For certification as a clinical laboratory technician under this article, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:

1. 1. Application: file an application with the department; * 2. Education: have received an education, including an associate's degree from an approved clinical laboratory technician program registered by the department or determined by the department to be the substantial equivalent; * NB Effective until January 17, 2023 * 2. Education: have received an education, including an associate's degree from an approved clinical laboratory technician program registered by the department or determined by the department to be the substantial equivalent, or an associate's degree clinical laboratory technician program accredited by a national accrediting organization acceptable to the department, or an associate's degree program in a natural science or a clinical laboratory science and coursework acceptable to the department and a clinical laboratory technician program accredited by a national accrediting organization acceptable to the department; * NB Effective January 17, 2023 * 2-a. Alternatives to education: in lieu of requirements specified in subdivision two of this section the department may accept:

   1. (a) current clinical laboratory technician certification by a national certification organization acceptable to the department; or
   2. (b) clinical laboratory technician licensure in a jurisdiction acceptable to the department. * NB Effective January 17, 2023
   3. 3. Examination: pass an examination satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations;
   4. 4. Age: be at least eighteen years of age;
   5. 5. Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department; and
   6. 6. Fees: pay a fee of one hundred twenty-five dollars for an initial certification and a fee of one hundred twenty dollars for each triennial registration period.