Education. The applicant shall submit to the Board a certified copy of a high school diploma, G.E.D., or a certified transcript of any post high school degree received. Before an applicant appears before the Board for approval of an apprentice license, the applicant shall be enrolled in or have graduated from a mortuary science program at a school accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service or approved by the Board, with a 2.0 or higher grade point average that is verified with a certified copy of the college transcript, if the applicant has a grade point average. A licensed apprentice who was enrolled in a mortuary science program at the time the license was granted shall remain enrolled in the program for the duration of the apprenticeship unless the licensed apprentice graduates. The applicant shall appear before the Board with a sponsor who: Holds a current valid mortician or funeral director license in Maryland; and Is employed by the same funeral home that employs the apprentice. Except as otherwise provided for in Regulation .12 of this chapter, the mortician's apprentice shall obtain an Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Mortuary Science or its equivalent from a school recognized by the Board within 3 years of commencing the apprenticeship. Except as otherwise provided for in Regulation .12 of this chapter, the funeral director's apprentice shall obtain an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in funeral service or its equivalent from a school recognized by the Board within 3 years of commencing the apprenticeship. The 3 years of apprenticeship shall consist of: The initial year of apprenticeship licensure; and Two consecutive apprenticeship licensure renewals. The applicant shall: Apply for apprenticeship on the form required by the Board; and Pay the fee as specified in COMAR 10.29.04.