The board may authorize the issuance of certificates without examination to applicants who hold valid certificates issued under laws of any other state, territory, the District of Columbia or any board-approved reciprocity register, provided the out-of-state certificate was issued as a result of the successful passing of an examination equivalent to the examination given by the board for the same classification and subclassification. Experience and training requirements of applicants for certification as operators set forth in the rules and regulations promulgated under this act shall apply to all such applicants. The requirements relating to recertification and renewal of certification shall apply to operators who receive their certificate under this section.