1. Examination for chief, deputy or special inspectors shall be in writing and shall be held by the board, with at least two members of the board present at all times during the examination. The examination shall be confined to questions, the answers to which will aid in determining the fitness and competency of the applicant for the intended service. In case an applicant for an inspector’s commission fails to pass the examination, he may appeal to the board for another examination which shall be given by the board within ninety days. The record of an applicant’s examination shall be accessible to the applicant and his employer. An examination fee in accordance with the fee schedule adopted pursuant to the provisions of subsection 1 of section 650.275, payable to the department of public safety, shall accompany each application for examination.

2. A commission issued pursuant to this section shall be for a period of one year upon payment in accordance with the fee schedule adopted pursuant to the provisions of subsection 1 of section 650.275, and may be renewed annually upon payment in accordance with the fee schedule adopted pursuant to the provisions of subsection 1 of section 650.275.