I. Any operator of a wastewater treatment plant seeking certification or to increase his level of certification shall file an application with the certification committee at least 6 weeks prior to the next examination date on a form provided by the department.
II. All applications shall be accompanied by a $50 fee to cover department expenses for conducting the certification program. All fees shall be deposited in a special, nonlapsing, and continuously appropriated wastewater plant operator certification fund to be used by the department for the administration of this subdivision and for the operation of the department-owned Wastewater Plant Operator Training Center.
III. Any applicant failing the examination shall be allowed one retest at the same certification level at no additional cost to the applicant.