(a) On the timely written request of an agent, the department may extend the time for the agent to comply with the continuing education requirements of this chapter or may exempt the agent from some or all of the requirements for a licensing period if the department determines that the agent is unable to comply with the requirements because of illness, medical disability, or another extenuating circumstance beyond the control of the agent. The commissioner by rule shall prescribe the criteria for an exemption or extension under this subsection.
(b) An individual who has continuously held for at least 20 years an agent license issued under this code is exempt from the continuing education requirements of this chapter.

(c) The commissioner by rule may provide for other reasonable exemptions from the continuing education requirements of this chapter.