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Home > ADVICE AND TIPS (FAQS) > What qualifications do I need to be a locksmith?
There’s lots of talk about a locksmith qualification and what certain training companies can offer and why you should choose them over others etc.
On this page, we will cover is there such a thing as a qualification in locksmithing after completing a training course and can you become fully qualified after attending a 3-day course.
We are the UK’s largest locksmith association so hopefully, our advice should be able to help.
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There are no qualification requirements needed to become a locksmith.
The only requirement we ask for to attend our training courses is for a Basic Security Check due to the nature of work involved in locksmithing.
To read our guide to becoming a locksmith click here, which covers in-depth everything you need to know.
Official OFQUAL Level 4 in Locksmithing Qualification
Yes, we currently offer an Official OFQUAL 4 Level Certificate in Locksmithing for those who pass the MLA Qualification.
To receive this locksmithing qualification requires locksmith experience, we recommend at least 2 years experience before taking the MLA Qualification to gain this official locksmith qualification.
Locksmith Qualification Programme – For Beginners or No Experience MLA Qualification – For Trading Locksmiths
The MLA has always been involved in training and improving skill levels within the industry, for all of its 60+ years of existence.
It was the first to develop a nationally recognised qualification in locksmithing with the NVQ over 20 years ago.
We were also the first City & Guilds approved centre for locksmithing, funded and led the development of the nationally recognised qualification for the Apprenticeship (in conjunction with HABC).
There will be claims about some awarding body accreditation’s, but they are mostly all tailored awards, not actual qualifications in locksmithing.
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Tailored awards are when a training centre will pay to get something accredited.
A “tailored award” NOT a qualification
We once ran a City & Guilds level 3 tailored award for locksmithing, but unfortunately, these awards seem to be all about numbers.
Unless you’re putting loads of people through (and therefore paying good money) then a lot of providers are not that interested in continuing them.
With a number of companies saying their short training course will make you a fully qualified locksmith that can earn £60-100k per year.
It takes years to learn the knowledge required and even then you never stop learning.
Locksmithing is a long-term career and should be promoted as such.
With an apprenticeship taking at least 12 months then surely it’s curious that these short courses can make you “fully qualified”.
For questions about training please read our FAQs page below, where we answer over 20 questions:
Training FAQ’s – Questions Answered
As those in the trade know, and we say elsewhere on this site, there’s a lot more to running a locksmith company than going on a short course!
Who to get your training from is something that needs to be thought about when considering becoming a locksmith.
Our Locksmith training centre
Once you’ve done your research and have decided that locksmithing is a viable career path, careful consideration needs to go into choosing where you get your training from, as there is a lot of good quality training out there, but unfortunately a lot of poor quality training too.
If you are interested in taking a training course, we run a number of beginners locksmith courses here at MLA HQ.
There are no qualifications required to become a locksmith.
Any mention of “City and Guilds / NCFE” in locksmithing tends to mean a tailored award rather than a nationally recognised qualification.
To take the next step to start a career as a locksmith we’d recommend reading our pages below, we cover everything you need to know.
For further information about locksmith qualifications or request a free course pack please contact us below:
Locksmith qualification programme Request FREE course pack Call us 01327 262 255
What qualifications do I need to be a locksmith?
What Knowledge is Required to be a Locksmith? – Quick Checklist
Can you earn a £60k – £100K salary as a locksmith after a 3 day course?
Skills To Be a Successful Locksmith – Tips from Trading Locksmiths
Do I need a qualification to trade as a Locksmith? – Official Statement
Locksmith Career Guide – 10 Quick Tips
What is the Best Locksmith Course for a Beginner?
How to Become a Locksmith – Advice from UK’s Largest Locksmith Association
Our Locksmiths are criminal record checked.How we check our locksmiths
Our Locksmiths are Regularly Inspected.How we inspect our locksmiths
Our Locksmiths have passed the MLA Qualification.Read about MLA Qualification
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