and back)
• Canadian birth certificate
• Government-issued work permit or work visa, provided this permits work in your intended profession
• A study or co-op visa, provided this permits work in your intended profession
• Permanent Resident card (front and back)

6. Criminal record check

Under BC’s Criminal Records Review Act, all RHIPs must complete a criminal record check when they first become registered with the College and every five years thereafter.

To facilitate this, upload a notarized copy of two of the following documents in the portal:

• BC Driver’s Licence or learner’s licence (must have your photo)
• BCID
• BC Services Card (must have your photo)
• Canadian birth certificate
• Passport (photo and signature page)
• Canadian citizenship certificate or card (front and back)
• Permanent Resident card (front and back)

7. English language proficiency

If you completed an acceptable academic program, as defined in the College’s Bylaws, that was delivered exclusively in English (including all academic learning and clinical practice), you will be exempted from completing English language proficiency testing. If you are not exempted, you must complete a TOEFL (iBT) or IELTS (AC or GT) English test and meet the following minimum test scores:

Required Minimum English Test Scores

TOEFL internet Based Test (iBT), or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition

• Speaking: 26
• Listening: 26
• Reading: 22
• Writing: 24

IELTS (Academic or General), or IELTS Online (Academic)

• Speaking: 7.5
• Listening: 8
• Reading: 7.5
• Writing: 7.5

Arrange to have your English language proficiency scores sent directly to CHCPBC at registration@chcpbc.org. Successful completion of one of the approved tests must be no more than two years before the date of application to the College.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements outlined above will be required to successfully meet the minimum standards before the application for registration can be submitted to the Registration Committee.

For more information, review the English Language Proficiency policy (PDF).

8. Professional liability insurance

As part of your application form, you will need to complete a declaration confirming that you have professional liability insurance pursuant to CHCPBC Bylaws in the amount of at least $2,000,000 per claim and in a form satisfactory to the Board.

If you do not have the required insurance at the time of submitting your application, you may provide updated information about your insurance at a future time. Note that no application may be approved without confirmation that the required insurance is in place.

Employers such as health authorities, school districts, and other government agencies typically have insurance in place for their employees that meets CHCPBC’s requirements. You must check the details of any insurance provided by your employer and confirm that it meets these requirements. If it does not, you must obtain your own professional liability insurance. Note that CHCPBC does not provide insurance advice or recommend insurers to applicants or registrants; this is outside of the scope of the College’s role as a regulatory body.

9. Verification of Licensure from other regulators

If you are, or have been, regulated as a health professional by any other regulatory body, you must provide a letter or certificate dated within 60 days of the date of your application from each relevant regulatory body (a “Verification of Licensure”). This must specify details of any cancellation, suspension, limitation, or conditions on your entitlement to practise, and any investigation, review, or proceeding that could lead to one of these outcomes. Verifications of Licensure may be sent to the College by email to registration@chcpbc.org, so long as they come directly from an authorized individual at the regulatory body in question.

10. Application and licence fees

The non-refundable Application fee (see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule) is payable at application for licensure.

Upon approval of your application for licensure, the non-refundable Licence fee (see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule) is payable. The licence fee is reduced for those applying in the latter half of the licensing year (between October 1 and March 31).

Payment is accepted by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in the portal.

11. Summary of clinical practicum hours

Once you are registered as a RHIP (Conditional) and have had your RHIP (Conditional) practicum supervisor approved by the College, you may begin your supervised clinical practicum hours. Complete your Summary of RHIP (Conditional) Practicum Hours form (PDF) with your supervisor and email the completed form to  registration@chcpbc.org.

12. Entry-to-practice examinations

As a RHIP (Conditional) registrant, you must pass the ILE Written Exam and the CHCPBC HID Practical Examination before CHCPBC can grant Full registration as a RHIP.

For detailed information on the exams, see Entry-to-Practice Examinations.

13. Timeline

After you have submitted your application, staff will conduct an initial review. The sooner all of your required documentation is received by CSHBC, the sooner the College can process your application. If satisfactory, your application will be submitted to the Registrar for final approval. You will be notified if CSHBC requires further information for your application, or if your application will require consideration by the Registration Committee.

Please note that if you fail to meet the requirements for licensure within 90 days of submitting your application, your application will expire, and you will need to submit a new application should you wish to continue to pursue registration with CHCPBC.

Important: If you are an Canadian-educated hearing instrument dispensing program graduate applying to be a RHIP, for information on your application pathway, see Canadian-Educated Hearing Instrument Dispensing Graduates Applying For RHIP.

The professions of audiology and hearing instrument dispensing are regulated separately in BC. Under the Speech & Hearing Health Professionals Regulation, as set by the Ministry of Health, those seeking multiple licenses to practice are required to obtain separate registrations. Graduates of recognized Canadian audiology programs, as outlined in the College’s Bylaws, may apply for registration as a Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner (RHIP) in addition to registration as a Registered Audiologist (RAUD), provided their Audiology program meets the requirements set out in the Bylaws.

Canadian-educated audiology graduates to become a RHIP in BC must first practise as a RHIP (Conditional), under the supervision of a Full registrant who must be a RHIP in BC.

RHIP (Conditional) registrants:

• May hold their Conditional registration status for up to two (2) years, during which they may attempt the entry-to-practice examinations up to three (3) times.
• Must practise under the supervision of a RHIP holding Full registration. For details on the level of supervision required during and after completion of a clinical practicum, if required, see the RHIP Practicum Requirements (Conditional Registrants) (PDF) and the Conditional Registration Requirements (PDF) policies.
• May use the reserved title “RHIP (Conditional)”

To complete your RHIP registration application for entry-level practice have the information and documents listed below ready, and complete and submit the application form (PDF) to registration@chcpbc.org.

