Sec. 10.60.02.04. Examination

A. The Board shall:

(1) Offer written examinations at least 3 times a year; and

(2) Post the examination dates on the Board’s website.

B. The examination shall be standardized and prepared by a recognized examination service.

C. Passing Score.

(1) The passing score for the examination shall be determined by the recognized examination agencies.

(2) If an applicant who took the written examination before July 1, 2012 and obtained a score that is a passing score for a written examination given after July 1, 2012, the Board may issue a license to the applicant after July 1, 2012 if the applicant:

(a) Is in an approved environmental health specialist training program; and

(b) Meets all other licensing requirements.

D. An applicant who has not previously taken the written examination is permitted to sit for an examination if the applicant has:

(1) Met the education and experience requirements set forth in COMAR 10.60.01.03;

(2) Submitted an application for examination to the Board at least 21 days before the examination date; and

(3) Paid an examination fee as established by COMAR 10.60.06.

E. An applicant who fails the examination may apply for reexamination if the applicant:

(1) Submits an application in accordance with §D(2) and (3) of this regulation; or

(2) Applies directly to the recognized examination service to take the on-line version of the examination.

F. The Board may waive any examination requirement under this regulation if the Board considers the applicant to be recognized as outstanding in the field of environmental health.

G. To be recognized as outstanding by the Board, an applicant shall:

(1) Meet the criteria set forth in COMAR 10.60.01.03 and 10.60.02.01 for an environmental health specialist-in-training;

(2) Be considered a subject matter expert in one or more of the following areas covered by the Board:

(a) The manufacture, preparation, handling, distribution, or sale of food and milk;

(b) Water supply and treatment;

(c) Wastewater treatment and disposal;

(d) Solid waste management and disposal;

(e) Vector control;

(f) Insect and rodent control;

(g) Air quality;

(h) Noise control;

(i) Product safety;

(j) Recreational sanitation; or

(k) Institutional and residential sanitation;

(3) Demonstrate at least one of the following career pathways with a minimum of 15 years of progressive responsibilities with:

(a) A demonstrated technical knowledge and experience including obtaining a Master’s or Doctorate degree in an environmental or public health-related area wherein the time devoted to technical scientific research may be applied towards the minimum time criteria as follows:

(i) If obtaining a Master’s degree, 1 year; or

(ii) If obtaining a Doctorate degree, 2 years;

(b) A managerial hierarchy similar to that of an environmental health specialist, such as:

(i) Health specialist in training;

(ii) Licensed environmental health specialist;

(iii) Supervisor;

(iv) Program manager; or

(v) Director; or

(c) A combination of §G(3)(a) or (b) of this regulation; and

(4) Has demonstrated and documented involvement in an area listed in §G(2) of this regulation, in at least one of the following activities:

(a) Research;

(b) Has been published in peer review publications;

(c) Has given court testimony or served as an expert witness qualified by a court system;

(d) Has teaching experience; or

(e) Where applicable, received a professional license through a Maryland or other recognized licensure body in the candidate’s field.