(a) The board by rule may authorize the licensing of a person who has not met the examination requirement of Section 1002.255(a)(3) if the person is licensed or registered to practice a discipline of geoscience under the law of another state or a foreign country.
(b) The board may issue a license to an applicant who provides proof of licensure or registration under requirements that the board determines to be substantially similar to those established by this chapter and who pays the required fees.