(1) Every person, before engaging in the business of contracting either for the construction of wells or for the installation of pumping equipment, shall obtain a license for one or more methods of well construction or pump installation from the board and shall secure a registration from the board for each well-drilling or pump-installing rig to be operated or leased by him or his employee.

(2) The board shall issue a license to each applicant who files an application upon a form and in such manner as the board prescribes, accompanied by such fees and bond as required by section 37-91-107, and who furnishes evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant:

(a) Is at least twenty-one years of age;

(b) Is a citizen of the United States or has declared his intention to become a citizen;

(c) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2003, p. 1678, § 5, effective May 14, 2003.)

(d) Has had not less than two years' experience in the type of well construction work or pump installation work for which the applicant is initially applying for a license; however:

(I) Once a person is licensed in one or more methods of well construction, the person is eligible without further experience to take an examination to obtain a license for a different method of well construction;

(II) Once a person is licensed for installing one or more types of pumps, the person is eligible without further experience to take an examination to obtain a license for a different type of pump installation; and

(III) Education in an accredited program approved by the board may substitute for well construction or pump installation experience upon application to and acceptance by the board;

(e) Demonstrates professional competence by passing a written and oral examination prescribed by the board.

(2.5) The board shall issue a special license for the use of special equipment or limited procedures in well construction or pump installation to each applicant who files an application upon a form and in such manner as the board prescribes, accompanied by such fees and bond as are required by section 37-91-107, and who furnishes evidence satisfactory to the board that he meets the requirements established in subsection (2) of this section; except that a special licensee shall not be eligible to take an examination to obtain a license for a different method of well construction or pump installation unless said licensee has at least two years of experience in the method of well construction or pump installation for which the additional license is sought.

(3) Upon investigation of the application and other evidence submitted, the board shall, not less than thirty days prior to the examination, notify each applicant that the application and evidence submitted for licensing is satisfactory and accepted, or unsatisfactory and rejected; if rejected, said notice shall state the reasons for such rejection.

(4) The place of examination shall be designated in advance by the board and shall be given annually and at such other times as, in the opinion of the board, the number of applicants warrants.

(5) The examination shall consist of an oral and written examination and shall fairly test the applicant's knowledge and application thereof in the following subjects: Basics of drilling methods, specific drilling methods, basics of pump installation methods, specific pump installation methods, and basics of well construction and his knowledge and application of state laws and local ordinances concerning the construction of wells or the installation of pumping equipment, or both, and rules promulgated in connection therewith.

(6) If an applicant fails to receive a passing grade on the examination, the applicant may reapply for examination after forty-five days and shall pay a reexamination fee upon such reapplication.

(7) Each licensee shall complete eight hours of continuing education training as approved by the board every year in order to maintain or renew a license.