1. Official transcripts

If you have not done this already as part of your application for RAUD registration, after your credential has been awarded, arrange to have your hearing instrument dispensing program’s official transcripts sent directly from the institution to CHCPBC, either by email to registration@chcpbc.org or by mail to CHCPBC.

Important: your official transcripts must indicate “Awarded” or “Conferred”. Unofficial or administrative transcripts that do not indicate “Awarded” or “Conferred” cannot be accepted. If your diploma has not yet been awarded, arrange to have a Letter of Completion, signed by the Dean, sent directly from the institution to CSHBC.

2. Academic course outline or syllabus

Upload your post-secondary program course outline or syllabus, with the conversion rate from credits to hours, including a record of clinical hours, in the portal.

3. Academic coursework & clinical practicum requirements

Academic coursework requirements

Upload your completed Academic Coursework Requirements (Hearing Instrument Dispensing Program) form (PDF) to the portal.

Your Academic Coursework Requirements form, course information, and syllabi will be reviewed against the academic coursework requirements defined in the College’s Bylaws.

Clinical practicum hours

Upload your completed Summary of Clinical Practicum Hours (Hearing Instrument Dispensing Program) form (PDF) to document proof of clinical hours (minimum of 150 contact hours).

The form requires sign-off from the Director of the program in which the clinical hours were completed.

Arrange for your academic institution to email the completed and signed form directly to registration@chcpbc.org or by mail to CHCPBC.

Your Summary of Clinical Practicum Hours form, and any additional relevant information provided with respect to your program, will be reviewed against the clinical practicum requirements defined in the College’s Bylaws.

4. Recency of practice/practice competency requirement

Applicants must provide evidence in the form of a completed Confirmation of Practice Hours form (PDF) that you meet the “recency of practice” requirement for registration as a RHIP (i.e., that you have graduated from your recognized audiology program within the last three (3) years, or that you have practised hearing instrument dispensing for a minimum of 750 hours in a regulated jurisdiction.

Substantially equivalent recency of practice/practice competency

If, in the three (3) years immediately preceding the date you submit your application for registration, you have not graduated from a CHCPBC-recognized academic program or practised a minimum of 750 regulated hours in a regulated jurisdiction, but otherwise meet the requirements of registration, you will need to email a completed Application for Registration: Substantially Equivalent Practice Competency form (PDF) to the Registration Committee at registration@chcpbc.org. The Committee will review your application to determine whether your knowledge, skills, and abilities meet CHCPBC’s recency of practice/practice competency requirements for registration under substantial equivalency.

5. English language proficiency

If you completed an acceptable academic program, as defined in the College’s Bylaws, that was delivered in English (including all academic learning and clinical practice), you will be exempted from completing English language proficiency testing. If you are not exempted, you must complete a TOEFL (iBT) or IELTS (AC or GT) English test and meet the following minimum test scores:

Required Minimum English Test Scores

TOEFL internet Based Test (iBT), or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition

• Speaking: 26
• Listening: 26
• Reading: 22
• Writing: 24

IELTS (Academic or General), or IELTS Online (Academic)

• Speaking: 7.5
• Listening: 8
• Reading: 7.5
• Writing: 7.5

Arrange to have your English language proficiency scores sent directly to CHCPBC at registration@chcpbc.org. Successful completion of one of the approved tests must be no more than two years before the date of application to the College.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements outlined above will be required to successfully meet the minimum standards before the application for registration can be submitted to the Registration Committee.

For more information, review the English Language Proficiency policy (PDF).

6. Remaining requirements to become a RHIP (Conditional)

The following requirements overlap with the requirements for becoming a RAUD; however, if you have not already applied to become a RAUD, you will need to provide the following:

• Two reference letters (reference letters must be dated within 60 days of application)
• Proof of eligibility to work in Canada (currently valid)
• Criminal Record Check and Criminal Record Check Fee (CRC must be dated within 60 days of application)
• Verification of registration with other regulators (VOR must be dated within 60 days of application)

7. RHIP (Conditional) practicum supervisor

RHIP (Conditional) registrants who are also recent graduates of a graduate or doctoral degree in audiology are automatically considered for an exemption from the required RHIP (Conditional) clinical practicum (660 hours). Exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the level of relevant clinical learning and/or work experience evident in your application.

RHIP (Conditional) registrants exempted from the RHIP (Conditional) clinical practicum requirement must practise under the supervision of a Full registrant (who must be a RHIP in BC) until successful completion of the ILE Written Exam and the HID Practical Exam.

Summary of clinical practicum hours – for RHIP (Conditional) registrants who are not granted a practicum exemption

Once you are registered as a RHIP (Conditional) and have had your RHIP (Conditional) practicum supervisor approved by the College, you may begin your supervised clinical practicum hours. Complete your Summary of RHIP (Conditional) Practicum Hours form (PDF) with your supervisor and email the completed form to registration@chcpbc.org.

8. Entry-to-practice examination requirements

As a RHIP (Conditional) registrant, you must pass the ILE Written Exam and the CHCPBC HID Practical Examination before CHCPBC can grant Full registration as a RHIP.

For detailed information on the exams, see Entry-to-Practice Examinations.

9. Professional liability insurance

As part of your online application form, you will need to complete a declaration confirming that you have professional liability insurance pursuant to CHCPBC Bylaws in the amount of at least $2,000,000 per claim and in a form satisfactory to the Board.

