CREDITS FOR SENIOR PROPERTY TAX CONSULTANT APPLICANTS.

(a) The executive director shall grant credit to an applicant for registration as a senior property tax consultant as follows:

(1) two credits for each year the applicant completed at an institution of higher education that meets program and accreditation standards comparable to those for public institutions of higher education as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, not to exceed six credits;

(2) four credits to an applicant who holds a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an institution of higher education described by Subdivision (1); and

(3) one credit for each year in excess of five years that the applicant's primary occupation involved the performance or supervision of property tax consulting services or property appraisal, assessment, or taxation, not to exceed 10 credits.

(b) The executive director may grant additional credits to an applicant for registration as a senior property tax consultant for:

(1) successful completion of educational programs or courses on:

(A) property taxation;

(B) the property tax system;

(C) property tax administration;

(D) ethical standards; or

(E) general principles of appraisal, accounting, and law as they relate to property tax consulting services;

(2) completion of other educational programs or courses; or

(3) advanced or postgraduate educational achievement, occupational experience, professional licenses, or professional designations obtained from recognized associations, institutes, or organizations.

(c) The executive director may assign not less than one credit or more than five credits to a program or course described by Subsection (b)(1). In determining the amount of credit for the program or course, the executive director shall consider:

(1) the nature of the program or course;

(2) the number of actual instructional hours in the program or course;

(3) whether an examination is required for successful completion of the program or course; and

(4) other factors the executive director determines appropriate.