(1) A person is not authorized to serve as a general inspector unless he has had 3 years’ experience in elevator construction or the equivalent as determined by the board, and holds a general certificate of competency issued by the director. A person is not authorized to serve as a special inspector unless he has had 3 years’ experience in designing, installing, maintaining or inspecting elevators and holds a special certificate of competency issued by the director.

    (2) An applicant for examination as an inspector of elevators shall submit to the department a completed application on a form to be furnished by the department. The application shall record the applicant’s formal education, names and addresses of his previous employers, dates of employment and type of work performed. He shall also submit a letter from 1 or more of his previous employers certifying as to his character and experience. The required examination fee shall accompany the application.

    (3) An application shall be rejected which contains any wilful falsification. Qualifications of the applicant shall be determined by the board. A qualified applicant for a certificate of competency as a general or special inspector shall be examined by the board. The applicant shall be accepted or rejected on the merits of his application and examination.

    (4) Upon recommendation by the board, a certificate of competency for the inspection of elevators shall be issued to a successful applicant by the director. A rejected applicant is entitled after the expiration of 90 days, and upon payment of the required examination fee, to another examination. If an applicant fails to pass the prescribed examination a second time, he will not be permitted to be reexamined for 1 year after the second examination.