After the effective date of this article, no electrical work may be performed, offered, or engaged in for compensation or hire within the state of West Virginia by any person, firm, or corporation unless such person, firm, or corporation possesses a license and a certificate issued by the State Fire Marshal in accordance with this article: Provided, That any person who is assisting a journeyman or master electrician does not require a license to perform such supervised work, and a copy of the license is posted on any job in which electrical work is being performed for hire.

As used in this article:

(a) “Electrical contractor” means a person, firm, or corporation who engages in the business of electrical work and employs master electricians, journeyman electricians, or other related workers for the construction, alteration, or repair of any electrical wiring, equipment, or systems as defined in the scope of the national electric code.

(b) “Electrical work” means the installation of wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures, other appliances, equipment, or systems for transmitting, carrying, controlling, or using electricity as defined in the scope of the national electric code.

(c) “Journeyman electrician” means a person qualified by at least one year of electrical work experience to do any work installing wires, conduits, apparatus, equipment, fixtures, and other appliances, provided that this classification is not authorized to design electrical systems.

(d) “License” means a valid and current certificate of competency issued by the state Fire Marshal.

(e) “Master electrician” means a person with at least two years of electrical work experience, including experience in all phases of electrical wiring and installation, who is competent to design electrical systems, and to instruct and supervise the electrical work of journeyman electricians, and other related workers.

(f) “Specialty electrician” means a person qualified to perform electrical work in a limited or specialized area.