(1) A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as a master unless that person —
(a) is qualified to practice as a barrister in a court of unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or in a court having jurisdiction in appeals from such court and has so practiced, for a period of or for periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than 7 years; or
(b) has been serving in the office of judge in such court for a period of or for periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than 7 years.
(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), a reference to a period during which a person has practiced as an advocate shall be construed as including periods during which a person has served in a public office in some part of the Commonwealth —
(a) in the office of magistrate;
(b) in the office of registrar of a court of unlimited civil and criminal jurisdiction in some part of the Commonwealth; or
(c) as a officer the functions of whose office includes appearing as an advocate in such court.
(3) For the purpose of subsection (1), a reference to a period during which a person has served in a court of unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or in a court having jurisdiction in appeals from such a court shall be construed as including periods during which a person has served —
(a) as case management master with functions comparable to those of a Master;
(b) as master with functions comparable to those of a Master.