§ 8004. Requirements for certification. To qualify for certification, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:

1. File an application with the department;

2. (a)(1) Have received an education including a bachelor's degree, or its equivalent as determined by the department, in dietetics/nutrition or an equivalent major course of study which shall include appropriate core curriculum courses in dietetics/nutrition from an accredited college or university as approved by the department, in accordance with the commissioner's regulations; and

(2) Have completed a planned, continuous, experience component, in accordance with the commissioner's regulations, in dietetic or nutrition practice under the supervision of a certified dietitian or certified nutritionist or a dietitian or nutritionist who is registered by or is a member of a national dietetic association or national nutrition association having registration or membership standards acceptable to the department; such experience shall be satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations; or

(b)(1) Have received an education including an associates degree in dietetics or nutrition acceptable to the department,

(2) In the last fifteen years have completed ten years of experience and education in the field of dietetics or nutrition satisfactory to the board in accordance with the commissioner's regulations. These ten years must be the full time equivalent of any combination of post secondary dietetic or nutrition education and dietetic or nutrition work experience satisfactory to the board in accordance with the commissioner's regulations, and

(3) Have obtained the endorsement of three dietitians or nutritionists acceptable to the department;

3. Pass an examination satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations; provided that such examination shall test a level of knowledge and experience equivalent to that obtained by an individual satisfactorily meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of subdivision two of this section;

4. Pay a fee of one hundred seventy-five dollars to the department for admission to a department conducted examination and for initial certification, a fee of eighty-five dollars for each reexamination, a fee of one hundred fifteen dollars for an initial certification for persons not requiring admission to a department conducted examination, a fee of one hundred fifty-five dollars for each triennial registration period;

5. Be at least eighteen years of age.