If you do not have the required insurance at the time of submitting your application, you may provide updated information about your insurance at a future time. Note that no application may be approved without confirmation that the required insurance is in place.

Employers such as health authorities, school districts, and other government agencies typically have insurance in place for their employees that meets CHCPBC’s requirements. You must check the details of any insurance provided by your employer and confirm that it meets these requirements. If it does not, you must obtain your own professional liability insurance. Note that CHCPBC does not provide insurance advice or recommend insurers to applicants or registrants; this is outside of the scope of the College’s role as a regulatory body.

10. Application fee

The following non-refundable fees are payable at application for registration:

• Application fee – see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule

Pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in the portal.

11. Registration fee

If you have already paid a first registration fee for RAUD registration, you will be required to pay a reduced, second registration fee for your RHIP registration; otherwise, you will be required to pay a first registration fee. Upon approval of your application for registration, fees for first, second (if applicable), and third (if applicable) registration fees are payable – see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule.

Pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in the portal.

If you register part way through the registration year (April 1 – March 31), the registration fee is pro-rated quarterly for the remaining months of the registration year. All fees are non-refundable.

12. Timeline

After you have submitted your application, staff will conduct an initial review. The sooner all your required documentation is received by CHCPBC, the sooner the College can process your application. Once your application is complete, it may need to be considered by a Registration Committee panel. Panels typically meet bi-monthly or quarterly. During the application process, you will be advised if your application requires Registration Committee review, when the next meeting is scheduled to take place, and the deadline for providing any additional, relevant information that you wish the Committee to consider in support of your application.

Please note that if you fail to meet the requirements for registration within 90 days of submitting your application, your application will expire, and you will need to submit a new application should you wish to continue to pursue registration with CHCPBC.

Important: If you are an Internationally-educated audiology program graduate applying to be a RHIP, for information on your application pathway, see Internationally-Educated Audiology Graduates Applying For RHIP.

Internationally-Educated applicants to become RHIPs in BC who have met CHCPBC’s entry-to-practice requirements must first practise as a RHIP (Conditional), under the supervision of a practicum supervisor (who must be a RHIP in BC), to meet the RHIP (Conditional) practicum requirements.

RHIP (Conditional) registrants:

• May hold their Conditional registration status for up to two (2) years, during which they may attempt the entry-to-practice examinations up to three (3) times.
• Must practise under the supervision of a RHIP holding Full registration. For details on the level of supervision required during and after completion of their practicum, see the RHIP Practicum Requirements (Conditional Registrants) (PDF) and the Conditional Registration Requirements (PDF) policies.
• May use the reserved title “RHIP (Conditional)”

Important: Effective December 15, 2022, the College no longer accepts applications for HIP Intern status. Applicants seeking to become a RHIP in BC must first apply for and be granted RHIP (Conditional) registration. HIP Intern applications received prior to December 15, 2022, will not be required to convert to RHIP (Conditional) registration status. Current HIP Interns may complete their RHIP registration requirements (supervised practicum, written and practical examinations) as HIP Interns.

1. Official transcripts

After your credential has been awarded, arrange to have your hearing instrument dispensing program’s official transcripts sent directly from the institution to CHCPBC, either by email to registration@chcpbc.org or by mail to CHCPBC.

Important: your official transcripts must indicate “Awarded” or “Conferred”. Unofficial or administrative transcripts that do not indicate “Awarded” or “Conferred” cannot be accepted. If your diploma has not yet been awarded, arrange to have a Letter of Completion, signed by the Dean, sent directly from the institution to CHCPBC.

2. Credential assessment

Arrange to have World Educational Services (WES) assess your post-secondary program transcripts. A basic assessment is acceptable.

3. Academic course outline or syllabus

Upload your post-secondary program course outline or syllabus, with the conversion rate from credits to hours, including a record of clinical hours, in the portal.

4. Academic coursework & clinical practicum requirements

Academic coursework requirements

Upload your completed Academic Coursework Requirements (Hearing Instrument Dispensing Program) form to the portal.

Your Academic Coursework Requirements form (PDF), course information, and syllabi will be reviewed against the academic coursework requirements defined in the College’s Bylaws.

Clinical practicum hours

Upload your completed Summary of Clinical Practicum Hours (Hearing Instrument Dispensing Program) form (PDF) to document proof of clinical hours (minimum of 150 contact hours).

The form requires sign-off from the Director of the program in which the clinical hours were completed.

Arrange for your academic institution to email the completed and signed form directly to registration@chcpbc.org or by mail to the College.

Your Summary of Clinical Practicum Hours form, and any additional relevant information provided with respect to your program, will be reviewed against the clinical practicum requirements defined in the College’s Bylaws.

5. Recency of practice/practice competency requirement

Applicants must provide evidence of meeting the recency of practice requirement for registration as a RHIP – i.e., that you have graduated from a recognized hearing instrument dispensing program within the last three (3) years, or that you have practised hearing instrument dispensing for a minimum of 750 hours in a regulated jurisdiction – by emailing a completed Confirmation of Practice Hours form (PDF) to registration@chcpbc.org.

Substantially equivalent recency of practice/practice competency

If, in the three (3) years immediately preceding the date you submit your application for registration, you have not graduated from a CHCPBC-recognized academic program or practised a minimum of 750 regulated hours in a regulated jurisdiction, but otherwise meet the requirements of registration, you will need to email a completed Application for Registration: Substantially Equivalent Practice Competency form (PDF) to the College’s Registration Committee at registration@chcpbc.org. The Committee will review your application to determine whether your knowledge, skills, and abilities meet the College’s recency of practice/practice competency requirements for registration under substantial equivalency.

