After July 1, 1980, no person shall be eligible to perform the duties of a chief assessor of a primary assessing area or the duties of a professional assessor of any municipality or primary assessing area unless he or she shall have been certified in the manner provided. Violation of this section shall be a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $250 shall be adjudged.   [PL 1977, c. 696, §265 (RPR).]