Beginners Locksmith Courses (1, 2 & 5 days) – Book Now

These 1-day, 2-day & 5-day locksmith courses run by the Master Locksmiths Association are for beginners new to the industry; our training courses will teach you everything needed to become a locksmith from how to cut keys by hand to opening, picking and fitting locks.

We run 4 different courses during a 5 day week; the first is a 2-day Foundation Course perfect for someone with no experience or new to locksmithing and 3 follow-on courses.

Looking to be a car locksmith? See our beginners auto locksmith course which teaches you how to unlock and open cars.

5 Day Locksmith Course – Perfect for Beginners

Our 5-day beginners course has 4 modules during the week, select which course you want to take or attend every course during the week.

1. 5 Day Beginners Course – 5 Days
2. Foundation Course – 2 Days
3. Fitting Course – 1 Day
4. UPVC Course – 1 Day
5. Level 1 Basic Opening Course – 1 Day

For those with no experience and entirely new for locksmithing the 2-day foundation course is a perfect taster.

5 Day Beginners Course

Our 5 day beginner course is made up of a 2 day foundation course and 3 more specialist modules. You will learn everything needed to become a locksmith from how to cut keys by hand to opening, picking and fitting locks

You can choose to take the full 5 days or you can take the modules individually.

What You Will Learn

• 2 Day Foundation Course – teaches you how to cut keys, basics of safes, how locks work- a perfect introduction to locksmithing
• l Day Fitting Course – learn to fit and upgrade mortice locks & night latches
• 1 Day UPVC Course – learn the important aspects of UPVC doors & Multipoint Locks, from identify multipoint locks to opening jammed mechanisms
• l Day Basic Opening Course – learn the basics of opening different types of locks

Experience Required

• Perfect for total beginners, this course is ideal for anyone wishing to begin a career in locksmithing or for those who require a basic knowledge of locksmithing for their job.

Career Progression

Futher career development can be achieved by working towards and taking the MLA Exam.

Passing the MLA Exam gives you an Official OFQUAL Level 4 qualification certificate in locksmithing and the recognition of being able to become a Qualified Master Locksmith member of the association.

Requirements

• Security Clearance Required Basic Disclosure
  Apply via Gov.uk

Price & Location

£1525 inc VAT – MLA Member 
£1660 inc VAT – Non Member
Payment Plans Available
Reduced Price Become a MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates

Foundation Course (2 days) – Beginners Course

The foundation course gives you the perfect introduction to mechanical locksmithing. You’ll learn the types of locks currently in use and terminology

What You Will Learn

• Types of locks currently in use & terminology
• Cylinder Key Identification
• Pin Tumbler Mechanisms
• Cylinder Key Machine Set-up. Maintenance & Safety
• Cylinder Key cutting by machine
• Stripping rim cylinder
• Mortice key blank identification
• Lever mechanisms
• Mortice Key cutting by machine
• Mortice locks
• Lever lock key cutting by hand
• Safes (brief overview)
• Lock Opening Basics (intro to picking, wafer lock and picking open disc tumbler lock)
• Code Key cutting

Experience Required

• For those with no experience and entirely new for locksmithing the 2-day foundation course is a perfect taster.

Requirements

• Security Clearance Basic Disclosure
  Apply via Gov.uk

Price & Location

£585 inc VAT – MLA Member 
£645 inc VAT – Non Member
Payment Plans Available
Reduced Price Become a MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates

Undertaking this course has given me the confidence I need to trade as a locksmith and start my own business. It is now my aim to return to the MLA and complete further training, in addition to sitting my MLA master locksmiths exam in the near future
– Jordan Morrison

Fitting Course (1 day) – Beginners Course

Get hands on experience installing a selection of the most common locks and security devices.

What You Will Learn

• Tools for fitting
• Fitting rim night latch
• Fitting lever mortice lock
• Upgrading lever mortice to euro cylinder operated mortice
• Fitting secondary security devices

Experience Required

• Perfect for total beginners.

Requirements

• Security Clearance Basic Disclosure
  Apply via Gov.uk

Price & Location

£295 inc VAT – MLA Member
£320 inc VAT – Non Member
Payment Plans Available
Reduced Price Become a MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates

UPVC Course (1 day) – Beginners Course

Thinking about fitting/repairing UPVC door locks? This course you teach you all about uPVC locks.

What You Will Learn

• Multi-Point Lock ID (various locking types/mechanisms, backsets, strike plates, profiles and packing etc.)
• Toe & Heeling
• Opening Jammed Mechanisms
• Gearbox Replacement
• Hinges & Handles
• Security upgrades
• Additional security

Experience Required

• Perfect for total beginners, this module will help broaden your skills and give you experience of working with UPVC door locks.

