(a) The Board may authorize an applicant to take a license examination if the Board determines that the work experience of the applicant is substantially equivalent to the work experience requirements of a licensee for the license level requested by the applicant.

(b) In evaluating the work experience of an applicant, the Board shall consider:

(1) the size of the operation or plant at which the applicant acquired the work experience;

(2) the type of machinery the applicant used in acquiring the work experience; and

(3) (i) the job responsibilities or duties of the applicant; and

(ii) the time period in which the applicant held each job responsibility or duty.

(c) An applicant may receive not more than 2 years of work experience credit under this section if the Board determines that the work experience is acquired through:

(1) a formal course of study; or

(2) professional training.