Please provide full support for exemption of doctoral audiologists from the required hearing aid specialist examination.  As a professor for over 30 years, I can assure you that Doctor of Audiology (AuD) students receive rigorous education and training in all aspects of hearing aid fittings. Qualifications for the AuD degree at the University of Florida are similar to those of many other states, including Virginia, and these qualifications are stringent. In addition to a number of other courses regarding balance and hearing loss, the University of Florida AuD program requieres four (4) courses in amplification (hearing aids), one hearing aid analysis course, and four (4) counseling and audiologic rehabilitation courses, all of which prepare students for fitting of hearing aids. AuD students receive numerous written and practical comprehensive studies throughout their program. Requiring highly-trained and well-educated  AuD audiologists to take a State hearing aid specialist examination is not necessary in any respect. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.