Requirements

• Security Clearance Required Basic Disclosure
  Apply via Gov.uk
• Non Members – must have taken foundation module first or be sponsored by 2 QML members or directors of MLA Approved Companies

Membership Options

Price & Location

£350 inc VAT – MLA Member
£375 inc VAT – Non Member
Payment Plans Available
Reduced Price Become a MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates

Level 1 Basic Opening Course (1 day) – Beginners Course

Get hands on experience practicing the basic non-destructive entry techniques on a selection of the most common locks

What You Will Learn

• Tools for opening
• Methods of entry
• Opening authority procedure
• Theory of mortice lock picking
• Picking 2 & 3 lever mortice locks
• Other opening methods for 2/3 lever locks (jigglers, overlift)
• Lock Identification (how to)
• Theory of Mortice Lock Drilling
• ERA 5 lever padlock opening
• Theory and then practical of picking pin tumbler locks
• Theory and then practical of drilling cylinder locks
• Pick Guns
• Other opening Techniques (bumping, snapping, slipping, letterbox tool)

Experience Required

• Perfect for total beginners, must have taken our 2-day foundation beforehand to attend

Requirements

• Security Clearance Required Basic Disclosure
  Apply via Gov.uk
• MLA Members must be a member for 6+ months or taken 2-day foundation course
• Non-MLA members must first take 2-day foundation course prior or be sponsored by 2 QML members or directors of MLA Approved Companies

Membership Options

Price & Location

£295 inc VAT – MLA Member
£320 inc VAT – Non Member
Payment Plans Available
Reduced Price Become a MLA Member
Location Unit 1, Prospect Park, Valley Dr, Rugby, CV21 1TF
Date latest course dates

All Beginners Course Requirements

• Security Clearance Required before attending course
• Apply for basic disclosure here or various private providers online

Location

Our training courses take place at our dedicated purpose built training centre in Rugby, Warwickshire.

• 2 minutes from the M6
• Sat Nav Postcode: CV21 1TF

By Train

• Rugby has direct train services from major routes including London & Birmingham.
• 8 minutes in a Taxi from Rugby Train Station

Visit Western Railway to book Cheaper Train Tickets in Advance.

• London to Rugby on train from Euston Station in under 1 hour
• Advanced fairs from as little as £25 return

>> Click here for London Train Timetables

By Air

The nearest Airport to Rugby is Birmingham (BHX) which is 20 miles away.

Accommodation

We are happy to provide a list of hotels nearby contact us for this list.

Discounted Pricing

We currently have training discounts available or you can become an MLA member for discounted members rates:

• Members reduced price – Become a MLA Member

Those new to the industry should look to join as a Personal Member under the ‘student’ category.

Questions About Beginners Locksmith Courses

Who Should Attend This Course?

An absolute beginner or someone with relatively limited experience within the industry

Can I Trade as a Locksmith after the Beginners Course?

This course will equip you to either seek employment as a trainee locksmith or even set up your own business.

Do I become qualified after attending your Beginners Course?

All attendees of each beginner’s course receive a certificate of attendance from the UK’s largest locksmith association, the Master Locksmiths Association.

Become a Qualified Master Locksmith with OFQUAL Level 4 Certificate in Locksmithing Qualification

If you are looking for a nationally recognised qualification, the MLA Exam allows locksmiths to become a fully Qualified Master Locksmith with a Official OFQUAL Level 4 qualification in locksmithing.

The MLA Exam is the highest locksmith qualification in the UK, recognised by Ofsted and certified by ABBE (Awarding Body of the Built Environment).

Do you offer any kind of payment plan?

Yes! There are payment plan options for those attending any of our courses.

Course attendees can set up a payment plan, where all we require is your course to be paid in full one month before the start date.

Payment Methods
We offer the following payment methods:

• Bank transfer (BACS)
• Debit/Credit Cards
• Direct Debits

Training fees are non-refundable & non-transferable (except in extenuating circumstances), see our terms & conditions here

Course Dates & Prices

After Attending Beginners Course

Expand your skill set & offer more services as a locksmith, e.g offer a car locksmith service and open locked cars, see our auto course here.

A popular choice is to attend courses from our advanced programme, that help locksmiths to offer more services to their customers.

Click to view our Course Costs and Dates for the next available dates when courses start.

Further Reading

• Training FAQ’s – over 20 popular questions answered
• How to become a locksmith – our expert guide
• Locksmith Career Guide – 10 quick tips
• Locksmith Qualifications