The applicant, except as hereinafter provided, shall be required to pass a written examination in such subjects as the board shall determine. Each written examination may be supplemented by such oral or practical examination as the board may deem necessary. The board shall determine the times and places for the examination. Notices of examination shall be sent by mail to each person known by the secretary to be an applicant for an examination or registration at least thirty days previous to any such scheduled examination. Upon the applicant's successful completion of an appropriate examination as prescribed by the board and satisfaction of the other requirements of this article, the board shall issue to the applicant a license to practice practical nursing. The board shall issue such license by endorsement to any applicant who has been duly licensed or registered as such, or to a person entitled to perform similar services under a different title, in another state, territory or foreign country if, in the opinion of the board, the applicant meets the other requirements for licensed practical nurses in this state. On or before June 30, 1968, any practical nurse who exhibits proof, satisfactory to the board, that he or she has been engaged in practical nursing in this state for a period of three years and who satisfactorily completes an appropriate examination as prescribed by the board shall be issued a license by waiver by said board, which shall be so designated on its face.

Any person obtaining a license by waiver who has completed extension courses equal in theory to those for the graduate practical nurses, as determined by the board, may at any time thereafter take the examination prescribed by the board for graduate practical nurses and obtain a license without the designation of "waiver" thereon.