(a) Applications for registration shall be submitted on forms prescribed and furnished by the board. The board shall promptly notify any applicant of the requirements and the schedule of fees established by the board for registration.

(b) The board shall register an applicant to become a registered interior designer, and to use the title of registered interior designer in the State of Alabama, only if the applicant satisfies all of the following requirements:

(1) The applicant is determined by the board to be of good ethical character.

(2) The applicant either:

a. Has satisfied all requirements, including all education and experience requirements, for eligibility to take the NCIDQ examination; or

b. Holds a degree from a National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) accredited school and has met NCIDQ eligibility requirements to take the NCIDQ examination, or is a registered architect who satisfies NCIDQ eligibility requirements to take the NCIDQ examination. Such applicants may take the NCIDQ examination.

(3) The applicant has successfully passed the NCIDQ examination.

(4) The applicant is at least 21 years of age.

(c) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (b), any person registered with the Alabama State Board of Registration for Interior Design on August 1, 2010, shall be registered by the Alabama Board for Registered Interior Designers, as created by this chapter, on August 1, 2010, without penalty, for the time remaining on the certificate of registration of the registered interior designer and any renewals of that certificate.

(d) Certificates of registration shall expire on September 30 of each year, and shall become invalid on October 1 of each year, unless renewed.

(e) Renewal of a certificate of registration may be accomplished at any time prior to and during the month of September by:

(1) The payment of an annual fee, as prescribed by the board, through such procedures as may be developed by the board.

(2) Submission of proof, on forms approved by the board, of compliance with all continuing education requirements established by the board.

(f) A certificate of registration held by a registered interior designer serving in the Armed Forces of the United States shall not expire until September 30 following his or her discharge or final separation from the Armed Forces of the United States.

(g) A registered interior designer shall maintain and post his or her certificate of registration in the primary business office where he or she practices.