(a) An application may be approved and a certificate of competency issued if the Secretary, in his discretion, determines that the applicant is competent. The delivery of the certificate shall have the effect of removing the restrictions from the land described therein. (Act of June 25, 1910 (36 Stat. 855), as amended (25 U.S.C. 372).)

(b) If the application is denied, the applicant shall be notified in writing, given the reasons therefor and advised of his right to appeal pursuant to the provisions of part 2 of this chapter.