(A) An appointed official or professional employee who has one or more of the following qualifications is exempt from the educational requirements of Section 6-29-1340:
(1) certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners;
(2) a masters or doctorate degree in planning from an accredited college or university;
(3) a masters or doctorate degree or specialized training or experience in a field related to planning as determined by the advisory committee;
(4) a license to practice law in South Carolina.
(B) An appointed official or professional employee who is exempt from the educational requirements of Section 6-29-1340 must file a certification form and documentation of his exemption as required in Section 6-29-1360 by no later than the first anniversary date of his appointment or employment. An exemption is established by a single filing for the tenure of the appointed official or professional employee and does not require the filing of annual certification forms and conforming documentation.