The director shall hold at least one examination each year for the purpose of examining candidates for certification at a time and place designated by the director. Any written examination may be given by the department. All examinations in theory shall be in writing and the identity of the person taking the examination shall be concealed until after the examination papers have been graded. For examinations in practice, the identity of the person taking the examination shall also be concealed as far as possible. Those applicants whose competency is acceptable shall be recommended for certification. Applicants who fail the examination shall be allowed to take the examination at the next scheduled time. Thereafter, the applicant shall be allowed to take the examination at the discretion of the director. An applicant who has failed the examination may request in writing information from the department concerning the applicant’s examination grade and subject areas or questions which the applicant failed to answer correctly, except that if the director administers a uniform, standardized examination, the director is only required to provide the examination grade and the other information concerning the applicant’s examination results which is available to the department.