6. English language proficiency

If you completed an acceptable academic program, as defined in the College’s Bylaws, that was delivered exclusively in English (including all academic learning and clinical practice), you will be exempted from completing English language proficiency testing. If you are not exempted, you must complete a TOEFL (iBT) or IELTS (AC or GT) English test and meet the following minimum test scores:

Required Minimum English Test Scores

TOEFL internet Based Test (iBT), or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition

• Speaking: 26
• Listening: 26
• Reading: 22
• Writing: 24

IELTS (Academic or General), or IELTS Online (Academic)

• Speaking: 7.5
• Listening: 8
• Reading: 7.5
• Writing: 7.5

Arrange to have your English language proficiency scores sent directly to CHCPBC at registration@chcpbc.org. Successful completion of one of the approved tests must be no more than two years before the date of application to the College.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements outlined above will be required to successfully meet the minimum standards before the application for registration can be submitted to the Registration Committee.

For more information, review the English Language Proficiency policy (PDF).

7. RHIP (Conditional) practicum supervisor

RHIP (Conditional) registrants who are also recent graduates of a graduate or doctoral degree in audiology may be exempted from the required RHIP (Conditional) clinical practicum (660 hours). RHIP (Conditional) registrants exempted from the RHIP (Conditional) clinical practicum requirement must practise under the supervision of a Full registrant (who must be a RHIP in BC) until successful completion of the ILE Written Exam and the HID Practical Exam.

Secure a supervisor for your RHIP (Conditional) practicum, and own or have access to the minimum equipment necessary for the practice of the profession. To qualify as a RHIP (Conditional) practicum supervisor, the individual must:

• Be a Full RHIP registrant who is currently practising in BC, with a minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a Full registrant in BC or elsewhere.
• Provide a training setting that allows for practical experience with the relevant client population.
• Be located at the same place of business as the RHIP (Conditional) registrant, except where the RHIP (Conditional) registrant is under general supervision.

See the RHIP Practicum Requirements (Conditional Registrants) policy (PDF) for more information. 

You must have your RHIP (Conditional) practicum supervisor approved by CHCPBC. To propose your supervisor, you and your supervisor must complete the Proposed RHIP (Conditional) Practicum Supervisor form (PDF). If at any time you wish to request to change your supervisor, you must submit a new form to registration@chcpbc.org.

8. Reference letters

Applicants must provide two (2) character references from individuals who have known you for at least two years, and who are not family members, classmates, or friends, or stand to benefit from your application, and who can attest to your values, morals, and conduct. These references must be dated within 60 days of your application to CHCPBC.

Each of your references must submit a letter of reference directly to CHCPBC by email to registration@chcpbc.org or by mail to the College, and it must contain that individual’s contact information.

9. Verification of Licensure from other regulators

If you are, or have been, regulated as a health professional by any other regulatory body, you must provide a letter or certificate dated within 60 days of the date of your application from each relevant regulatory body (a “Verification of Licensure”). This must specify details of any cancellation, suspension, limitation, or conditions on your entitlement to practise, and any investigation, review, or proceeding that could lead to one of these outcomes. Verifications of Licensure may be sent to the College by email to registration@chcpbc.org, so long as they come directly from an authorized individual at the regulatory body in question.

10. Proof of eligibility to work in Canada

Upload a notarized copy of one of the following documents in the portal:

• Canadian passport (photo and signature page)
• Canadian citizenship certificate or card (front and back)
• Canadian birth certificate
• Government-issued work permit or work visa, provided this permits work in your intended profession
• A study or co-op visa, provided this permits work in your intended profession
• Permanent Resident card (front and back)

11. Criminal record check

Under BC’s Criminal Records Review Act, all RHIPs must complete a criminal record check when they first become registered with the College and every five years thereafter.

To facilitate this, upload a notarized copy of two of the following documents in the portal:

• BC Driver’s Licence or learner’s licence (must have your photo)
• BCID
• BC Services Card (must have your photo)
• Canadian birth certificate
• Passport (photo and signature page)
• Canadian citizenship certificate or card (front and back)
• Permanent Resident card (front and back)

12. Professional liability insurance

As part of your application form, you will need to complete a declaration confirming that you have professional liability insurance pursuant to CHCPBC Bylaws in the amount of at least $2,000,000 per claim and in a form satisfactory to the Board.

If you do not have the required insurance at the time of submitting your application, you may provide updated information about your insurance at a future time. Note that no application may be approved without confirmation that the required insurance is in place.

Employers such as health authorities, school districts, and other government agencies typically have insurance in place for their employees that meets CHCPBC’s requirements. You must check the details of any insurance provided by your employer and confirm that it meets these requirements. If it does not, you must obtain your own professional liability insurance. Note that CHCPBC does not provide insurance advice or recommend insurers to applicants or registrants; this is outside of the scope of the College’s role as a regulatory body.

13. Application, assessment & licence fees

The non-refundable Application fee (see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule) is payable at application for licensure. Assessment fees are also listed in the CHCPBC Fee Schedule.

Upon approval of your application for licensure, the non-refundable Licence fee (see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule) is payable. The licence fee is reduced for those applying in the latter half of the licensing year (between October 1 and March 31).

Payment is accepted by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in the portal.

15. Summary of RHIP (Conditional) clinical practicum hours

Once you are registered as a RHIP (Conditional) and have had your RHIP (Conditional) practicum supervisor approved by the College, you may begin your supervised clinical practicum hours. Complete your Summary of RHIP (Conditional) Practicum Hours form (PDF) with your supervisor and email the completed form to registration@cshbc.ca.

