Ken,
Welcome!
I am a Suffolk County Master. I can tell you what requirements were about 20 yrs ago. There are others here from the same area that may have more updated info than mine.
Anyway, requirements to sit for the exam were 5 years experience with up to 2 years off that credited for approved schooling (Boces, etc.) Test was in 2 stages: Written, open book with NEC (couple of hours worth) and if you passed that you would have to come in for a practical (hands on) where you brought in a list of parts and materials and wired something according to directions using different wiring methods, Rx, BX, EMT and Flex.
Bill