(1) Coroner education shall be conducted by the council as prescribed in 7-4-2905, MCA.

(2) New coroners shall complete the 40 hour basic coroner course at the academy or other equivalent course approved by POST:

(a) the basic coroner course must be completed in accordance with 7-4-2905, MCA.

(3) Coroners must complete 16 hours of advanced training at least once every two years.

(a) The council may extend the two year time limit requirement for the continuation of coroner's certification, set forth in 7-4-2905, MCA, upon the written application of the coroner or the appointing authority of the deputy. The application must explain the circumstances which necessitate the extension;

(b) Factors considered in granting or denying an extension include, but are not limited to:

(i) illness of the coroner/deputy coroner or an immediate family member;

(ii) absence of reasonable access to the coroner's advanced course; or

(iii) an unreasonable shortage of personnel;

(c) The council may not grant an extension to exceed 180 days; and

(d) The council will not grant extensions after the expiration of the two year time limit.