(a) An applicant for certification as a geologist-in-training shall comply with all of the following:

1. (1) Not have committed acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of certification under Section 480.
2. (2) Successfully pass the Fundamentals of Geology examination.

3. (3) Meet either of the following education requirements fulfilled at a school or university whose curricula meet criteria established by the rules of the board:

   1. (A) Graduation from a college or university with a major in geological sciences or any other discipline that, in the opinion of the board, is relevant to geology.
   2. (B) Completion of a combination of at least 30 semester hours, or the equivalent, in courses that, in the opinion of the board, are relevant to geology. At least 24 semester hours, or the equivalent, shall be in upper division or graduate courses.

(b)

1. (1) The board shall require an applicant for certification as a geologist-in-training to sign or acknowledge a statement of eligibility at the time of submission of the application attesting to the completion of the education requirements established by this section and the rules of the board.
2. (2) Except as required by paragraph (1), the board is not required to verify an applicant’s eligibility for certification as a geologist-in-training.