(1) Each applicant for certification as a workers' compensation claims examiner shall, prior to the issuance of such certification, personally take and pass an examination given by the department or a department-approved agent as a test of qualifications and competency.

(2) Satisfactory completion of an examination demonstrates the individual's:

(a) familiarity with Montana's workers' compensation statutes;

(b) ability to navigate the administrative rules found in this chapter;

(c) knowledge of workers' compensation definitions and concepts.

(3) Any person taking an examination may use a copy of Title 39, chapter 71, MCA, during the test procedure.

(4) A passing score on an examination is at least 80 percent.

(a) An applicant for claims examiner certification may take the examination up to three times in a 180-day period. If an applicant does not pass the examination within that 180-day period, the applicant must wait 60 days before taking the examination again.

(b) The examination fee must be paid for each examination taken.

(5) Any examination completed through dishonest or fraudulent means is given a score of 0.