(a) An applicant may obtain certification by satisfying all of the following requirements:

1. (1) Satisfactorily completing and submitting to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission an application form;
2. (2) Attending the certified nutrient planner training course provided by the commission or its delegate;
3. (3) Obtaining a passing score on the certified nutrient planner examination administered by the commission or its delegate;
4. (4) Submitting a one hundred-dollar certification fee; and
5. (5) Submitting a twenty-five-dollar testing fee.

(b)

1. (1) Anyone initially certified or in the process of certification by the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service as a nutrient management planner prior to the effective date of this part who provides acceptable proof of certification to the commission:

   1. (A) Will be recognized as certified under this part without further testing or training; and
   2. (B) May have certification fees waived by the Director of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.
2. (2) Persons initially certified by the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service must still attain required continuing education credit to be recertified under this part.