(a) In order to qualify for a license as an embalmer, the applicant shall satisfy all of the following:

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

(2) Be over 18 years of age.

(3) Be of good character.

(4) Have completed a two-year course of apprenticeship under an embalmer or embalmers licensed and engaged in practice as an embalmer in this state, and shall have completed the required course of apprenticeship within a period of three consecutive years, excluding time lost by interruption 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.

(5) Have completed a course of instruction in an embalming school or college which has been approved by the board as defined in Section 34-13-50.

(6) Have completed the course of apprenticeship not more than two years before the date of examination, excluding time lost under the circumstances mentioned in subdivision (4).

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

(c) 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.