Notwithstanding any provision of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 to the contrary, holders of valid certificates of competency obtained through examination under the voluntary certification program sponsored by the association may, on or before June 30, 1987, apply to the board or commission for, and shall be issued, an operator's certificate issued under the provisions of Sections 21-27-201 through 21-27-221 without further examination or proof of other qualifications, provided such state-issued certificate shall be valid only for the class of facility covered by the association certificate.