C. An applicant who provides proof of graduation from an engineering technology curriculum approved by the technology accreditation commission of the accreditation board for engineering and technology of 4 years or more and has passed an 8-hour written examination in the fundamentals of engineering may be certified as an engineer-intern.

D. An applicant who is a graduate of an engineering curriculum not approved by the accreditation board for engineering and technology or an allied science curriculum of 4 years or more and who has submitted a transcript showing the completion of the minimum number or engineering science and design credits as required in a curriculum approved by the accreditation board for engineering and technology and who has passed an 8-hour written examination in the fundamentals of engineering may be certified as an engineer-intern.

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. 21. 32 MRSA §1353, as corrected by RR 1999, c. 1, §44, is amended to read: