On or after July 1, 1973, certification of operators by any state which, as determined by the director, accepts certifications made or certification requirements deemed satisfied pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, shall be accorded reciprocal treatment and shall be recognized as valid and sufficient within the purview of this chapter, if in the judgment of the director the certification requirements of such state are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this chapter or any rules or regulations promulgated hereunder.

In making determinations pursuant to this section, the director shall consult with the *board and may consider any generally applicable criteria and guidelines developed by the nationally recognized association of certification authorities.

*Reviser's note: RCW 70.95B.070, which created the water and wastewater operator certification board of examiners, was repealed by 1995 c 269 § 2907, effective July 1, 1995.