Each applicant for a certificate of competency as mine examiner shall produce evidence satisfactory to the Mining Board that he is a citizen of the United States or lawfully admitted for permanent residence, at least 21 years of age and of good repute and temperate habits and that he has had at least 4 years practical underground mining experience, and has been issued a First Class Certificate of Competency by the Department of Natural Resources. He shall pass an examination as to his experience in mines generating dangerous gases, his practical and technological knowledge of the nature and properties of mine gases, the laws of ventilation, the structures and use of multi-gas detectors, and the laws of this State relating to safeguards against fires from any source in mines. He shall also submit to the Mining Board satisfactory evidence that he has completed a course of training in first aid to the injured and mine rescue methods and appliances prescribed by the Department. Persons who have graduated and hold a degree in engineering or an approved 4-year program in coal mining technology from an accredited school, college, or university, are required to have only 2 years of practical underground mining experience to qualify for the examination for a certificate of competency.
     Persons who have graduated and hold a two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree in Coal Mining Technology from an accredited school, college or university are required to have only 3 years’ practical underground mining experience to qualify for the examination for a Certificate of Competency as a Mine Examiner.