The Department may, at its discretion, license as an athletic trainer, without examination, on payment of the required fee, an applicant for licensure who is an athletic trainer registered or licensed under the laws of another jurisdiction if the requirements pertaining to athletic trainers in such jurisdiction were at the date of his or her registration or licensure substantially equal to the requirements in force in Illinois on that date or equivalent to the requirements of this Act.
     An applicant for endorsement who has practiced for 10 consecutive years in another jurisdiction shall meet the requirements for licensure by endorsement upon filing an application on forms provided by the Department, paying the required fee, and showing proof of licensure in another jurisdiction for at least 10 consecutive years without discipline by certified verification of licensure from the jurisdiction in which the applicant practiced.
     Applicants have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed in 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee forfeited and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.