On or after September 1, 1977, it shall be unlawful for any operator of a surface coal mine to employ, in a supervisory capacity listed below any person who does not hold a certificate of competency issued by the Mining Board.
Those persons assigned to supervise:
Each applicant must have a minimum of 2 years of surface mining experience and pass an examination, administered by the Mining Board, based on Illinois State Mining Law as it pertains to his responsibilities. Temporary certification will be provided by the Mining Board for persons with at least 2 years surface mining experience up to the time of the next examination or up to a maximum of 6 months.
225 ILCS 705/38.3