(a)      An applicant who otherwise qualifies for a license is entitled to be examined as provided in this section.

      (b)      The Board shall give examinations to applicants at least twice a year, at the times and places that the Board determines.

      (c)      (1)      For the examination of applicants for a license to practice audiology or speech-language pathology, the Board may adopt appropriate examinations given by a professional body in the field of audiology or the field of speech-language pathology.

            (2)      The Board may supplement any written examination given under this section with an oral examination.

      (d)      The Board shall notify each qualified applicant of the time and place of examination.

      (e)      Except as otherwise provided in subsection (h) of this section, the Board shall determine the subjects, scope, form, and passing scores for examinations given under this subtitle.

      (f)      The Board may not limit the number of times an applicant may take an examination required under this subtitle.

      (g)      Repealed.

      (h)      (1)      An applicant who otherwise qualifies for a license to provide hearing aid services is entitled to be examined as provided in this subsection.

            (2)      The Board shall determine the subjects, scope, and form of and the passing score for examinations given under this subsection.

            (3)      The examination shall consist of a written part and a practical part.

            (4)      The written part of the examination shall cover the subjects of:

                  (i)      The basic physics of sound;

                  (ii)      The human hearing mechanism, including:

                        1.      The science of hearing;

                        2.      The causes of hearing disorders; and

                        3.      The rehabilitation of a hearing impaired individual;

                  (iii)      The basic psychology that relates to a hearing impaired individual;

                  (iv)      The structure and functions of hearing aids;

                  (v)      The theory of masking methodology;

                  (vi)      The provisions of this title; and

                  (vii)      The availability of social services and other special resources for a hearing impaired individual.

            (5)      The practical part of the examination shall test proficiency in:

                  (i)      Pure tone audiometry, including testing and recording of air and bone conduction;

                  (ii)      Recorded speech audiometry, including:

                        1.      Speech reception;

                        2.      Threshold testing; and

                        3.      Speech discrimination testing;

                  (iii)      Masking methodology;

                  (iv)      Choice and adaptation of hearing aids;

                  (v)      Testing of hearing aids;

                  (vi)      Maintenance and basic repair of hearing aids;

                  (vii)      Taking of ear mold impressions; and

                  (viii)      Other techniques and procedures that may be required to fit hearing aids.

            (6)      The Board shall use a new examination at least once a year.

            (7)      The Board may buy or rent and maintain any audiometric equipment or facility that is needed to give examinations under this section.