(1) A 16-year old candidate may receive a waiver of the age requirement if documentation is submitted and approved by the state HSE test administrator (ARM 10.66.111), as follows:

(a) a completed, signed, and notarized 16-year old age waiver application form providing school status as required under ARM 10.66.112 and notarized permission from the candidate's parent or legal guardian;

(b) a statement from an OPI adult basic education program stating the candidate has successfully completed HSE preparation classes or has attained pre-test scores indicating a likelihood that the candidate will pass the official HSE test; and

(c) a letter on official letterhead stationery from an employer or continuing education training program indicating that acceptance of the candidate is based upon successful completion of the HSE test.

(2) A candidate 16 years of age who resides in a Montana-based job corps center, correctional facility, state-authorized group home, youth challenge, or treatment center may receive a waiver of the age requirement if the candidate submits a written referral from the facility director or authorized agent (e.g., probation officer) and is no longer enrolled in a regular high school program for credit.

(3) Candidates with no previous high school enrollment are required to provide documentation from a chief education officer or the county superintendent of the county in which the candidate currently resides, documenting the candidate has not enrolled in school and has been advised of in-school and alternative education options.