(1) The candidates must be residents of the state of Montana who have attained their twenty first birthday.

(a) A person is a resident of the state, if any of the following conditions are met:

(i) Has resided in the state for thirty consecutive days prior to enrollment;

(ii) Shows evidence of having paid property or income taxes for the current or the immediate prior year.

(b) Proof of age consists of birth certificate or equally authentic documentation.

(2) Persons 19 or 20 years of age may receive a waiver of the age requirement for exceptional circumstances. The applicant for the waiver must submit letter(s) of verification from potential employer or employer including military recruiter should state the need of the external diploma for the purpose of employment and/or promotion. The needs of the educational institutions including educational scholarship or grant donors should cite the requirements of a high school equivalency.