The board shall meet at least twice annually, at which time candidates applying for certification shall be examined and their qualifications determined; and the board may meet at such other times and places as the board may prescribe. A candidate shall qualify for examination and licensure as an ophthalmic dispenser upon providing the board with proof that he:
a. Holds a high school diploma or equivalent; and
b. Has fulfilled either of the following requirements;
(1) Holds an associate degree in ophthalmic science or its equivalent from an accredited institution and has worked full-time as an apprentice ophthalmic dispenser under the supervision of a licensed ophthalmic dispenser for not less than 4 months nor more than 1 year prior to taking the examination; or
(2) Has served not less than 36 calendar months as an apprentice dispenser during which time he has satisfactorily completed not less than the requisite number of school hours of board-approved courses in ophthalmic science, said number of hours to be determined by the board.