(a) All licenses except temporary or probationary licenses shall be issued on a continuous basis.

(b) A license may be continued upon receipt by the Commissioner of evidence of such continuing education as the Commissioner may establish by rule or regulation and payment of such fees as are provided by law.

(c) Filings for continuation of the license on forms prescribed by rule or regulation must be made prior to the first December 31 following the initial issuance of the license and every December 31 thereafter.

(d) Continuing education requirements imposed by the Commissioner pursuant to this Code section shall not exceed 15 classroom hours for each licensed person who has held a license for less than 20 years during the calendar year. For those persons who have held a license for 20 years or more the requirement shall be no more than ten classroom hours during the calendar year.

(e) Any person who has been licensed as an agent for ten consecutive years or more and who does not perform any of the functions specified in paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code Section 33-23-1 other than receipt of renewal or deferred commissions shall be exempt from continuing education requirements; provided, however, that if such person wishes to again perform any of the other functions specified in said paragraph, such person must obtain approval from the Commissioner and comply with the requirements of this chapter, including without limitation the requirements for continuing education. The Commissioner may provide, by rule or regulation, for any other exemption to or reduction in continuing education required under this Code section.

(f) Every person required to participate in a continuing education program pursuant to this Code section shall furnish or such person's insurer shall furnish the Commissioner such information as the Commissioner deems necessary to verify compliance with the continuing education requirements.

(g) The Commissioner by rule may establish staggered deadlines for the filing of continuing license applications together with appropriate fees.