Home > Courses > MLA Qualification > MLA Qualification | 4 Modules

MLA Qualification | 4 Modules

Date: 01/07/2025 to 02/07/2025

Cost: Member Price: £154.50 Inc VAT Per Module | Non-Member Price: £236.90 Inc VAT Per Module

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

Our tutors will provide guidance before each subject to help you understand what’s required to pass. The modules are spread over two days, with two modules scheduled on each day.

If you fail a module, you may have the opportunity to re-sit it on the same day, depending on time and at the tutors discretion. This option is not available with the FAST TRACK Qualification.

Day 1 = 2 Modules
Day 2 = 2 Modules

MLA Qualification | 4 Modules Prices

FULL Qualification Price (All 4 modules)
Member Price: £618.00 | Non-Member Price: £947.60

Price Per Module
Member Price: £154.50 | Non-Member Price: £236.90

Students can take ONE MODULE AT A TIME.

Why Take the MLA Qualification?

Pass the MLA Qualification & become a Qualified Master Locksmith Member (QML).

Further progression enables members to become a full MLA Approved Locksmith with approved company membership.

Have a question? See our MLA Qualification which is full of answers to popular questions we get asked.

The MLA Modular Qualification consists of 4 modules:

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

MLA Qualification FAQ’s

Questions Answered here

The exan will consist of 4 elements:-

1. WRITTEN PAPER

TIME ALLOWED: ONE HOUR

The written paper will comprise of 50 questions in a combination of short answer and essay style. (Some questions may require a sketch).

The questions will be a broad spectrum of locksmithing, including safes, access control and lever and pin tumbler mechanisms.

This paper only may be taken at a regional meeting, at the discretion of the qualification board and by prior arrangement with Headquarters.

PRACTICAL TESTS

2. OPEN A BS 5 LEVER MORTICE LOCK AT A WORKSTATION

TIME ALLOWED: ¾ HOUR

The above lock will be one in common use and can be opened by drilling or manipulation.

If opened by drilling, then a 7-8mm hole is allowed and you’ll need to identify the lock as well in order to pass.

If you drill a 6mm hole then you can pass without having to identify the lock.

Marks will be awarded for correct identification together with the level of skill demonstrated.

3. FIT A EURO MORTICE DEADLOCK TO A DOOR

TIME ALLOWED: 1.75 HOUR

You will be required to fit a Euro Cylinder Operated Deadlock with Security Escutcheons and Box Striker to a door.

This is a test of your carpentry skills and lock-fitting jigs will not be allowed.

Please be aware striker plate must be fully fitted in order to pass.

Marks will be awarded according to the level of skill demonstrated.

N.B. The relevant Personal Protective Equipment must be worn.

4. CUT A STEPPED (LEVER) KEY

KEY TIME ALLOWED: ONE HOUR

This is a test of bench skills i.e. using hand tools, not machines.

Key and lever reading type gauges (e.g depth keys or step gauges) are not allowed although vernier calipers can be used.
You will be required to make a key to a detainer lock on the bench.
Basic facilities are available, such as vices and blanks but you are to provide the hand tools required to complete the task.
Your key must be of sufficient standard to operate the lock using your usual method of finishing.
The lock must work with the original key on completion.
Your step cuts and spacing must be a faithful reproduction of the manufacturers’ original with particular regard to stepped heights, spacing, finish and radius.

Questions About MLA Qualification

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.

Is the MLA Qualification for a lifetime Award?

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

ENQUIRE or BOOK

Contact Us

Book Online

Download Pack

For more dates see our course date calendar, or for a list of every course run see our training course page.

View All Training Courses

Training Course Dates

29-30 Apr 2025