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Why use an MLA Approved Locksmith?

How We Licence Our Locksmiths

By choosing an MLA approved locksmith, you can have peace of mind knowing that they have undergone rigorous vetting and are qualified professionals

Licenced MLA Approved Locksmiths are

1. VETTED – Criminal Record Checked

The only way for locksmiths to get standard Criminal Record checks (DBS) is through MLA membership.
MLA approved locksmiths undergo strict vetting (including criminal record checks)
All locksmith employees of the approved locksmith companies must have had a satisfactory standard DBS check.

This is following a change to the law on the vetting of locksmiths implemented thanks to a campaign by the MLA.

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2. INSPECTED – Regularly inspected

We conduct regular inspections of our Approved Locksmith Companies.
Regular inspections of MLA locksmiths ensure high standards, quality workmanship and customer satisfaction
During these inspections, Approved Locksmiths may be evaluated on various factors such as
a) their compliance with industry regulations and best practices
b) the qualifications and training of their staff
c) their use of proper tools and equipment
d) their customer service and communication skills
e) and their overall quality of workmanship.

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3. FULLY QUALIFIED – Passed the MLA Qualification

All our Approved Companies employ at least one Qualified Master Locksmith who has passed the MLA Level 4 Qualification demonstrating their skill and competence.
Locksmiths must have passed the MLA Qualification to become a QML (Qualified Master Locksmith) member
The MLA Qualification is Ofqual regulated and the highest locksmith certification in the UK

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Why the Master Locksmiths Association?

Recognised as the authoritative body for locksmithing by:

Police Forces such as Met Police / West Yorkshire Police
Recommended by Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network
Recommended by Security by Design
Home Office
British Standards Institute (BSI)
RISC Authority (formerly IPCRes, the UK property insurers’ technical group)
Building Research Establishment (BRE)

Why do we license MLA Approved Locksmiths?

There is no government licensing of locksmiths, and due to this the Master Locksmiths Association has established its own licensing scheme.

In addition to being vetted & regularly inspected, Master Locksmith Association approved companies must employ a locksmith with a recognised qualification.

Therefore we always recommend checking the credentials of a locksmith.

How to spot a rogue locksmith
How to choose a reliable locksmith

Benefits of using an MLA licensed locksmith

Standards are kept high by the employment of qualified locksmiths, strict vetting and regular inspections.
Training is also provided by the Association to ensure members are constantly up to date with the latest industry developments
Leading Trade Association for the locksmithing industry
Promotes standards of conduct, practice and materials within locksmithing
Provides peace of mind to the end customer through it’s licensing scheme, in the absence of Government based licensing

What is a Master Locksmith?

A Qualified Master Locksmith member of the MLA is a locksmith who has passed the MLA Qualification proof of competence, and when self-employed the locksmith is likely to progress to become an MLA Approved Company.

Please note: any locksmith can call themselves a ‘Master Locksmith’, not all locksmiths can claim to be Master Locksmith MLA qualified or MLA Approved though.

Become a MLA Member