Although legally to become a Locksmith no qualifications are required, to gain the skills and knowledge required we recommend taking an accredited course or qualification, so you feel confident when you take the plunge and start your new Locksmithing business.
Are Locksmiths Regulated UK?
Simply put, no. Currently, locksmiths are not regulated by the Government in the UK, therefore it’s important to prove your trustworthiness to your customers with a DBS check, a certified qualification or accreditation and a professional and reliable business.
As Locksmithing is unregulated, it means that anybody can become a Locksmith regardless of their skills, knowledge, background, or motive.
Whilst the Locksmith industry is not currently regulated, we continue to push for regulations and regular inspections. This is to hold those accountable and create a safer environment for Locksmithing work and reduce the number of scams taking place.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Locksmith in the UK?
It depends on the course that you take. Typically, most courses can last between one to two weeks to complete, and some have coursework to complete at home in the months after. Once you’ve gained your Locksmith qualification it may take time to build your experience and knowledge to become a fully confident and qualified Locksmith.
If you’re a newcomer to the Locksmith industry, we would recommend taking a minimum of a 5-day course. Any less than this and you risk not having the best training and knowledge to start your Locksmithing business. A 5 or more-day course also gives you time to build your confidence with the support of the trainer.
How Much Does It Cost To Become a Locksmith UK?
The price can vary depending on what course you complete.
To become a Locksmith, you’ll also need to look at getting a van for all your Locksmithing equipment and stock which will be between £2,000 to £30,000+ depending on if you purchase it second-hand or brand new. A third cost to becoming a Locksmith is the purchasing of your tools and stock so you’re ready for any jobs that may pop up, this can range from £2,000-£3,000 for a basic selection.
Lastly, the next cost to consider when starting a Locksmith business is the marketing of the business. This could be newspapers, online or offline directories, social media, websites and any other advertising you may want to consider. Some marketing can be free, but others have a cost depending on what you wanted to do.

Join One of Our Courses Today to Become a Qualified Locksmith
Become a qualified locksmith today by joining one of our courses and gain the knowledge and skills required to deal with most jobs that may come across working in the Locksmithing industry.
Have a look at the information below about our 8-day Locksmith Qualification and our 5-day NCFE Locksmith Accreditation courses or find out whether you want an accreditation or qualification.
Highfield Level 3 Diploma for Commercial Locksmiths and Property Security
Our Locksmith Qualification consists of an initial 8 days of training in our purpose-built training centre, followed by 3-6 months of distanced learning. This course is currently the highest level of training you can receive in the industry and consists of 14 detailed and in-depth units to teach you all the knowledge needed to become a Locksmith.
5-Day NCFE Locksmith Accreditation
The 5-Day Locksmith Accreditation is designed to give you the skill set to become a Locksmith. This course is a Level 4 accreditation and is the highest accreditation you can gain in the industry.
