(A) An applicant for a veterinary technician license examination shall submit to the board, on or before a specified date to be determined by the board, a completed application on forms prescribed by the board and supported by proper credentials and the payment of a fee to be set by the board in regulation.

(B) Fees must not be returned under any circumstances, regardless of whether the applicant is accepted for examination, fails the examination, withdraws the application, or is issued or denied a license. If an applicant fails to take the examination for a legitimate reason, the board may allow the applicant to take the examination at a later date without having to pay another fee.

(C) After the board accepts the application and finds that the applicant is otherwise qualified to meet the requirements necessary to practice veterinary technology, the applicant may be examined by the board at its next scheduled examination date. The board shall give notice to the applicant of the exact time and place of the examination.

(D) The board shall conduct examinations of all applicants, and the board may examine an applicant who submits satisfactory evidence that the applicant:

(1) is at least eighteen years of age;

(2) is a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited school of animal technology;

(3) has paid the required fee; and

(4) has provided other documents as the board may require.

(E) The examination of an applicant for licensure must be conducted in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board. The board shall require the applicant to take a written examination in subjects relating to veterinary technology as the board may require. The board shall accept the Veterinary Technician National Examination or other nationally recognized examinations approved by the board. The board may administer an additional examination to determine an applicant's familiarity with applicable state law.

(F) The board shall establish a minimum passing grade for each examination given and shall hold at least one examination annually. Each applicant is entitled to at least one reexamination.

(G) A person previously issued a certificate to work as a veterinary technician before August 2, 1981, by the South Carolina State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, upon payment of the required fee must be issued a certificate by the board.

HISTORY: 2006 Act No. 294, Section 1.