Home inspectors will need a provincial licence by September under new rules introduced by the Alberta government.

Currently, any Albertan can print business cards and become a home inspector. But under new rules announced Thursday, inspectors will need approval from the province.

"A home is the single largest investment most Albertans make. They deserve to have confidence that the person they hire to inspect a home is qualified to make a reliable assessment," said Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk in a statement.

"Most home inspectors are professionals, but the financial consequences of a faulty or negligent inspection can be staggering for families."

To get a licence, inspectors will have to complete a training program and pass a test inspection. Currently, Calgary's SAIT is the only institution in Alberta with an approved program.

The province will consider new training programs created by the industry and educational institutes.

Inspectors who already hold a professional designation from the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors will automatically qualify for a licence.

Current inspectors who don't meet the requirements can apply for a conditional licence that is good until March 31, 2013. New rules will also require businesses to carry insurance that covers mistakes and negligence, post a security to cover consumer losses if the regulation is not followed, and will ban contract clauses that limit the liability of the business and inspectors.