(1) Public safety officers must meet the applicable employment, education, and certification standards as prescribed by the Montana Code Annotated.

(2) In addition to standards set forth in the Montana Code Annotated, as defined in 44-4-401, MCA, all public safety officers shall:

(a) be a citizen of the United States or may be a registered alien if unsworn;

(b) be at least 18 years of age;

(c) be fingerprinted and a search made of the local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record;

(d) not have been convicted of a crime for which they could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary;

(e) be a high school graduate or have passed the general education development test and have been issued an equivalency certificate by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, or by an appropriate issuing agency of another state or of the federal government;

(f) successfully complete an oral interview and pass a thorough background check conducted by the appointing authority or its designated representative; and

(g) possess a valid driver's license if driving a vehicle will be part of the officer's duties.