(a) The board shall admit to examination for licensure as a nursing home administrator any candidate who pays a fee established by the board by regulation and submits evidence of good moral character and suitability prescribed by the board, and, that he is at least twenty-one years old, a citizen of the United States, or that he has duly declared his intention of becoming a citizen of the United States, and that he has completed preliminary education satisfactory to the board.

(b) On and after July 1, 1970 no applicant for license as a nursing home administrator shall be admitted to the licensing examination, nor be entitled to or be granted a license as a nursing home administrator unless he shall submit written evidence, on forms provided for such purpose by the board, that he has graduated from a high school or secondary school approved and recognized by the educational authorities of the state in which such school is located, or a political division thereof, or has submitted a certificate indicating that he has obtained high school or secondary school equivalency, such certificate being duly certified by a state educational authority or a political division thereof, and that he has complied with the provisions of subsection (d) of this section.

(c) On and after January 1, 1977 no applicant for license as a nursing home administrator shall be admitted to the licensing examination, nor be entitled to or be granted a license as a nursing home administrator unless he shall submit written evidence, on forms provided for such purpose by the board that he has successfully completed two years' college level study after secondary school study in an accredited institution of higher learning, and that he has complied with the provisions of subsection (d) of this section.

(d) On and after July 1, 1970, each applicant who has not completed a regular course of study or program in an accredited institution of higher learning, which course of study or program shall have been approved by the board as being adequate academic preparation for nursing home administration, shall in addition to meeting the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, submit evidence satisfactory to the board that he has attended specialized courses or a program of study in an area relevant to nursing home administration, as required by the rules and regulations of the board.

(e) A candidate who applies for examination under and pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, in lieu of the educational requirements provided for therein, may submit evidence satisfactory to the board that he has obtained one year of practical experience in nursing home administration or in related health facility administration for each year of required post-high school or post-secondary school education.

(f) Any person who has operated a nursing home for a period of three years or more shall be admitted to the licensing examination without the necessity of submitting written evidence of high school graduation or its equivalent.