(a) An applicant shall be eligible for automatic occupational licensure if the applicant:

1. (1) Is a resident of the State of Arkansas and either:

   1. (A) Is in good standing for at least one (1) year for a license with similar scope of practice issued by another state, territory, or district of the United States; or
   2. (B) Has worked for at least three (3) years in the occupation in another state, territory, or district of the United States that does not use a licensure to regulate the occupation for which the applicant is applying;
2. (2) Does not have a disqualifying criminal offense under Arkansas Code § 17-3-102 or under any additional state law relating to the licensure;
3. (3) Does not have a complaint, allegation, or investigation pending in his or her occupational activity in this state or in the state of the applicant’s previous residency where the licensure was granted; and
4. (4) Passes an examination specific to relevant state laws that regulate the occupation.

(b) The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling may waive the requirement for the applicant to pass an examination specific to relevant state laws that regulate the occupation if the board finds that:

1. (1) The combination of the applicant’s education, training, and experience is a sufficient substitute for the state law examination requirement; and
2. (2) A waiver will not harm public health, safety, or welfare.

(c) The board shall grant automatic licensure upon receipt of all of the following:

1. (1) Payment of the initial application and licensure fee;
2. (2) Evidence that the individual is a resident of the State of Arkansas;
3. (3) Evidence that the applicant is a qualified applicant under subdivisions (a)(1) – (a)(3) of this section; and
4. (4) Successful passage of the board’s jurisprudence exam.

(d) Upon the applicant being granted automatic occupational licensure, the applicant shall:

1. (1) Meet all other licensure requirements; and
2. (2) Meet all renewal requirements of the licensure, including without limitation a criminal background check and continuing education hours.