Operators certified by any state under provisions that, in the judgment of the secretary, are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this chapter and any rules and regulations promulgated hereunder, may be issued, upon application, a certificate without examination.

In making determinations pursuant to this section, the secretary shall consult with the *board and may consider any generally applicable criteria and guidelines developed by a nationally recognized association of certification authorities.

*Reviser's note: RCW 70.95B.070, which created the water and wastewater operator certification board of examiners, was repealed by 1995 c 269 § 2907, effective July 1, 1995.