(

a) In addition to satisfying the other requirements of this article, and except as provided in subdivisions (

b) and (c), an applicant for an original real estate broker’s license shall demonstrate to the Real Estate Commissioner that they have held a real estate salesperson’s license for at least two years and qualified for the renewal of their real estate salesperson status, within the five-year period immediately prior to the date of their application for the broker’s license, and during that time were actively engaged in the business of real estate salesperson. (

b) An applicant for a real estate broker’s license having at least the equivalent of two years’ general real estate experience within the five-year period immediately prior to the date of their application for the broker’s license may file a written petition with the Department of Real Estate setting forth their qualifications and experience, and, if the commissioner approves, they may be issued a real estate broker’s license immediately upon passing the examination and satisfying the other requirements of this article. (

c) In considering a petition described in subdivision (b), the commissioner may treat a degree from a four-year college or university, which course of study included a major or minor in real estate, as the equivalent of two years’ general real estate experience. In considering a petition described in subdivision (b), the commissioner may consider degrees that were completed before the five-year period immediately prior to the date of the application for a broker’s license.