(

a) The board shall require applicants for license as a steward or as an official veterinarian to pass both a written and an oral examination. (

b) The board may admit to the steward examination any person who meets all of the following qualifications:

(1) Has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or of a felony.

(2) Has been given a physical examination by a licensed physician and surgeon within days prior to the date of application for the steward’s examination, indicating at least 20-20 vision or vision corrected to at least 20-20, and normal hearing ability.

(3) Possesses at least one of the following qualifications: (

A) Has at least five years of experience in the parimutuel horse racing industry as a licensed trainer, jockey, or driver. (

B) Has at least years of experience in the California parimutuel horse racing industry as a licensed owner whose experience, knowledge, ability, and integrity relative to the industry are known to the board. (

C) Has at least three years of experience as a licensed racing official, racing secretary, assistant racing secretary, or director of racing. (

D) Has experience in the horse racing industry of a character and for a length of time sufficient, as determined by the board, to qualify the person as having experience substantially equivalent to the experience described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C). (

c) The board may admit to the official veterinarian examination any person who meets all of the following qualifications:

(1) Is currently licensed to practice veterinary medicine in this state.

(2) Is currently in good standing with the California Veterinary Medical Board.

(3) Has current veterinary malpractice insurance.