What qualifications do I need to be a locksmith?

There’s lots of talk about locksmith qualifications and what certain training companies can offer and why you should choose them over others etc.

On this page, we will cover is there such a thing as a qualification in locksmithing after completing a training course and can you become fully qualified after attending a 3-day course.

We are the UK’s largest locksmith association so hopefully, our advice should be able to help.

What qualifications do I need to be a locksmith?

There are no qualification requirements needed to become a locksmith.

The only requirement we ask for to attend our training courses is for a Basic Security Check due to the nature of work involved in locksmithing.

Our advice is to read our guide to becoming a locksmith, which covers in-depth everything you need to know.

Are there qualifications in Locksmithing?

Well, the truth is that currently there are no nationally recognised qualifications in locksmithing.

There used to be a level 2 qualification that formed part of the locksmith apprenticeship, however, with the governments change to the trailblazer apprenticeship framework that apprenticeship ceased.

We are currently evaluating the opportunity to create a trailblazer apprenticeship scheme for locksmithing.

Company claims I will get a qualification in locksmithing

Yes, there will be claims about City & Guilds this, level 4 that.

BUT.

They are all tailored awards, not qualifications – basically, a training centre will pay to get something accredited.

How do we know about tailored awards?

We once ran a City & Guilds level 3 tailored award for locksmithing, but unfortunately, these awards seem to be all about numbers and unless you’re putting loads of people through (and therefore paying good money) then a lot are not that interested in continuing them.

Locksmithing is not a get rich quick scheme

With a number of companies saying their short training course will make you a fully qualified locksmith that can earn £60-100k per year.

It takes years to learn the knowledge required and even then you never stop learning.

Locksmithing is a long-term career and should be promoted as such.

A 3-day course can make you “fully qualified”- really?

With an apprenticeship taking at least 12 months then surely it’s curious that these short courses can make you “fully qualified”.

For questions about training please read our FAQs page below, where we answer over 20 questions:

What next – Questions to Ask Yourself

As those in the trade know, and we say elsewhere on this site, there’s a lot more to running a locksmith company than going on a short course!

• Where are you going to be based?
• How many locksmiths are there already in that area?
• What type of locksmith work is required? ( i.e domestic/commercial, areas of specialism ( auto, safes, access control, emergency etc… )
• What investment is required?
• What about the business skills – do you have them or the budget to buy them in?

Who to get your training from is something that needs to be thought about when considering becoming a locksmith.

Choosing a Locksmith training provider

Once you’ve done your research and have decided that locksmithing is a viable career path, careful consideration needs to go into choosing where you get your training from, as there is a lot of good quality training out there, but unfortunately a lot of poor quality training too.

1. Choice: Choose a training provider wisely, don’t just go for the one nearest to you.
2. Price: Don’t just go for the cheapest.
3. Discounts: Be wary of any courses offering huge discounts, there will be discounts for a reason! Most likely lack of interest! Value is what’s important!
4. Research: what is included in the price of the course. For example – accommodation, food & drinks.
5. Tools: Being provided with locksmithing equipment/tools may not be as beneficial as first thought. For example, tools will depend on the kind of locks you encounter, which in turn is determined in a lot of instances by geographical location. You may, therefore, end up with tools that you never use.
6. Hype: Don’t believe everything you hear (yes, including from us – we may well be biased!)
7. Testimonials: Get testimonials, visit the company, ask questions and find out what is going to work best for you.

If you are interested in taking a training course, we run a number of beginners locksmith courses here at MLA HQ.

Summary

There are no qualifications required to become a locksmith.

If you are taking a training course, be aware there is no nationally recognised qualification in locksmithing, despite what some may say.

Any mention of “Level 3/Level 4” or “City and Guilds / any other awarding body” in locksmithing means a tailored award rather than a nationally recognised qualification.

If you now want to take the next step to start a career a locksmith we’d recommend reading our pages below, we cover everything you need to know.

Further Reading

• How to become a locksmith – Full in-depth guide
• Locksmith Career Guide – 10 Quick Tips to start a career as a locksmith