E.__Until December 31, 2000, an applicant who does not have a degree must submit 3 references, 2 of which must be from registered engineers having personal knowledge of the applicant's engineering experience, and must provide proof of 8 years of progressive engineering experience acceptable to the board and must pass an 8-hour written examination in the fundamentals of engineering.__That applicant may be certified as an engineer-intern.

Beginning January 1, 2001, only an applicant meeting the requirements of paragraph B, C or D may be certified as an engineer-intern.

Certification as an engineer-intern is valid for an indefinite period.

A person having the necessary qualifications prescribed in this chapter is eligible for registration even though the person may not be practicing the engineering profession at the time of submitting an application.

Sec. 8. 32 MRSA §1354, as amended by PL 1995, c. 355, §13, is further amended to read:

§1354. Examinations

Written examinations Examinations must be held at such times and places as the board determines. Examinations required on fundamental engineering subjects may be taken as provided in section 1352 1352-A. The principles and practices of engineering examinations may not be taken until the applicant has completed a period of engineering experience as set forth in section 1352 1352-A.

The passing grade on any examination is established by the board. If an applicant receives a failing grade, that applicant may be readmitted to 2 subsequent examinations upon payment of an examination fee.__An applicant who fails the examination a 3rd time must present 3 new references and new documentation for each subsequent request for reexamination satisfactory to the board that the applicant has acquired additional education and experience and is prepared to retake the examination.__Upon approval by the board and payment of the examination fee, that applicant may be permitted to retake the examination.

Sec. 9. 32 MRSA §1356, 2nd ¶, as amended by PL 1995, c. 355, §14, is further amended to read: