(a) An applicant for a license to practice

1. (1) registered or practical nursing shall pass a registered nursing or practical nursing licensing examination as prescribed by the board;
2. (2) advanced practice registered nursing shall pass an advanced practice registered nursing certification examination as prescribed by the board.

(b) If an applicant meets the qualifications set out in AS 08.68.170 for the license for which the applicant applied, the board shall issue a license to practice

1. (1) registered or practical nursing to an applicant who passes the licensing examination to practice registered or practical nursing; or
2. (2) advanced practice registered nursing to an applicant who passes the advanced practice registered nursing certification examination to practice advanced practice registered nursing.