a. The director shall hold examinations semi-annually, and at such times as he may determine appropriate for certification of municipal finance officers. An applicant for examination shall present to the director written application on forms provided by the Division of Local Government Services, showing that the applicant is not less than 21 years of age, is a citizen of the United States, is of good moral character, has obtained a certificate or diploma issued after at least four years of study in an approved secondary school or has received an academic education considered and accepted by the Commissioner of Education of this State as fully equivalent, and has graduated from a four-year course at a college of recognized standing with a major course of study in business administration, accounting or equivalent subject.

b. An applicant who does not possess the college degree required under subsection a. above may qualify to take the examination by furnishing proof of four years of full-time experience in a position as a municipal director of finance, assistant director of finance, fiscal officer, municipal comptroller, assistant comptroller, municipal treasurer, assistant municipal treasurer or deputy treasurer in any local unit. An applicant who does not possess four years of full-time experience in such a position may substitute one year of college education for one year of experience, up to a maximum of two years of college education. For the purpose of this section, one full year of college education is equal to 30 college credits.

c. Every applicant shall furnish proof that he has received certificates indicating satisfactory completion of complete training courses in municipal finance administration, municipal current fund accounting I and II, municipal capital and trust fund accounting, municipal utility fund accounting, municipal budget preparation and control, and principles of financial management, as are provided by the Division of Local Government Services or Rutgers, The State University, with the approval of the Division of Local Government Services.

d. Every applicant submitting an application after January 1, 1992 shall also furnish proof that he has received a certificate indicating satisfactory completion of a complete training course in the preparation of annual financial statements as provided by the Division of Local Government Services, or Rutgers, The State University, with the approval of the Division of Local Government Services.

e. Each completed application form shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $50, payable to the State Treasurer and shall be filed with the director at least 30 days prior to the date of examination. Examinations shall be written, or both written and oral, and shall be of such character as fairly to test and determine the ability of the person tested to perform the duties of chief financial officer.

L.1971,c.413,s.2; amended 1975,c.198,s.2; 1988,c.110,s.2; 1991,c.175,s.2.