I. In order to be issued a cosmetologist's license by the office of professional licensure and certification, a person shall:
(a) Be of good professional character;
(b) Have completed high school or its equivalent;
(c) Have received training of:
(1) A minimum of 1,200 hours of training in a school of cosmetology approved by the board; or
(2) A minimum of 3,000 hours distributed over a period of at least 18 months under a licensed cosmetologist who has engaged in the practice of cosmetology within the state for at least 2 years;
(d) Pass an examination; and
(e) Pay a fee established by the office of professional licensure and certification.
II. An applicant not meeting the conditions of RSA 313-A:11, I(b) through (c) may petition the office of professional licensure and certification for exemption. The office, following criteria established in rules adopted under RSA 313-A:8, XII, may grant the exemption.