To qualify for a license, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section. The applicant shall: Be of good moral character; Be at least 18 years old; Demonstrate competence in performing acupuncture by meeting the following standards for education or training: If the applicant is issued a license on or before May 31, 2026: Graduation from at least a master’s level program or its equivalent in acupuncture that is: Approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission; Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine; or Found by the Board to be equivalent to a course approved or accredited under item A or B of this item; or Achievement of a: Diplomate in acupuncture from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine; or Passing score on an examination that is determined by the Board to be equivalent to the examination given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine; or If the applicant is issued a license on or after June 1, 2026: Graduation from at least a master’s level program or its equivalent in acupuncture that is: Approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission; Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine; or Found by the Board to be equivalent to a course approved or accredited under item A or B of this item; and Achievement of a passing score on an examination given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine or determined by the Board to be equivalent to the examination given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine; Beginning July 1, 2027, submit to a criminal history records check in accordance with § 1A–302.1 of this subtitle; Demonstrate the ability to communicate in the English language; and Meet any other qualifications that the Board establishes in regulations.