(a) To apply for certification as a nutrient management consultant, an applicant shall:
(1) Submit to the Department an application on the form the Department requires; and
(2) Pay to the Department the certification fee stated in § 8-806 of this subtitle.
(b) The Department shall certify any individual who:
(1) Meets the requirements of this subtitle;
(2) Meets the Department’s educational requirements, including a program on the proper application of nutrients;
(3) Passes a Department approved examination; and
(4) (i) Is employed by a person licensed under this subtitle; or
(ii) Holds a license as required by this subtitle.
(c) To apply for a license an applicant shall:
(1) Submit to the Department an application on the form the Department requires; and
(2) Pay to the Department the applicable license fee stated in § 8-806 of this subtitle.
(d) The Department shall license a person who meets the requirements of this subtitle.
(e) A certificate or license is issued for 1 year unless the certificate or license is renewed as provided by this subtitle.
(f) The Department shall renew the certificate or license of any applicant for a 3-year term if the applicant:
(1) Submits a renewal application on the form that the Department requires;
(2) Pays to the Department the applicable fee stated in § 8-806 of this subtitle;
(3) Complies with applicable continuing education requirements;
(4) Complies with applicable record keeping and reporting requirements; and
(5) Otherwise is entitled to be certified or licensed.
(g) (1) The Department may issue a farm operator’s plan development certificate to a person operating a farm for the development of that person’s own nutrient management plan.
(2) The certificate is valid provided the person operating the farm:
(i) Has paid the one-time fee provided in § 8-806 of this subtitle;
(ii) Has passed an examination as determined by the Department;
(iii) Complies with applicable continuing education requirements;
(iv) Complies with applicable record keeping and reporting requirements; and
(v) Otherwise is entitled to be certified.
(h) A person that holds a license or certificate issued under this section shall comply with all applicable reporting requirements and deadlines established by the Department, including deadlines related to:
(1) Implementation of the Phosphorus Management Tool developed by the University of Maryland; and
(2) Submission of soil test phosphorus levels related to nutrient management plans developed in accordance with this subtitle.
(i) In addition to any penalty authorized under § 8–805 of this subtitle, a person that violates subsection (h) of this section is subject to an administrative penalty not exceeding $250.