(1) The department must issue a license to applicants who demonstrate competence in the field of weather modification and meteorology.

(2) Competence in the field of weather modification and meteorology can be demonstrated by a minimum of one full year of experience in a responsible position involving the management and control of a weather modification operation(s) and one of the following:

(a) certification as a weather modification operator or manager by a nationally recognized professional society, agency, or organization; or

(b) four additional years experience in the conduct of weather modification operations; or

(c) a baccalaureate or graduate degree in engineering or a physical sciences field, plus two additional years experience in the conduct of weather modification operations; or

(d) a baccalaureate or graduate degree in engineering or a physical sciences field which includes the equivalent of at least twenty-five quarter credit hours of college course work in meteorology; or

(e) a baccalaureate or graduate degree in meteorology; or

(f) an equivalent combination of education and experience as determined by the department.

(3) The department may also consider the applicant's history of performance and references in determining competency in the field of weather modification and meteorology.