(1) Each applicant for a license as an adjuster, before the issuance of such license, shall personally take and pass, to the satisfaction of the commissioner, an examination as a test of his qualifications and competency; but the requirement of an examination shall not apply to any of the following:

(a) An applicant who for the one-year period next preceding July 1, 1993, has been principally engaged in the investigation, adjustment or supervision of losses and who is so engaged on July 1, 1993;

(b) An applicant for the renewal of a license issued hereunder;

(c) An applicant who is licensed as an insurance adjuster, as defined by this article, in another state with which state a reciprocal agreement has been entered into by the commissioner;

(d) Any person who possesses a certification from a person or entity approved by the commissioner that provides adjuster education and training and that requires, as a prerequisite to certification, an examination substantially equivalent to those of this state and approved by the commissioner; or

(e) Any person who has completed a course or training program in adjusting of losses as prescribed and approved by the commissioner and is certified to the commissioner upon completion of the course that such person has completed the course or training program, and has passed an examination testing his knowledge and qualification, as prescribed by the commissioner.

(2) Each examination for a license as an adjuster shall be as the commissioner may prescribe and shall be of sufficient scope reasonably to test the applicant’s knowledge relative to the kinds of insurance which may be dealt with under the license applied for and the duties, responsibilities and laws of this state applicable to such a licensee.

(3) The commissioner shall prepare and make available to applicants a manual or instructions specifying in general terms the subjects which may be covered in any examination for such a license.