1. (a) An individual may become eligible to be a certified applicator by passing the certification examination described in subsection (b).
2. (b) The certification examination must be a written, closed book examination developed by the state chemist. The minimum passing score for the examination is seventy-five percent (75%) unless another minimum passing score has been established by the state chemist after consideration of the recommendations of the standards committee described in subsection (c).

3. (c) The state chemist shall appoint a standards committee to develop certification subject matter and standards for the certified applicator certification examination. Members of the committee include, at a minimum, individuals representing the following:

   1. (1) The state chemist.
   2. (2) The Purdue University cooperative extension service.
   3. (3) The inorganic fertilizer industry.
   4. (4) The organic fertilizer industry.
4. (d) A certified applicator's certification eligibility remains in force from the date of completing the requirements in subsection (a) through December 31 of the fourth year following the year during which the requirements were met.
5. (e) The state chemist shall specify examination procedures that must be followed by any individual taking an examination under this section. Failure to comply with these procedures or any unauthorized assistance provided by or received by an individual during the examining period shall be cause for immediate termination of the examining process for all involved individuals and the involved individuals may not take the certified applicator examination for five (5) years.

As added by P.L.98-2026, SEC.42.