(1) The board shall set minimum educational and experience requirements for applicants within the following guidelines:

(a) The board may require:

(I) No more than three years of practical experience under the direct supervision of a licensed architect or an architect exempt under the provisions of section 12-25-303 (4) and either:

(A) A professional degree from a program accredited by the national architectural accrediting board or its successor; or

(B) Substantially equivalent education or experience approved by the board, with the board requiring no more than five years of such education and experience; or

(II) No more than ten years of practical experience under the direct supervision of a licensed architect or an architect exempt under the provisions of section 12-25-303 (4); or

(III) A combination of such practical experience and education, which combination shall not exceed ten years.

(b) Up to one year of the required experience may be in on-site building construction operations, physical analyses of existing buildings, or teaching or research in a program accredited by the national architectural accreditation board or its successor.

(c) Full credit shall be given for education obtained in four-year baccalaureate programs in architecture or environmental design.

(2) (a) An applicant shall pass an examination or examinations developed or adopted by the board. The board shall ensure that the passing score for any examination is set to measure the level of minimum competency.

(b) The examination shall be given at least twice a year. The board shall designate a time and location for examinations and shall notify applicants of this time and location in a timely fashion and, as necessary, may contract for assistance in administering the examination.

(3) An applicant for licensure by endorsement must hold a license in good standing in a jurisdiction requiring qualifications substantially equivalent to those currently required for licensure by examination as provided in section 12-25-310 (1) and subsections (1) and (2) of this section and shall submit an application as prescribed by the board. The board shall provide procedures for an applicant to apply directly to the board. The board may also provide an alternative application procedure so that an applicant may, at his or her option, instead apply to a national clearinghouse designated by the board. The national clearinghouse shall then forward the application to the board.