(a)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person must have a contractor license whenever the person acts as a contractor in the State.

(b)    Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person must have a salesperson license or contractor license whenever the person sells a home improvement in the State.

(c)    This section does not apply to:

(1)    an individual who works for a contractor for a salary or wages but who is not a salesperson for the contractor;

(2)    a clerical employee, retail clerk, or other employee of a licensed contractor who is not a salesperson, as to a transaction on the premises of the licensed contractor;

(3)    a solicitor for a contractor who calls an owner by telephone only;

(4)    an architect, electrician, plumber, heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration contractor, or other person who:

(i)    is required by State or local law to meet standards of competency or experience before engaging in an occupation or profession;

(ii)    currently is licensed in that occupation or profession under State or local law; and

(iii)    is:

1.    acting only within the scope of that occupation or profession; or

2.    installing a central heating or air–conditioning system;

(5)    a security systems technician licensed under Title 18 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article;

(6)    a marine contractor licensed under Title 17, Subtitle 3 of the Environment Article; or

(7)    a person who is selling a home improvement to be performed by a person described in item (4) of this subsection.