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MLA Exam – Become a Master Locksmith (Official OFQUAL Qualification)

Pass the MLA Exam to become a qualified master locksmith with an Official OFQUAL Level 4 certificate in locksmithing qualification, which helps progression to become a MLA Approved Locksmith.

Find out below what the MLA exam is all about, the benefits of taking this exam, cost and when the next exam dates are.

1. What is the MLA Exam?

The MLA Modular Exam consists of 4 modules:

Written (50 questions)
Fitting (a euro mortice deadlock to a door)
Open a Bs 5 Lever Mortice Lock
Key cutting by hand

Demonstrate your skills and knowledge by passing our Ofqual recognised level 4 MLA exam certified by ABBE (the awarding body for building regulation).

2. Why should I take the MLA Exam?

Upon passing the exam you will gain a Level 4 certificate in General Locksmithing Skills, which is the highest locksmithing qualification you can achieve in the UK.

Taking the MLA Exam allows you work towards fully MLA Approved Company status and as a locksmith make claims of being a Qualified Master Locksmith (QML).

MLA personal members will be awarded QML status once they pass. As MLA Approved Companies must have a QML as a member of staff QML status can really set you apart.

Becoming an MLA Approved Company means your company will be listed on our website, along with unrestricted use of the MLA logo on your website + other promotional material.

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3. Advantages of taking the MLA Exam

a) Official OFQUAL Level 4 Certificate In Locksmithing Qualification

Those who pass the MLA Exam will recieve a nationally recognised qualification – an Official OFQUAL Level 4 Certificate in Locksmithing, accredited by ABBE.

Level 4 OFQUAL Certificate Qualification in Locksmithing – Accredited by ABBE

To help pass the MLA Exam – we first recommend taking our 5 day beginner locksmith course and then further advanced locksmith courses to further your knowledge.

Further information on passing the exam be found in the MLA Exam course pack.

b) Achieve Qualified Master Locksmith Status

Qualified Master Locksmith (QML) status is granted once passing the MLA exam

Benefits of QML Status

Qualified Master Locksmith status has more benefits than as a personal member, which are:

A UK wide recognised qualification
Lower subs
Claim membership and use logo on workwear and business stationery if self employed (terms apply)
One step closer to becoming an approved company

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Latest Exam Dates

c) Become MLA Approved with Approved Company Membership

Requirements to become MLA Approved:

1 QML member per 5 locksmith staff

Benefits of Approved Company Membership:

Unrestricted usage of the MLA logo on all promotion materials, your website and your vehicle
Webpage listing on our Find a Locksmith near me page

To enquire about approved company membership contact us below:

Become MLA Approved

4. Who Should Take The MLA Exam?

The exam is ideal for anyone who is a working locksmith and an MLA registered member. All MLA registered members are required to pass the MLA exam within 4 years of membership. It is recommended for new members to take 1 exam module per 12 months of membership.

The ultimate deadline to pass the MLA Exam is all 4 modules within 4 years.

5. How Much Does the MLA Exam Cost?

There are three ways to take the MLA Exam a) 2 Days with Coaching beforehand or b) 1 Day Without Coaching and c) Exam preparation day.

a) MLA Exam With Coaching Prices:

Coaching beforehand with hints and tips to prepare you for the exam:

MLA Member: £143.00 inc VAT PER MODULE
Non Member: £217.00 inc VAT PER MODULE

b) MLA Exam WITHOUT Coaching Prices

Those who feel more confident can take the exam WITHOUT any coaching before the exam:

MLA Member: £109.00 inc VAT PER MODULE
Non Member: £154.00 inc VAT PER MODULE

c) MLA Exam Preparation Day

Our 1 day preparation day will teach you what is expected in the exam, how marking works, good & bad examples, common mistakes made + a full explanation of each element of the exam.

MLA Member: £234 inc VAT
Non Member: £284 inc VAT

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6. Can I take one Module at a time?

Yes, you can sit one module at a time, or all the modules at once, it is completely up to you how many modules you want to sit in one go.

7. Is the MLA Exam a lifetime Award?

Yes once taken and passed you DO NOT have to take the exam ever again.

“I’ve got to say that the weekend was run very professionally with excellent guidance throughout and nerve steadying advice too.”
– Roberto Giorgio (William Channon)

8. How many years experience do you recommend before taking the exam?

In terms of experience, we recommend at least 2 experience as a locksmith before attempting to take the MLA exam.

9. Is the MLA Exam easy to pass?

Again this dependants on how much experience as a locksmith you have, and also if you are a quick learner.

One of the stumbling blocks our exam tutors come across is lack of product knowledge in regard to the written exam.

PRO TIP: We recommend reading various product brochures from manufacturers and wholesalers.

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10. Do I Become a Qualified Master Locksmith after Passing the Exam?

Yes, absolutely you do. This allows you then work towards becoming MLA Approved with full use of the MLA logo and listing your locksmith company on our website.

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Locksmith Training Courses

Courses we currently offer include:

Training Course Dates

30 Jan 2024

MLA Exam Preparation Day

30/01/2024

Member Price: £234 | Non-Member Price: £288

Master Locksmiths Association, 1 Prospect Park, Valley Drive, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 1TF