(a)(1) All applicants for a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse shall make application through the board. An applicant for licensure who has not been duly examined according to the prescribed examination approved by the board and who does not otherwise qualify for licensure under this article must apply by examination. Such applicants shall submit to the board a designated fee and written evidence verifying that the applicant:

(A) Is at least 18 years of age;

(B) Has graduated from high school or the equivalent thereof;

(C) Has graduated from a nursing education program approved by this board or which meets criteria similar to, and not less stringent than, those established by this board;

(D) Is in good physical and mental health; and

(E) In the case of an applicant who has graduated from a program conducted in a foreign country, has demonstrated the ability to speak, write, and understand the English language.

(2) A person who is at least 17 years of age and meets all of the criteria set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection may apply to the board for special consideration to take the examination for licensure.

(b)(1) The board may issue a temporary permit to applicants for licensure by examination pursuant to paragraph (7) of Code Section 43-26-35. A temporary permit issued to an applicant for licensure by examination shall be valid from the date of issuance until the first examination scheduled for the applicant is graded and a license is issued. If the applicant does not appear for the examination, the temporary permit is automatically invalid the day of the examination. If the applicant fails the examination, the permit shall automatically become invalid when the examination is graded and may not be reissued.

(2) An applicant who fails to appear at the first examination and can show proper cause for failure to appear may receive a second temporary permit upon reapplying to take the examination. Such second permit shall be governed by the same validity provisions as the first permit. Upon failure to appear at a second examination, the applicant shall not be eligible to receive another temporary permit.