The courses or programs subject to this chapter shall include any course, seminar, industry recognized certification program, and out-of-state reciprocal program, program of classroom instruction, or independent self-study course authorized, developed, or sanctioned by an authorized insurer or recognized statewide association of insurance producers and shall, subject to the approval of the commissioner, qualify for the equivalency of the number of classroom hours assigned thereto by the commissioner. Any independent self-study course authorized, developed, or sanctioned by any authorized insurers or recognized state producers association, which includes an appropriate testing instrument administered by a third-party proctor requiring a passing grade of 70 percent to successfully complete and is approved by the commissioner, shall qualify for the equivalency of the number of classroom hours assigned thereto by the commissioner. Programs or courses shall be directly related to the producer's insurance product and contribute to the technical competence of the producer. All courses, course providers, and certifications, pursuant to this chapter, are subject to audit by the commissioner at any time. Course or course providers may be disqualified at the discretion of the commissioner. The commissioner may contract for computer services and equipment necessary to administer the provisions of this chapter, but there shall be no additional cost or fee to licensees except as otherwise specifically provided in this title.