All examinations provided for by this Act shall be conducted under rules prescribed from time to time by the Department. Examinations shall be held not less frequently than 2 times every year, at times and places prescribed by the Department, of which applicants shall be notified by the Department in writing, and may be conducted wholly or in part in writing.
     If an applicant neglects, fails without an approved excuse or refuses to take the next available examination offered for license under this Act, the fee paid by the applicant shall be forfeited and the application denied. If an applicant fails to pass an examination for a license under this Act within 3 years after filing their application, the application shall be denied. However, such applicant may thereafter make a new application for examination, accompanied by the required fee and satisfy the requirements then in existence for a license.