(a) The following shall be considered as minimum evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant is qualified for registration as an engineer:

(1) Graduation from Approved Engineering Curriculum, Experience and Examination. A graduate of an engineering curriculum of four (4) years or more, approved by the board as being of satisfactory standing, and with a specific record of four (4) years or more of progressive experience on engineering projects of a grade and character that indicates to the board that the applicant may be competent to practice engineering, and passed an examination prepared by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying involving the fundamentals of engineering, shall be admitted to an examination prepared by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying in the principles and practice of engineering. Upon passing the examination, the applicant shall be granted a certificate of registration to practice engineering in this state; provided, that the applicant is otherwise qualified; or

(2) Long Established Practice. A graduate of an approved engineering curriculum of four (4) years or more, with a specific record of twelve (12) years or more of progressive experience on engineering projects of a grade and character that indicates to the board that the applicant may be competent to practice engineering shall be admitted to an examination prepared by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, in the principles and practice of engineering. Upon passing the examination, the applicant shall be granted a certificate of registration to practice engineering in this state; provided, that the applicant is otherwise qualified.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the board may in its discretion grant up to one (1) year of qualified experience obtained in an established cooperative education program that is carried out within the framework of an approved engineering curriculum and that has been approved by the board.