Except as otherwise provided in this title or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, a person must have a contractor license whenever the person acts as a contractor in the State. Except as otherwise provided in this title or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, a person must have a salesperson license or contractor license whenever the person sells a home improvement in the State. This section does not apply to: an individual who works for a contractor for a salary or wages but who is not a salesperson for the contractor; 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; a solicitor for a contractor who calls an owner by telephone only; an architect, electrician, plumber, heating, ventilation, air–conditioning, or refrigeration contractor, or other person who: is required by State or local law to meet standards of competency or experience before engaging in an occupation or profession; currently is licensed in that occupation or profession under State or local law; and is: acting only within the scope of that occupation or profession; or installing a central heating or air–conditioning system; a security systems technician licensed under Title 18 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article; a marine contractor licensed under Title 17, Subtitle 3 of the Environment Article; or a person who is selling a home improvement to be performed by a person described in item (4) of this subsection.