A. All applications for licenses to act as qualifying brokers and associate brokers shall be made in writing to the commission and shall contain such data and information as may be required upon a form to be prescribed and furnished by the commission. The application shall be accompanied by:

(1)     the recommendation of two reputable citizens who own real estate in the county in which the applicant resides, which recommendation shall certify that the applicant is of good moral character, honest and trustworthy; and

(2)     the triennial license fee prescribed by the commission.

B. In addition to proof of honesty, trustworthiness and good reputation, an applicant shall pass a written examination approved by the commission. The examination shall be given at the time and places within the state as the commission shall prescribe;

however, the examination shall be given not less than two times during each calendar year. The examination shall include business ethics, writing, composition, arithmetic, elementary principles of land economics and appraisals, a general knowledge of the statutes of this state relating to deeds, mortgages, contracts of sale, agency and brokerage and the provisions of N.M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 61, Article 29.

C. An applicant is not permitted to engage in the real estate business until the applicant has passed the approved examination, complied with the other requirements of N.M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 61, Article 29, and until a license has been issued to the applicant.

D. Notice of passing or failing to pass the examination shall be given to an applicant not later than three weeks following the date of the examination.

E. The commission may establish educational programs and procure qualified personnel, facilities and materials for the instruction of persons desiring to become qualifying brokers or associate brokers or desiring to improve their proficiency as qualifying brokers or associate brokers. The commission may inspect and accredit educational programs and courses of study and may establish standards of accreditation for educational programs conducted in this state. The expenses incurred by the commission in activities authorized pursuant to this subsection shall not exceed the total revenues received and accumulated by the commission.