(1) The board, in its discretion, may waive the examination of persons qualified under this subsection (1) and may issue a certificate of certified public accountant to:
(a) Any person who is the holder of a certificate of certified public accountant issued after examination under the laws of another state and who possesses the qualifications prescribed in section 12-2-108 for an applicant applying for a certificate as of the time of the issuance of the certificate by such other state or possesses substantially equivalent qualifications;
(b) A person who has passed an examination under the laws of another state and who possesses the qualifications prescribed in section 12-2-108 at the time the person applies for a certificate in this state or possesses substantially equivalent qualifications; or
(c) Any person who is the holder of a certificate, license, or degree in a foreign country which constitutes a recognized qualification for the practice of public accounting in such country, which is comparable to that of a certified public accountant in this state, and which is in full force and effect.