16. Entry-to-practice examinations

As a RHIP (Conditional) registrant, you must pass the ILE Written Exam and the CHCPBC HID Practical Examination before CHCPBC can grant Full registration as a RHIP.

For detailed information on the exams, see Entry-to-Practice Examinations.

17. Timeline

After you have submitted your application, staff will conduct an initial review. The sooner all of your required documentation is received by CHCPBC, the sooner the College can process your application. If satisfactory, your application will be submitted to the Registrar for final approval. You will be notified if CHCPBC requires further information for your application, or if your application will require consideration by the Registration Committee.

Please note that if you fail to meet the requirements for registration within 90 days of submitting your application, your application will expire, and you will need to submit a new application should you wish to continue to pursue registration with CHCPBC.

Important: If you are an internationally-educated hearing instrument dispensing program graduate applying to be a RHIP, for information on your application pathway, see Internationally-Educated Hearing Instrument Dispensing Graduates Applying For RHIP.

The professions of audiology and hearing instrument dispensing are regulated separately in BC. Under the Speech & Hearing Health Professionals Regulation, as set by the Ministry of Health, those seeking multiple licenses to practice are required to obtain separate registrations.

Graduates of international audiology programs, that meet the requirements of the College’s Bylaws, may apply for registration as a Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner (RHIP) in addition to registration as a Registered Audiologist (RAUD).

Internationally-educated audiology graduates to become a RHIP in BC must first practise as a RHIP (Conditional), under the supervision of a Full registrant (who must be a RHIP in BC).

RHIP (Conditional) registrants:

• May hold their Conditional registration status for up to two (2) years, during which they may attempt the entry-to-practice examinations up to three (3) times.
• Must practise under the supervision of a RHIP holding Full registration. For details on the level of supervision required during and after completion of a clinical practicum, if required, see the RHIP (Conditional) Practicum Requirements (PDF) and the Conditional Registration Requirements (PDF) policies.
• May use the reserved title “RHIP (Conditional)”

To complete your RHIP registration application for entry-level practice, have the information and documents listed below ready, and complete and submit the application form (PDF) to registration@chcpbc.org.

1. Official transcripts

If you have not done this already as part of your application for RAUD registration, after your credential has been awarded, arrange to have your hearing instrument dispensing program’s official transcripts sent directly from the institution to CHCPBC, either by email to registration@chcpbc.org or by mail to CHCPBC.

Important: your official transcripts must indicate “Awarded” or “Conferred”. Unofficial or administrative transcripts that do not indicate “Awarded” or “Conferred” cannot be accepted. If your diploma has not yet been awarded, arrange to have a Letter of Completion, signed by the Dean, sent directly from the institution to CSHBC.

2. Credential assessment

If you have not done this already as part of your application for RAUD registration, arrange to have World Educational Services(WES) assess your post-secondary program transcripts. A basic assessment is acceptable.

3. Academic course outline or syllabus

Upload your post-secondary program course outline or syllabus, with the conversion rate from credits to hours, including a record of clinical hours, in the portal.

4. Academic coursework & clinical practicum requirements

Academic coursework requirements

Upload your completed Academic Coursework Requirements (Hearing Instrument Dispensing Program) form (PDF) to the portal.

Your Academic Coursework Requirements form, course information, and syllabi will be reviewed against the academic coursework requirements defined in the College’s Bylaws.

Clinical practicum hours

Upload your completed Summary of Clinical Practicum Hours (Hearing Instrument Dispensing Program) form (PDF) to document proof of clinical hours (minimum of 150 contact hours).

The form requires sign-off from the Director of the program in which the clinical hours were completed.

Arrange for your academic institution to email the completed and signed form directly to registration@chcpbc.org or by mail to CHCPBC.

Your Summary of Clinical Practicum Hours form, and any additional relevant information provided with respect to your program, will be reviewed against the clinical practicum requirements defined in the College’s Bylaws.

5. Recency of practice/practice competency requirement

Applicants must provide evidence in the form of a completed Confirmation of Practice Hours form (PDF) that you meet the “recency of practice” requirement for registration as a RHIP (i.e., that you have graduated from your recognized audiology program within the last three (3) years, or that you have practised hearing instrument dispensing for a minimum of 750 hours in a regulated jurisdiction.

Substantially equivalent recency of practice/practice competency

If, in the three (3) years immediately preceding the date you submit your application for registration, you have not graduated from a CHCPBC-recognized academic program or practised a minimum of 750 regulated hours in a regulated jurisdiction, but otherwise meet the requirements of registration, you will need to email a completed Application for Registration: Substantially Equivalent Practice Competency form (PDF) to the Registration Committee at registration@chcpbc.org. The Committee will review your application to determine whether your knowledge, skills, and abilities meet CHCPBC’s recency of practice/practice competency requirements for registration under substantial equivalency.

6. English language proficiency

If you completed an acceptable academic program, as defined in the College’s Bylaws, that was delivered in English (including all academic learning and clinical practice), you will be exempted from completing English language proficiency testing. If you are not exempted, you must complete a TOEFL (iBT) or IELTS (AC or GT) English test and meet the following minimum test scores:

Required Minimum English Test Scores

TOEFL internet Based Test (iBT), or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition

• Speaking: 26
• Listening: 26
• Reading: 22
• Writing: 24

IELTS (Academic or General), or IELTS Online (Academic)

• Speaking: 7.5
• Listening: 8
• Reading: 7.5
• Writing: 7.5

Arrange to have your English language proficiency scores sent directly to CHCPBC at registration@chcpbc.org. Successful completion of one of the approved tests must be no more than two years before the date of application to the College.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements outlined above will be required to successfully meet the minimum standards before the application for registration can be submitted to the Registration Committee.

