(a) An applicant for a funeral director's license is entitled to an examination if he or she satisfies all of the following:

(1) Is a citizen of the United States or legally present in this state.

(2) Is at least 18 years of age.

(3) Has had practical experience as an apprentice for not less than two years within a period of three consecutive years, excluding time lost by interruptions caused by the active duty of the applicant in the military service of the United States or its allies during war or national emergency, and excluding time lost by interruptions which the board deems excusable as caused by circumstances beyond the control of the applicant.

(4) Has completed apprenticeship not more than two years prior to taking the examination, excluding time lost under the circumstances mentioned in subdivision (3).

(5) Has completed a course of instruction in an accredited mortuary or funeral service school or college which has been approved by the board pursuant to Section 34-13-50, or has completed a bachelor's degree program from an accredited school.

(b) The board may certify an applicant to take an examination for a funeral director's license after verifying that the applicant has completed a course of instruction in funeral arts at an accredited mortuary or funeral service school or college meeting the criteria or standards defined in this chapter. The board may not issue a funeral director's license to any applicant who has not completed a two-year apprenticeship.

(c) An applicant has two years from the expiration date of his or her last active apprentice certification to successfully complete the examination for a funeral director's license pursuant to this chapter. Any applicant who fails to successfully pass the examination is required to serve a new apprenticeship in accordance with this chapter.

(d) The board shall establish and charge a reasonable examination fee, based on actual costs, for each applicant who sits for an examination. In no event shall the fee exceed fifty dollars ($50) above the actual cost of preparing and administering the examination.