(a) Each first-time applicant and applicant for license renewal shall be required to apply to the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police for a state and national criminal background check to be conducted by the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(b) The state and national criminal background check shall conform to applicable federal standards and shall include the taking of fingerprints.
(c) The applicant shall sign a release of information to the Director of the Division of Arkansas State Police and shall be responsible for the payment of any fee associated with the state and national criminal background check.
(d) Upon completion of the state and national criminal background check, all releasable information obtained concerning the applicant shall be forwarded to the director.
(e) This section does not apply to a certified law enforcement officer who is a full-time employee of a law enforcement agency and who is applying for licensure as a polygraph examiner or intern polygraph examiner for the purpose of the full-time employment with the law enforcement agency.