(1) be at least 17 years of age at the time an application for technician certification is made; and

(2) have successfully completed a comprehensive 30-hour training course, approved by the department, in topics described in section 325.18 of this Part and related categories and in section 325.16 or 325.17 of this Part, or, alternatively, have received a baccalaureate or associate degree from an accredited college or university which covers the topics listed in section 325.18 of this Part and related categories in section 325.16 or 325.17 of this Part, and have passed the core and appropriate category examination(s); or

(3) have two years of verifiable experience as an apprentice and have passed the core and appropriate category examination(s).