For more information, review the English Language Proficiency policy (PDF).

7. Remaining requirements to become a RHIP (Conditional)

The following requirements overlap with the requirements for becoming a RAUD; however, if you have not already applied to become a RAUD, you will need to provide the following:

• Two reference letters (reference letters must be dated within 60 days of application)
• Proof of eligibility to work in Canada (currently valid)
• Criminal Record Check and Criminal Record Check Fee (CRC must be dated within 60 days of application)
• Verification of registration with other regulators (VOR must be dated within 60 days of application)

8. RHIP (Conditional) practicum supervisor

RHIP (Conditional) registrants who are also recent graduates of a graduate or doctoral degree in audiology are automatically considered for an exemption from the required RHIP (Conditional) clinical practicum (660 hours). Exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the level of relevant clinical learning and/or work experience evident in your application.

RHIP (Conditional) registrants exempted from the RHIP (Conditional) clinical practicum requirement must practise under the supervision of a Full registrant (who must be a RHIP in BC) until successful completion of the ILE Written Exam and the HID Practical Exam.

Summary of clinical practicum hours – for RHIP (Conditional) registrants who are not granted a practicum exemption

Once you are registered as a RHIP (Conditional) and have had your RHIP (Conditional) practicum supervisor approved by the College, you may begin your supervised clinical practicum hours. Complete your Summary of RHIP (Conditional) Practicum Hours form (PDF) with your supervisor and email the completed form to registration@chcpbc.org.

9. Entry-to-practice examination requirements

As a RHIP (Conditional) registrant, you must pass the ILE Written Exam and the CHCPBC HID Practical Examination before CHCPBC can grant Full registration as a RHIP.

For detailed information on the exams, see Entry-to-Practice Examinations.

10. Professional liability insurance

As part of your application form, you will need to complete a declaration confirming that you have professional liability insurance pursuant to CHCPBC Bylaws in the amount of at least $2,000,000 per claim and in a form satisfactory to the Board.

If you do not have the required insurance at the time of submitting your application, you may provide updated information about your insurance at a future time. Note that no application may be approved without confirmation that the required insurance is in place.

Employers such as health authorities, school districts, and other government agencies typically have insurance in place for their employees that meets CHCPBC’s requirements. You must check the details of any insurance provided by your employer and confirm that it meets these requirements. If it does not, you must obtain your own professional liability insurance. Note that CHCPBC does not provide insurance advice or recommend insurers to applicants or registrants; this is outside of the scope of the College’s role as a regulatory body.

11. Application, assessment & licence fees

The non-refundable Application fee (see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule) is payable at application for licensure. Assessment fees are also listed in the CHCPBC Fee Schedule.

Upon approval of your application for licensure, the non-refundable Licence fee (see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule) is payable. If you have already paid an initial licence fee for RAUD registration, you will be required to pay a reduced, second licence fee for your RHIP licensure; otherwise, you will be required to pay a first registration fee.

The licence fee is reduced for those applying in the latter half of the licensing year (between October 1 and March 31).

Payment is accepted by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in the portal.

13. Timeline

After you have submitted your application, staff will conduct an initial review. The sooner all your required documentation is received by CHCPBC, the sooner the College can process your application. Once your application is complete, it may need to be considered by a Registration Committee panel. Panels typically meet bi-monthly or quarterly. During the application process, you will be advised if your application requires Registration Committee review, when the next meeting is scheduled to take place, and the deadline for providing any additional, relevant information that you wish the Committee to consider in support of your application.

Please note that if you fail to meet the requirements for registration within 90 days of submitting your application, your application will expire, and you will need to submit a new application should you wish to continue to pursue registration with CHCPBC.

In accordance with Chapter 7 of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and BC’s Labour Mobility Act, the College’s Bylaws grants:

• Full registration classification to practise in BC to Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioners (RHIPs) with an equivalent registration status in another Canadian jurisdiction, who are in good standing with the relevant regulatory body in that jurisdiction and who meet the registration requirements set out below.

CHCPBC accepts labour mobility applications from applicants from the following Canadian jurisdictions:

Hearing Instrument Dispensing

• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Quebec
• Nova Scotia
• Newfoundland & Labrador

If you hold conditional or provisional registration in one of these provinces, please contact the College regarding potential application options. Labour mobility applicants must be currently authorized to practice, therefore those holding non-practising registration are ineligible.

Note that all new registrants who have transferred to BC under labour mobility must complete the College’s Jurisprudence and Client Consent online learning courses before renewing their registration in BC.

Labour mobility applicants to become RHIPs in BC may begin practice when they have met the College’s labour mobility requirements and been granted Full registration.

To apply, have the documents listed below ready, and complete and submit the application form (PDF) to registration@chcpbc.org.

1. Verification of Licensure from all other regulators

Arrange to have your current Canadian regulator send a Verification of Licensure directly to CHCPBC, confirming if you are currently a licensee in good standing, authorized to practise, and have no conditions on your licence. This verification means you do not need to submit transcripts, proof of clinical hours, or proof of passing the entry-to-practice examination.

In addition to the regulator in the Canadian jurisdiction that you are coming from, you must provide a letter or certificate dated within 60 days of the date of your application from each additional regulatory body where you are or have been licensed in any health profession, in any jurisdiction (if any). This must specify details of any cancellation, suspension, limitation, or conditions on your entitlement to practise, and any investigation, review, or proceeding that could lead to one of these outcomes.

