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MLA Qualification – Become a Master Locksmith (Level 4)

MLA Qualification - Level 4 Qualification in Locksmithing Skills

ABBE Level 4 Certificate in General Locksmithing Skills

Pass the MLA Qualification to become a qualified master locksmith with an ABBE Level 4 Certificate in General Locksmithing Skills 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 the Built Environment).

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 Course Pack

3. Advantages of taking the MLA Qualification

a) ABBE Level 4 Certificate in General Locksmithing Skills Qualification

Those who pass the MLA Qualification will receive a nationally recognised qualification – an Ofqual regulated ABBE Level 4 Certificate in General Locksmithing Skills, 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. What ways are there to take the Qualification & Prices?

There are three ways to take the MLA Qualification a) Qualification with guidance from our tutors b) FAST TRACK in one day with no guidance or c) Qualification preparation day.

a) MLA Qualification | 4 Modules

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

FULL Qualification Price (All 4 modules)
Member Price: £600 | Non-Member Price: £920

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

b) MLA Qualification FAST RACK

Complete the full qualification in just one day with our FAST TRACK Qualification option.

This is perfect for individuals confident in their ability to take the qualification without prior support, as well as those requiring to re-take modules they have not passed.

FAST TRACK Price (All 4 modules)
Member Price: £460 | Non-Member Price: £640

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

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.

Preparation Day Prices
MLA Member: £245 | Non Member: £305

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

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Women in Locksmithing Foundation Course

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Training Course Dates

21 Mar 2025