What happens to the application fee if the applicant fails to meet the qualifications?

In the context of water well contractor applications, when an applicant fails to meet the qualifications, they typically lose the application fee. This policy is common across many certification and licensing procedures to ensure that only serious candidates apply, thus maintaining the integrity of the profession. Keeping the fee non-refundable encourages applicants to fully prepare and understand the qualifications required before submitting their application.

While other choices may suggest scenarios like refunds or future credits, they do not align with the conventional approach to application fees in licensing processes, where the focus is on the candidate's readiness and qualifications. Therefore, the correct understanding of the fee structure reinforces the importance of diligence in meeting all standards associated with the application for a water well contractor license.