The applicant is required to pass a written examination in subjects determined necessary by the board to ascertain the fitness of the applicant to practice professional nursing. If the applicant successfully passes the examination, the board shall issue to the applicant a license to practice professional nursing as a registered nurse, the license to be in force for a period of at least one year until the birth date of the licensee. The initial license is renewable as provided in section 2206.   [PL 1993, c. 600, Pt. A, §127 (AMD).]