(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.