Any candidate for a baccalaureate degree shall be a high school graduate, shall have had not less than seven years actual experience in the trade or occupation in which he desires to qualify, and shall have had a minimum of 1,620 hours teaching experience in an approved vocational class, or 1,000 hours teaching experience in an approved trade extension class.

In lieu of the educational qualifications, the board may evaluate and make recommendations concerning such other qualifications as it deems applicable for persons lacking the formal educational qualifications.