The Commissioner may employ deputy inspectors who shall be responsible to the chief inspector and who shall have, at the time of appointment:

(1)(A) Not less than three years’ experience in the construction, installation, inspection, operation, maintenance, or repair of high pressure boilers and pressure vessels as a mechanical engineer, steam operating engineer, boilermaker, or boiler inspector; or

(B) Successfully completed a nationally recognized program which provides adequate experience in the field that has been approved by the Commissioner through rule or regulation; and

(2) Passed the examination provided for in Code Section 25-15-20.