Verifications of Licensure may be sent to the College by email at registration@chcpbc.org, so long as they come directly from an authorized individual at the regulatory body in question.

2. Proof of eligibility to work in Canada

• Canadian passport (photo and signature page)
• Canadian citizenship certificate or card (front and back)
• Canadian birth certificate
• Government-issued work permit or work visa, provided this permits work in your intended profession
• A study or co-op visa, provided this permits work in your intended profession
• Permanent Resident card (front and back)

3. Reference letters

Applicants must provide two character references from individuals who have known you for at least two years, and who are not family members, classmates, or friends, or stand to benefit from your application, and who can attest to your values, morals, and conduct. These references must be dated within 60 days of your application to CHCPBC.

Each of your references must submit a letter of reference directly to the College at registration@chcpbc.org or by mail and must contain that individual’s contact information.

4. Criminal Record Check

Under BC’s Criminal Records Review Act, all RAUDs and RSLPs must complete a criminal record check when they first become registered with the College and every five years thereafter.

To facilitate this, upload a notarized copy of two of the following documents in the portal:

• BC Driver’s Licence or learner’s licence (must have your photo)
• BCID
• BC Services Card (must have your photo)
• Canadian birth certificate
• Passport (photo and signature page)
• Canadian citizenship certificate or card (front and back)
• Permanent Resident card (front and back)

5. English Language Proficiency

If you completed your academic program in audiology, hearing instrument dispensing, or speech-language pathology in English, or you demonstrated English proficiency in the course of registering with the Canadian regulatory body from which you are applying under labour mobility, you will be exempted from providing further proof of your English proficiency. If you are not exempted, you must complete a TOEFL (iBT), IELTS (AC or GT), or OET (Speech-Language Pathology only) English test and meet the following minimum test scores:

Required Minimum English Test Scores

TOEFL internet Based Test (iBT), or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition

• Speaking: 26
• Listening: 26
• Reading: 22
• Writing: 24

IELTS (Academic or General), or IELTS Online (Academic)

• Speaking: 7.5
• Listening: 8
• Reading: 7.5
• Writing: 7.5

Occupational English Test (OET) (Speech Pathology version), Paper-based Only

• Speaking: B (395)
• Listening: A (450)
• Reading: B (395)
• Writing: B (395)

Arrange to have your English language proficiency scores sent directly to CHCPBC at registration@chcpbc.org. Successful completion of one of the approved tests must be no more than two years before the date of application to the College.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements outlined above will be required to successfully meet the minimum standards before the application for registration can be submitted to the Registration Committee.

For more information, review the English Language Proficiency policy (PDF).

6. Professional Liability Insurance

As part of your application form, you will need to complete a declaration confirming that you have professional liability insurance pursuant to CHCPBC Bylaws in the amount of at least $2,000,000 per claim and in a form satisfactory to the Board.

If you do not have the required insurance at the time of submitting your application, you may provide updated information about your insurance at a future time. Note that no application may be approved without confirmation that the required insurance is in place.

Employers such as health authorities, school districts, and other government agencies typically have insurance in place for their employees that meets CHCPBC’s requirements. You must check the details of any insurance provided by your employer and confirm that it meets these requirements. If it does not, you must obtain your own professional liability insurance. Note that CHCPBC does not provide insurance advice or recommend insurers to applicants or registrants; this is outside of the scope of the College’s role as a regulatory body.

7. Application and licence fees

The non-refundable Application fee (see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule) is payable at application for licensure.

Upon approval of your application for licensure, the non-refundable Licence fee (see the CHCPBC Fee Schedule) is payable. The licence fee is reduced for those applying in the latter half of the licensing year (between October 1 and March 31).

Payment is accepted by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in the portal.

8. Timelines

After you have submitted your application, staff will conduct an initial review of the application. The sooner all of your required documentation is received by CHCPBC, the sooner the College can process your application. If satisfactory, your application will be submitted to the Registrar for final approval. You will be notified if CHCPBC requires further information for your application, or if your application will require consideration by the Registration Committee.

Please note that if you fail to meet the requirements for registration within 90 days of submitting your application, your application will expire and you will need to submit a new application should you wish to continue to pursue registration with CHCPBC.

The College’s Bylaws include a renewable Temporary registration classification.

Important: Under the College Bylaws, the Registration Committee imposes limits and conditions on all temporary registrants. The Temporary registration classification is restricted to education and training purposes only and is not intended for general practice.

Temporary registration is granted for up to 90 days. To renew Temporary registration, contact registration@chcpbc.org well in advance of the registration’s expiry date.

Temporary registrants aren’t eligible to apply for Certified Practice Certificates.

See the Temporary Registration policy (PDF).

Application steps for Temporary registration

Please email registration@chcpbc.org for step-by-step instructions on submitting a temporary registration application.

As specified in the College Bylaws, all required entry-to-practice examinations must be approved by the College’s Registration Committee. Exams for Hearing Instrument Dispensing approved by the Committee and available for applicants to take include the following:

• ILE Written Exam and
• CHCPBC HID Practical Exam

Applicants to become Hearing Instrument Practitioners (HIPs) must pass both exams, including audiology graduates applying to become dually registered RAUD–RHIPs.

All applicants for licensure must take entry-to-practice exams, except those applying for Full licensure through labour mobility and those applying for Temporary licensure.

