(A) An applicant for a veterinary 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 an 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 medicine, 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 a veterinary applicant who submits satisfactory evidence that the applicant:

(1) is a graduate of a school or college of veterinary medicine accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association or holds a certificate issued by the Education Commission of Foreign Veterinary Graduates or credentials issued by a credentialing entity approved by the board; and

(2) has paid the required fee.

(E) The board, except as otherwise provided for in this chapter, shall require the applicant to take a written examination to test the applicant’s knowledge of and proficiency in subjects and techniques commonly taught in veterinary schools, or the board may accept the results of the written examinations conducted by the National Board of Veterinary Examiners or other nationally recognized examination organizations 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 by the board. If the applicant makes the minimum passing grade on the examination as established by the board and the board finds that the applicant is otherwise worthy, competent, and qualified, the board shall issue the applicant a license to practice veterinary medicine in this State.

(G) The examination of applicants for licenses to practice veterinary medicine must be conducted in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board.