Section 303-15-4 - Procedure for Certification1. The Department shall issue public notice of annual Pulling Events Training.2. An applicant for initial certification shall work as an apprentice under a Certified Superintendent for two (2) years: in the two (2) years the applicant must work with a certified superintendent for at least four (4) licensed pulls per year, which must include at least two (2) draft horse pulls and two (2) oxen pulls, including weigh-ins. The licensed superintendent shall sign off on the apprentices' sign off sheet to verify that these requirements have been met, in order for an applicant to become eligible to apply to be a certified superintendent. The apprentice requirement does not apply to applicants seeking to renew their certification in accordance with Section 4(6) below. 3. Beginning in the year 2002, any person seeking an initial certification as a Superintendent must, no later than February 15th of the year in which certification is requested, submit an application to the Department and register for the training. 4. An applicant for initial certification must be sponsored by a Maine pull events venue. A letter from a presiding officer of that venue affirming sponsorship must be mailed to the Department no later than February 15 of the year in which certification is requested. 5. Certification of qualified applicants shall be made by the Commissioner upon successful completion of the training. Successful completion shall require the applicant to demonstrate a working knowledge of the laws and rules pertaining to pulling events and animal welfare, and other information provided by the Department.6 Certification shall be valid for a period of two years. Any person seeking to renew his or her certification after the two-year period must submit a renewal application and successfully complete training as provided in this Section.01-303 C.M.R. ch. 15, § 4