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MLA Qualification – Become a Master Locksmith (Level 4)

MLA Qualification - Level 4 Qualification in Locksmithing Skills

Level 4 OFQUAL Qualification in Locksmithing

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

On this page you will find what the MLA Qualification is all about, the benefits of taking this qualification, cost and when the next qualification dates are.

New To Locksmithing?

If you are new to locksmithing or with little experience, we recommend the below courses before taking the MLA Qualification.

Locksmith Qualification Programme

5 Day Beginners Course

Advanced Locksmith Courses

1. What is the MLA Qualification?

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

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

2. Why should I take the MLA Qualification?

Upon passing the Qualification 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 Qualification 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 Pack

3. Advantages of taking the MLA Qualification

a) Official OFQUAL Level 4 Certificate In Locksmithing Qualification

Those who pass the MLA Qualification 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 Qualification – we first recommend taking our 5 day beginner locksmith course and then further advanced locksmith courses to further your knowledge.

Information on passing the qualification download MLA Qualification pack.

b) Achieve Qualified Master Locksmith Status

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

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

View Dates & Prices
Contact Us For Information

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
Other Membership Options

4. Who Should Take The MLA Qualification?

The qualification is ideal for anyone who is a working locksmith and an MLA registered member. 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.

Locksmith Qualification Programme – For Beginners

5. How Much Does the MLA Qualification Cost?

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

a) MLA Qualification With Coaching Prices:

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

MLA Member: £150.00 inc VAT PER MODULE
Non Member: £230.00 inc VAT PER MODULE

b) MLA Qualification WITHOUT Coaching Prices

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

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

c) MLA Qualification Preparation Day

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

MLA Member: £245 inc VAT
Non Member: £305 inc VAT

Qualification Preparation Day Info

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 Qualification a lifetime Award?

Yes once taken and passed you DO NOT have to take the qualification 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 qualification?

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

9. Is the MLA Qualification easy to pass?

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

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

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

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

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.

More Information

Below you can download our qualification pack, book onto our qualification or contact us for more information.

Download Qualification Pack

Book Now

Locksmith Training Courses

Courses we currently offer include:

Locksmith Training Courses – UK’s Largest Locksmith Association

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Advanced Locksmith Courses

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Auto Locksmith Training Course – Auto Lock Picking (1 Day Entry Level)

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Beginners Locksmith Courses (1, 2 & 5 days) – Book Now

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Safes & Safe Servicing Course

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Van Lock Fitting Course – 1 Day Training

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Women in Locksmithing Foundation Course

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Training Course Dates

15-16 Feb 2025