ILE Written Exam

The International Licensing Examination (ILE), a written examination administered by the International Hearing Society (IHS), is one of the two examinations required for registration as a HIP with CHCPBC. If you have already passed the ILE Written Exam, please advise the College at the time of applying. You will need to have IHS provide proof of this directly to CHCPBC.

Otherwise, once approved as a Provisional HIP, you are eligible to sit for the ILE Written Exam. You must register for your first attempt within six months of completing your Provisional HIP practicum (660 hours of supervised clinical practice). Conditional registrants who have satisfied the practicum requirement prior to obtaining Provisional licensure should register for their first ILE Written Exam attempt within six months of being granted Provisional licensure.

CHCPBC provides your details to IHS — they will contact you directly to provide instructions about your examination booking, including payment for the examination. ILE Written Exam results are sent directly to the College after at least 10 business days, and CHCPBC will provide you with notice of your results shortly thereafter. For more information about the ILE Written Exam, visit the IHS website.

Testing candidates can request “domain-level performance results” from a previous exam attempt. This includes the percentage score the test-taker achieved in each of the five examination domains (topic areas). The information can assist unsuccessful testing candidates in preparing for another exam attempt. Candidates may request this information directly from IHS by filling out an online request form.

HID Practical Exam

The HID Practical Examination is the second required entry-to-practice examination that Provisional HIP licensees must pass to become Full licensees. This examination is administered by CHCPBC twice a year, during the spring and fall, at Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility (Head Office). Address: 2005 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V5T 2Z6.

Eligibility for the HID Practical Examination

To be eligible to take the HID Practical Examination, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Provide proof of successful completion of the ILE Written Examination
• Submit a completed Summary of RHIP (PDF), unless exempted
• Applicants registering for the exam must anticipate completing all eligibility requirements no later than three (3) business days prior to the final exam sitting.

Session Dates and Deadlines
Spring 2026

• Dates: June 6, 7, 2026
• Examination accommodation submission deadline: April 24, 2026. Candidates requesting an accommodation must submit their request or indicate their intent to do so by this deadline. Final approval will follow the formal review process and is not required by this date.
• Registration deadline: April 24, 2026
• Eligibility completion deadline: June 3, 2026 (end of day). Candidates must complete all eligibility requirements by this date to be eligible for this exam sitting.

How to Register

1. Complete the HID Practical Exam Registration Form (PDF) and submit it to exams@chcpbc.org.
2. Upon receipt of your registration form, College staff will verify your eligibility.
3. If eligible, you will be contacted to identify any potential conflicts of interest with examiners.
4. Pay the exam fee – see the Fee Schedule (PDF).
5. Receive your official exam schedule.

Please note: Personal preferences for examination dates may not be accommodated.

How to prepare for the exam

Please review the following documents before your exam:

• Candidate Information Guide – HID Practical Examination (July 2025) (PDF)
• Aurical User Manual (PDF)
• Sentiero User Manual (PDF)
• Audioscan RM500 Speechmap DSL Fitting System Guide (PDF)

Examination accommodations, results and appeal

For detailed information on accommodation requests, receiving exam results, and appeal requests, please refer to the Candidate Information Guide (PDF).

To request an examination accommodation or result appeal, use the relevant form:

• HID Practical Examination Accommodation Request Form (PDF)
• HID Examination Appeal Form (PDF)

Information for all exams

All applicants applying to become RHIPs must pass the ILE Written Exam and HID Practical Exam.

Provisional licensure

If you do not have proof of passing one of the above-mentioned examinations, you must apply for the Provisional licensure classification and practise under general supervision until you have passed an approved examination. Applicants for Provisional licensure must secure a practice supervisor, who must be a Full CHCPBC registrant of the same profession in good standing.

Provisional licensees who cannot demonstrate they have already passed one of the required exams should register for their first attempt within six months of being granted Provisional licensure.

Examination attempts

Applicants are permitted three exam attempts for both the IHS Written Exam and HID Practical Exam. An applicant must complete all attempts within two years from the date of the applicant’s initial application.

For more information

For further information regarding current CHCPBC examination requirements, examination day accommodations, improper conduct during an examination and examination discrepancies, examination attempts and failures, and other aspects of entry-to-practice examinations, it is important that applicants review the Entry-to-Practice Examinations policy (PDF).

The College thoroughly reviews every application for registration, including applications for full registration and applications for certification, to determine if applicants meet the College’s registration and certification requirements.

Applications fall under two broad categories:

• Standard applications: where it is very clear that registration or certification requirements as set out in CHCPBC Bylaws and policy are met.
• Non-standard applications: where it is less clear that one or more of the registration or certification requirements are met.

The Registration Committee delegates authority to the CHCPBC Registrar to review and approve standard applications. However, non-standard applications must be reviewed by the Registration Committee. These applications generally take longer to be processed given it takes time to gather additional information and have the Registration Committee consider the matter.

Frequently asked questions

• Certified Practice Certificate Renewal (PDF)
• Conditional Registration Requirements (PDF)
• Electronic Registration Hearings (PDF)
• English Language Proficiency (PDF)
• Entry-to-Practice Examinations (PDF)
• Entry-to-Practice Examinations – Approval (PDF)
• Examination Requirements (Conditional Registrants) (PDF)
• Identity Documents (PDF)
• Practice Hours Requirement (Applicants) (PDF)
• Practicum Requirements (Conditional Registrants) PDF
• Reapplication and Examination Requirements (Full Registrants) (PDF)
• Substantially Equivalent Practice Competency (PDF)
• Temporary Registration (PDF)
• Validity of Applications and Supporting Documents (PDF)