(a) An inspector's certificate of competency may be suspended by the secretary after investigation and recommendation by the board for the incompetence or untrustworthiness of the holder of the certificate, for willful falsification of any matter or statement contained in the application of the inspector, or in a report of any inspection he or she made. Written notice of any suspension shall be given by the secretary within 10 days of the suspension to the inspector and the employer of the inspector. A person whose certificate of competency has been suspended shall be entitled to an appeal to the board pursuant to Section 25-12-19 and shall be present in person and may be represented by counsel at the hearing of the appeal.

(b) If the board believes that an inspector is no longer qualified to hold his or her certificate of competency, the board, upon 10 days' written notice to the inspector and the employer of the inspector, shall hold a hearing at which the inspector and his or her employer shall have an opportunity to be heard. If, as a result of the hearing, the board shall find that the inspector is no longer qualified to hold his or her certificate of competency, the board shall recommend to the secretary that the certificate of competency be revoked and the secretary shall immediately revoke the certificate of competency.

(c) A person whose certificate of competency has been suspended shall be entitled to apply, after 90 days from the date of the suspension, for reinstatement of the certificate of competency.