Home > Courses > MLA Qualification > MLA Qualification (Level 4) No Coaching | 4 Modules

MLA Qualification (Level 4) No Coaching | 4 Modules

Date: 16/09/2025

Cost: Member Price: £115 Inc VAT Per Module | Non-Member Price: £160 Inc VAT Per Module

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

Why Take the MLA Qualification?

Pass the MLA Qualification and receive a nationally recognised qualification – an Official OFQUAL Level 4 Certificate in Locksmithing and become a Qualified Master Locksmith Member (QML).

All MLA registered members are required to pass the MLA Qualification within 4 years of membership. It is recommended for new members to take 1 qualification module per 12 months of membership.

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

Become MLA Approved – further progression enables members to become a full MLA Approved Locksmith with approved company membership.

The MLA Modular Qualification 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

MLA Qualification WITHOUT Coaching

MLA Member: £115.00 inc vat PER MODULE
Non Member: £160.00 inc vat PER MODULE

Students can take ONE MODULE AT A TIME.

MLA Qualification FAQ’s

Questions Answered here

The qualification 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.

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

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Training Course Dates

2-6 Dec 2024