A. The Department may require examination of applicants for certification; however, the Department shall require examination of applicants for a mine inspector certification. The Department may require such other information from applicants as may be necessary to ascertain competency and qualifications for each task. Except as provided by this chapter and Chapters 14.5 (§ 45.1-161.293 et seq.) and 14.6 (§ 45.1-161.304 et seq.) for general mineral miner and surface foreman certifications, the Department shall prescribe the qualifications for any certification. The examinations shall be conducted under such rules, conditions and regulations as the Department shall promulgate. Such rules, when promulgated, shall be made a part of the permanent record of the Department, shall periodically be published, and shall be of uniform application to all applicants.

B. Any certificate issued by the Department, except the general mineral miner certification, shall be valid from the date of issuance for a period of five years, unless renewed, or unless revoked pursuant to § 45.1-161.292:26. The general mineral miner certification shall be valid from the date of issuance until it may be revoked pursuant to § 45.1-161.292:26.

History

1997, c. 390; 2012, cc. 803, 835.