An applicant who, before April 26, 1960, applied to take an examination for the certificate of certified public accountant, or held a valid license as a public accountant, or was regularly enrolled in a college or correspondence course in accounting, or a person whose registration under this chapter is accepted by the board, shall receive a license when the applicant has met either the requirements of this chapter, or the requirements that were effective at the time the applicant's first application was filed, at the option of the applicant.