12. The candidate who is informed of the decision of the board of directors not to recognize an equivalence may ask to be heard on the condition that he applies in writing to the secretary within 30 days of the mailing of the decision.
The board of directors shall hear the candidate within 45 days of the receipt of that request for a hearing and, where applicable, review its decision. For that purpose, the secretary shall summon the candidate in writing, by certified or registered mail, at least 10 days before such hearing.
The decision of the board of directors is final and shall be sent to the candidate in writing, within 30 days of the hearing.