The points needed to be acquired in order to achieve the various incentive steps as set forth in § 42-28.4-3 shall be earned as follows:

(1)  One hundred forty (140) points for a baccalaureate degree in a university, college, technical institute, or other institution approved by the regional accrediting association of colleges and secondary schools for the area in which the institution is located.

(2)  Seventy (70) points for an associate degree awarded by any institution approved by the regional accrediting association of colleges and secondary schools for the area in which the institution is located.

(3)  One point for each semester hour credit obtained in a university, college, technical institute, or other institute of learning approved by the regional accrediting association of colleges and secondary schools for the area in which the institution is located, with a concentration related to fire science, provided that the member is continuously enrolled in a degree program and is taking at least nine (9) semester hours per year in the program and that a degree is obtained; provided, however, that upon disability or hardship of a member, the chief of classification and training, division of personnel may exempt the member from the above requirements.