(a) The department shall issue a certificate of registration as a sanitarian in training to a person who:
(1) is employed in sanitation;
(2) meets the eligibility requirements prescribed by Section 1953.102, other than the requirements relating to experience;
(3) pays a registration fee prescribed by the commission by rule for a sanitarian in training; and
(4) passes an examination under Subchapter D.
(b) A certificate issued under this section is valid for a period not to exceed two years after the date of issuance.