(1) Every person, except as hereinafter provided, desiring to commence the practice of podiatry within this state shall make written application to the state board of podiatry upon forms to be prescribed and furnished by the board for a license so to do. Such applications shall be accompanied by a fee as established by board rule not to exceed four hundred dollars ($400). Each applicant shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age, of good moral character, have completed an accredited podiatric residency as defined by board rule, and be a graduate of some reputable school of podiatry accredited by the board. A reputable school of podiatry for the purposes herein shall mean a school of podiatry requiring for graduation the graduation from an accredited high school, credits granted for at least two (2) full years of general college study in a college or university of recognized standing, and four (4) full years of study in such school of podiatry or its equivalent.
(2) Each applicant shall take and pass a competency exam approved by board rule. The examination shall test for entry level competency to provide podiatric medical services.
(3) The examination fee shall not exceed the amount charged by the board approved exam provider. The applicant shall pay the examination fee directly to the exam provider.