(a) The commission shall issue a certificate to an applicant if on inspection and investigation the commission determines the applicant meets the requirements of this chapter and commission rules. The commission may not issue to an applicant a certificate under this chapter unless the applicant is licensed as a general residential operation under Chapter 42, Human Resources Code.
(b) A certificate issued under this chapter expires on the second anniversary of the date the certificate is issued or renewed.

(c) The commission shall renew a certificate if:
(1) the certificate holder submits to the commission a fee established by the executive commissioner under Section 577A.053; and
(2) on inspection and investigation the commission determines the certificate holder meets the requirements of this chapter and commission rules.