(a) Applicants for a license under this chapter shall be exempt from the examination requirement of § 17-28-203, provided that the applicant:
(1) Is qualified by experience requirements to take the examination for a particular license classification under the provisions of this chapter and the rules of the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas;
(2) Has not had a municipal electrician's license or a state electrician's license of any classification revoked or suspended for cause;
(3) Submits the appropriate fee; and
(4) Applies for a license before July 1, 1998.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, an applicant for a license under this section shall be exempt from the journeyman electrician examination requirement of § 17-28-203 if he or she has completed electrical apprenticeship training and education under a bona fide apprenticeship program registered with the United States Office of Apprenticeship and he or she meets the requirements of subdivisions (a)(2)-(4) of this section.
(c) An applicant for a specialist sign electrician license under this chapter shall be exempt from the examination requirement of § 17-28-203 if the applicant:
(1) Is qualified by experience requirements to take the examination for a particular license classification under this chapter and the rules of the board;
(2) Has not had a municipal electrician's license or a state electrician's license of any classification revoked or suspended for cause;
(3) Submits the appropriate fee; and
(4) Applies for the specialist sign electrician license before September 1, 2009.