a) Every hearing officer presiding over SR hearings must meet the following educational and/or experience requirements:

1. 1) Possess the knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of three (3) years of college, preferably with courses in public administration, business administration, communications, counseling; or
2. 2) The completion of two (2) years of paraprofessional or technical experience in dealing with safety and financial responsibility laws, rules and regulations.

b) Every hearing officer presiding over SR hearing must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

1. 1) working knowledge of the English language, including composition and grammar;
2. 2) working knowledge of the Illinois Vehicle Code and the administrative rules and regulations promulgated by the Department as they relate to the safety and financial responsibility law;
3. 3) working knowledge of standard office practices and procedures;
4. 4) ability to deal tactfully with the general public, attorneys or other petitioner representatives;
5. 5) ability to prepare concise and factual reports or orders on hearings or case review findings;
6. 6) ability to conduct a formal hearing and obtain and analyze necessary evidence;
7. 7) an elementary knowledge of the law of evidence;
8. 8) ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing;
9. 9) possession of a valid Illinois driver's license.