The following persons shall be exempt from the educational requirements established pursuant to this chapter:

(1)  The chief municipal officer of the city or town or person designated to serve on a planning board in an ex officio and non-voting capacity.

(2)  Any person who offers satisfactory proof of having completed a course of study in land use law and planning within one year prior to January 1, 2023, that, in the determination of the director of the department of administration (the “director”) in consultation with the division of statewide planning, is equivalent to or more extensive than the course offered pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, will be exempt from the initial three (3) hours of training; however, remain subject to annual continuing education requirements. An appointee/reappointee must file with the city or town clerk a statement explaining why he or she is exempt from the initial introductory training following the effective date of this chapter [January 1, 2023].

(3)  Any person who demonstrates that he or she is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or has a master’s or doctorate degree in planning from an accredited college or university will be exempt from the initial three (3) hours of training; however, remain subject to annual continuing education requirements. An appointee/reappointee must file with the city or town clerk a statement explaining why he or she is exempt from the initial introductory training following the effective date of this chapter [January 1, 2023].