(A) The director of health shall issue a certificate of registration to any applicant whom it registers as an environmental health specialist or an environmental health specialist in training. Such certificate shall bear:

(1) The name of the person;

(2) The date of issue;

(3) A serial number, designated by the director;

(4) The signature of the director;

(5) The designation “registered environmental health specialist” or “environmental health specialist in training.”

(B) Certificates of registration expire biennially on the date fixed by the director and become invalid on that date unless renewed pursuant to this section. All registered environmental health specialists are required biennially to complete a continuing education program in subjects relating to practices of the profession as an environmental health specialist. The purpose of the program is that the utilization and application of new techniques, scientific advancements, and research findings will assure comprehensive service to the public.

(C) The director shall prescribe by rule a continuing education program for registered environmental health specialists to meet this requirement. Under the program, an environmental health specialist shall complete twenty-four hours of continuing education during the biennial period. At least once annually the director shall provide to each registered environmental health specialist a list of courses approved by the director as satisfying the program prescribed by rule. Upon the request of a registered environmental health specialist, the director shall supply a list of applicable courses that the director has approved.

(D) A certificate may be renewed for a period of two years at any time prior to the date of expiration upon payment of the renewal fee prescribed by section 4736.12 of the Revised Code and upon showing proof of having complied with the continuing education requirements of this section. The director may waive the continuing education requirement in cases of certified illness or disability which prevents the attendance at any qualified educational seminars during the twenty-four months immediately preceding the biennial certificate of registration renewal date. Certificates that expire may be reinstated under rules adopted by the director.

(E) An environmental health specialist shall not be required to pass an examination for purposes of renewal.