UK's Largest Trade Association For Locksmiths

MLA Exam – Become a Master Locksmith (Level 4 Qualification)

MLA Exam - Become a Qualified Master Locksmith QML Qualification

Level 4 OFQUAL Qualification in Locksmithing

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 requlated 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.

Request FREE Exam Pack

    3. Advantages of taking the MLA Exam

    a) Official OFQUAL Level 4 Certificate In Locksmithing Qualification

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

    OFQUAL Regulated Locksmith Qualification

    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.

    Information on passing the exam download 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

    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:

    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: £150.00 inc VAT PER MODULE
    Non Member: £230.00 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: £115.00 inc VAT PER MODULE
    Non Member: £160.00 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: £245 inc VAT
    Non Member: £305 inc VAT

    View Exam Dates

    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.

    Contact Us for Help

    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.

    Training Course Dates

    Member Price: £115 Per Module
     | Non-Member Price: £160 Per Module

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

     to 

    Member Price: £150 Per Module
     | Non-Member Price: £230 Per Module

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

    Member Price: £245
     | Non-Member Price: £305

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

    Member Price: £115 Per Module
     | Non-Member Price: £160 Per Module

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

     to 

    Member Price: £150 Per Module
     | Non-Member Price: £230 Per Module

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

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

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

    Member Price: £365
     | Non-Member Price: £395

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

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

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

     to 

    Member Price: £620
     | Non-Member Price: £685

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

    22-26 Apr 2024

    5 Day Beginners Course

     to 

    Member Price: £1605
     | Non-Member Price: £1760

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

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

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

    Member Price: £365
     | Non-Member Price: £395

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

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

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

     to 

    Member Price: £1605
     | Non-Member Price: £1760

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

     to 

    Member Price: £620
     | Non-Member Price: £685

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

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

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

    Member Price: £365
     | Non-Member Price: £395

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

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

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

    15-19 Jul 2024

    5 Day Beginners Course

     to 

    Member Price: £1605
     | Non-Member Price: £1760

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

     to 

    Member Price: £620
     | Non-Member Price: £685

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

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

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

    Member Price: £365
     | Non-Member Price: £395

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

    Member Price: £310
     | Non-Member Price: £340

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

    Member Price: £305
     | Non-Member Price: £330

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

     to 

    Member Price: £620
     | Non-Member Price: £685

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

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £350

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

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

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

    10 May 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

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

    Member Price: £260
     | Non-Member Price: £310

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

    6 Jul 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

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

    23 Jul 2024

    Level 2 Opening

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

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

    23-27 Jul 2024

    5 Day Advanced Course

     to 

    Member Price: £1326.85
     | Non-Member Price: £1760.40

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

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

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

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

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

    Member Price: £265
     | Non-Member Price: £310

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

    Member Price: £399
     | Non-Member Price: £449

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

    14 Sep 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

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

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

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

    Member Price: £210
     | Non-Member Price: £240

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

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

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

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £350

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

    Member Price: £299
     | Non-Member Price: £399

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

    Member Price: £399
     | Non-Member Price: £449

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

    23 Nov 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

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

    10 May 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

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

    6 Jul 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

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

    Member Price: £305
     | Non-Member Price: £330

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

    14 Sep 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

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

    Member Price: £305
     | Non-Member Price: £330

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

    23 Nov 2024

    Van Lock Fitting

    Member Price: £450
     | Non-Member Price: £520

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

    Member Price: £265
     | Non-Member Price: £310

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

    Member Price: £115 Per Module
     | Non-Member Price: £160 Per Module

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

     to 

    Member Price: £150 Per Module
     | Non-Member Price: £230 Per Module

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

    Member Price: £245
     | Non-Member Price: £305

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

    Member Price: £115 Per Module
     | Non-Member Price: £160 Per Module

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

     to 

    Member Price: £150 Per Module
     | Non-Member Price: £230 Per Module

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

    Return to Training Courses

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