(a) All pupils who have studied a subject at an approved school for a period of time not less than that prescribed by the commissioner shall have the right to be admitted to the Regents examination at such school.

(b) Except as provided in subdivision (c) of this section, other persons may be admitted to Regents examinations, for the purpose of demonstrating academic proficiency acquired through independent, out-of-school or other study, at the discretion of the principal of the school administering the examinations. Subject to the requirements of subdivision (c) of this section, the principal of a public school administering the examinations shall admit a candidate who is a school district resident and who seeks to take such examination(s) for the purpose of meeting the requirements for an earned degree pursuant to section 3.47(a)(2) of this Title. If the candidate is enrolled during the regular school year in an approved high school other than the school in which the examination is to be administered, the written permission of the principal of such other school shall be required. The school administering the examination may require that candidates provide adequate prior notice and present satisfactory personal identification, and may require a candidate who is not a district resident to pay a reasonable fee to cover administrative and rating costs.

(c) Only those persons who have satisfactorily met the laboratory requirements as stated in the State syllabus for a science shall be admitted to a Regents examination in such science.