(1) There are five categories of licensees:

(a) installers, who install or close underground storage tank systems;

(b) installation inspectors, who inspect underground storage tank installations;

(c) closure inspectors, who inspect underground storage tank closures;

(d) compliance inspectors, who inspect operating underground storage tank facilities for compliance with underground storage tank regulations; and

(e) oversight inspectors, who conduct oversight inspections to verify accuracy of inspection reports submitted by compliance inspectors.

(2) An applicant for an installer license may apply to restrict that license to any one or more of the following categories:

(a) lining;

(b) corrosion protection;

(c) external leak detection; or

(d) closure.

(3) An application for a license under this subchapter must be made on the appropriate form provided by the department. On the form the applicant must provide all the information required by the department.

(4) The application must be subscribed and verified upon oath or affirmation before a notary public and must state that the information provided in the application is true.

(5) An application for an installer license must be accompanied by at least three references from other persons attesting to the applicant's experience in the installation and closure of underground tank systems. The references must be written on forms provided by the department.

(6) References for an applicant seeking an installer license must show that the applicant actively participated in at least three underground storage tank system installations and two closures that were completed in accordance with applicable statutes and rules in the last three years, unless the applicant requests to have his or her license restricted. If the request is to restrict the license to tank lining, cathodic protection system installation; external leak detection device installation, or closure, the applicant shall so state on the application, and the references need only address the applicant's requested area of restricted professional work. The following application and reference requirements also apply:

(a) References for an applicant seeking a license restricted to conducting tank system closures must establish that the applicant actively participated in at least three closures or installations in the last three years.

(b) References for an applicant seeking a license restricted to conducting cathodic protection system installations must establish that the applicant actively participated in at least two cathodic protection system installations in the last three years.

(c) References for an applicant conducting external leak detection device installations must establish that the applicant participated in at least two external release detection device installations in the past three years. An applicant holding a current monitoring well constructor's license may provide a copy of that license in lieu of the required references.

(d) References for an applicant seeking a license restricted to conducting tank system linings must establish that the applicant actively participated in at least two tank linings in the last three years.

(7) An application for an installation or closure inspector license must, in addition to the other requirements of this rule, be accompanied by at least three references attesting to the applicant's experience in inspections and underground storage tank regulations relating to installation and closure. The references must be written on forms provided by the department.

(8) An application for a compliance or oversight inspector license must, in addition to the other requirements of this rule, be accompanied by at least three references attesting to the applicant's experience in underground storage tank regulations, operation, maintenance, and inspections. The references must be written on forms provided by the department.

(9) The department shall evaluate applications and attachments for conformity with this subchapter and Title 75, chapter 11, part 2, MCA. The department shall notify an applicant if it determines that an application is incomplete and shall provide an explanation of what information is needed for the application to be considered complete. The department shall hold incomplete applications pending the receipt of additional information.