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Home > ADVICE AND TIPS (FAQS) > Do I need a qualification to trade as a Locksmith? – Official Statement
We at the Master Locksmiths Association have received numerous questions over the last few weeks about online claims that locksmiths will need to take a new qualification to trade.
The real news says that new qualifications are being launched for locksmithing, the fake news is that they will be compulsory to take it in order to work as a locksmith.
Having contacted numerous government departments who knew nothing about it, we have now heard back from Ofqual who have confirmed that locksmiths WILL NOT need a qualification to trade as a locksmith.
Ofqual Media and Public Enquiries have confirmed:-
Ofqual is not aware of any plans for locksmiths to take any compulsory qualifications, or plans to meet any specific regulatory criteria in order to trade. – Â Ofqual 30th Aug 2019
From an email sent on 30th August 2019 by the Managing Director, Dr. Steffan George, of the Master Locksmiths Association, a screenshot of the reply we have had from Ofqual can be seen below
Screenshot reply from OfQual:
Statement also confirmed by Highfield Qualifications
To gain extra confirmation what Ofqual had stated, we also contacted Highfield Qualifications who are the awarding body behind the new Ofqual qualification being launched in the UK.
In a reply, the Compliance Manager at Highfield Qualifications confirmed there was:
no legal requirement for anyone working as a locksmith to have one of these qualifications – Highfield Qualifications Aug 2018
no legal requirement for anyone working as a locksmith to have one of these qualifications
– Highfield Qualifications Aug 2018
No, despite claims to the contrary you do NOT need any kind of official qualification to start trading as a locksmith and according to Ofqual there are no plans for this to change
For more information on the career as a locksmith and the topics around skills, qualifications & earnings, read our Becoming a Locksmith FAQ section here or see our full how to become a locksmith guide.
You can also read some of our most-read pages regarding becoming a locksmith below.
What qualifications do I need to be a locksmith?
Skills To Be a Successful Locksmith – Tips from Trading Locksmiths
How to Become a Locksmith – Advice from UK’s Largest Locksmith Association
Do I need a qualification to trade as a Locksmith? – Official Statement
What Knowledge is Required to be a Locksmith? – Quick Checklist
What is the Best Locksmith Course for a Beginner?
Locksmith Career Guide – 10 Quick Tips
Can you earn a £60k – £100K salary as a locksmith after a 3 day course?
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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