6. Within six months of the effective date of P.L.1993, c.25 (C. 40A:9-145.3a et al.), a tax collector who does not hold a tax collector certificate and who has been granted tenure pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S. 40A:9-144 or N.J.S.40A:9-145, or who has held office continuously for five consecutive years in the same municipality shall, at no cost, apply to the director on a form approved by the director for a tax collector certificate. Upon verification of the applicant’s eligibility under the tenure or service conditions described herein, the director shall issue a tax collector certificate that is marked as being valid only in the municipality employing the tax collector. A tax collector holding such a certificate shall then be subject to all provisions affecting other certificate holders under this act, including but not limited to renewal, continuing education and maintenance of tenure rights.

L.1993,c.25,s.6.