Nearest Locksmith
MLA Master Locksmiths are Vetted Inspected Qualified
UK's Largest Trade Association For Locksmiths
Home > Public > MLA Membership Categories & Logos
There are 2 main categories of membership of the Master Locksmiths Association where you’ll see the logo being used.
MLA Approved Locksmith Companies are locksmiths have met the stringent “Vetted, Inspected and Qualified” criteria of the MLA.
Why use an MLA Approved Locksmith All MLA Approved locksmiths are vetted ( criminal record checked ), inspected (by ourselves) and qualified (passed MLA qualification).
Listing on Find a Locksmith Search MLA Approved Locksmiths are listed on our find a locksmith page.
With the lack of government-backed regulation within the locksmithing industry, we think it’s vital that the public is protected and hence we recommend the use of MLA Approved Companies whenever somebody needs a locksmith.
Contact us to join Request a Membership Pack
Personal Membership has 3 categories of membership, which are the following:
Registered Membership Registered membership is the entry level to the MLA and is suitable for all levels of experience,
QML Membership QML membership is dedicated to locksmiths who have passed the MLA Qualification and those looking to progress to MLA approved company membership.
ASIM Associated Security Industry Membership ASIM Membership is for those (1) actively concerned with the locksmithing and/or security industry and have been for at least the previous 2 years, or (2) are practising locksmiths outside the United Kingdom.
MLA Affiliate members are companies who supply the locksmith industry.
They may be a) manufacturers or b) distributors of security products, c) wholesalers to the locksmith industry or even insurance companies.
Some may even have the MLA Affiliate logo on their products or the packaging of their products to highlight their affiliation with the MLA. MLA Approved Company Locksmiths will often purchase their products from MLA Affiliate members.
In terms of other logos that you may want to watch out for there are the following:
Sold Secure is one of the leading suppliers of test and certification services for security-related products.
The British Standard kitemark is another approval that you may want to look out for on certain security products.
Run by the British Standards Institute it’s a stamp of approval to demonstrate that certain standards have met. For example, the most common BS standard for mortice locks is BS3621.
In fact, many insurance companies stipulate you need a BS3621 lock to comply and the easiest way to check is to get your local MLA licensed locksmith to confirm the locks are indeed Kitemarked to BS3621, and if not to upgrade them.
A number of locksmiths also do alarm work, and in the same way that the MLA runs its accreditation scheme for locksmiths, there are 2 main companies that do the same for Alarm work.
The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) operates a 2 tier approach to approvals. This allows companies to grow and develop their business whilst consistently developing the NSI reassurance to their customers.
Companies can enter at either level:
Silver is designed for ‘Product Certification’ Refers to the ‘Product Certification’ against sector-specific standards, e.g. BS7858, BS8243.
Gold builds on product Certification to incorporate Quality Management System Certification.
The Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) offers a wide range of product certification schemes within the electronic security; monitoring; guarding services and fire sectors.
Have a question? Contact us
Broken Key in Lock – Has Your Key Snapped in Your Door Lock?
Home Security Advice – Top 18 Expert Tips
Digital Door Locks – What are they & When To Use them
How can I check the credentials of the locksmith?
Keyed Alike Locks – A Simple Guide (Pros & Cons)
Key Stuck in Lock – What To Do & How Much it Will Cost
Locked Out with Key In Door, Key Left in Other Side of Lock?
How Much are Locksmith Call Out Charges & Fees?
Locksmith Price List & Costs (2024 Guide)
What is Most Secure Lock To Prevent Lock Snapping? (2024 Guide)
My uPVC Door Handle is Floppy or Loose – Price To Repair + Is a New Handle is Required?
uPVC Door Handles – What is the Best & Most Secure?
Rim Cylinder Lock – What is the Best & Most Secure?
Are Locksmiths Open & Working During Coronavirus?
Key Cutting Guide – Questions and Answers
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
Use My current Location
Join the UK's largest locksmith association, all levels of membership available for those new to locksmithing to trading locksmiths.
Members login
MLA Member ID
Password
Fill in the below form for a quick reply.