B. After October 1, 2002, at At least 150 semester hours of education, including a minimum 4-year baccalaureate or higher degree conferred by a college or university acceptable to the board, the total educational program to include basic courses in accounting and auditing determined to be appropriate under board rules. Rules adopted by the board pursuant to this paragraph are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A 2-A; and

Sec. D-3. 32 MRSA §12228, sub-§10, as amended by PL 2003, c. 688, Pt. C, §21, is further amended by amending the first paragraph 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 For initial issuance of a certificate under this subsection, an applicant shall demonstrate 2 years of experience under the direction of a licensee certified public accountant licensed by any state or territory of the United States or equivalent direction, as determined by the board, by a licensed professional in another country and shall must 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 2- A. To the extent the applicant's experience is as a revenue agent or in a 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:

Sec. D-4. 32 MRSA §12251, sub-§4, as amended by PL 1999, c.