(a) No navigator shall provide advice, guidance, or other assistance with regard to health benefit plans as a navigator under the provisions of the federal act unless licensed in accordance with this article.

(b) The Commissioner shall not issue a license to any applicant who does not meet or conform to the following qualifications or requirements:

(1) The applicant shall establish to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that he or she has the background, experience, knowledge, and competency in the subject matter that will enable him or her to deliver accurate information and advice to individuals and groups in this state seeking to obtain health insurance coverage under the provisions of the federal act;

(2) The applicant shall have successfully completed not less than 35 hours of instruction in health benefit insurance, the exchange provisions of the federal act, the medical assistance program provided for by Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49, and the PeachCare for Kids Program provided for by Article 13 of Chapter 5 of Title 49 satisfactory to the Commissioner through a training program approved by the Commissioner;

(3) The applicant shall pass such examination as shall be required by the Commissioner unless such applicant is exempted by the Commissioner based on the applicant's experience and qualifications and pursuant to regulations adopted by the Commissioner;

(4) An applicant shall be not less than 18 years of age and of good moral character and must submit in a form approved by the Commissioner such information, including without limitation criminal history and regulatory background information, as the Commissioner may require; and

(5) An applicant for a renewal license shall have completed continuing education classes approved by the Commissioner.