Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §12228, sub-§10, as amended by PL 1997, c. 526, §14, is further amended to read:

10. Experience. During the 5-year period immediately following October 1, 1997, the applicant shall show that the applicant has had 2 years of experience in the practice of public accountancy or its equivalent, meeting requirements prescribed by the board by rule; or, if the applicant's educational qualifications include, a masters degree conferred by a college or university approved by the board, then only one year of experience in that practice or its equivalent is required. After October 1, 2002, for initial issuance of a certificate under this subsection, an applicant shall demonstrate 2 years of experience that was under the direction of a licensee under this subchapter and shall meet the other requirements prescribed by the board by rule. The applicant's experience must include the use of accounting or auditing skills, including the issuance of reports on financial statements, and at least one of the following: the provision of management advisory, financial advisory or consulting services; the preparation of tax returns; the furnishing of advice on tax matters; or equivalent activities defined by the board by rule. Board rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A. To the extent the applicant's experience is as an auditor engaged in the examination of financial statements for the Department of Audit or as a revenue agent or similar position engaged in the examination of personal and corporate income tax returns for the Bureau of Revenue Services, the applicant receives credit at the rate of 50% toward the experience required by this subsection. To the extent the applicant's experience is as an examiner engaged in financial examinations for the Bureau of Insurance, the applicant receives credit under this subsection if that experience meets the following standards:

A. Examinations are performed in conformity with the Examiners' Handbook published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners;

B. Working papers prepared by the examiners are in conformity with generally accepted auditing standards and are subject to a review by a supervisor who must be a certified public accountant;

C. Written reports of examination are prepared in conformity with the Examiners' Handbook published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. All examiners working on the examinations must participate in the preparation of the report;