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 licensure even though the person may not be practicing the engineering profession at the time of submitting an application.

Sec. 22. 32 MRSA §1353, as corrected by RR 1999, c. 1, §44, is amended to read:

§1353. Application; fees

Application for registration licensure as a professional engineer or certification as an engineer-intern is on a form prescribed and furnished by the board; contains statements made under oath, showing the applicant's education and a detailed summary of the applicant's technical experience, and contains references as set forth in section 1352-A, none of whom which may be from members of the board. An application fee and an examination fee may be established by rule by the board in amounts that are reasonable and necessary for their respective purposes.