Are There Any Regulations to Become a Locksmith?

The short answer is, no, there are no regulations or qualifications you need to trade as a locksmith. However, if you wish to make a successful living as a locksmith, its advisable that you have some sort of training.

Are There Any Locksmith Qualifications/ Regulations?

You do not need any formal qualification to trade as a professional locksmith.

While you don’t technically need to have them, yes there is a Locksmith qualification you can earn.

If you are looking to work with an established locksmith company, such as Keytek Locksmiths, you may be asked to have some sort of accreditation or proof of relevant experience. It is extremely likely that you will need to provide a clean DBS and driving licence, due to the nature of the work.

What Qualifications Can I Get in Locksmithing?

There is currently only one nationally recognised locksmithing qualification; Highfield Level 3 Diploma for Commercial Locksmiths and Property Security.

Only a select few centres, such as the Keytek® Locksmith Training Academy, offer the Locksmith Qualification, often the most common course you will see is an accreditation.

If you are interested at undertaking a locksmith training course, we have lots more information on our locksmith courses page

What Is the Difference Between an Accreditation and a Qualification?

Accreditation

An accreditation is something you can earn via a training course. An accreditation in locksmithing, shows people that you have been taught by professionals and have proven locksmithing skills. Once you complete an accreditation course you will gain a certificate that proves you’ve had training. This is often essential if you are looking to subcontract for a locksmithing company.

Qualification

A qualification is a diploma that is recognised nationally, governed by an official body (Ofqual). By having this qualification you have proven that you have been trained to the highest standard available within the locksmithing industry. It also means that you have future proofed your career, as its possible the locksmith industry may become regulated in the future.

If you’re wondering if you should undertake a qualification or an accreditation? We’ve got lots more information on our courses page.

Should Locksmiths Be Regulated?

Most other industries do have some form of regulation especially when it comes to public safety, door security staff and taxi drivers, for example are licenced and regulated. Due to the nature of locksmith work, it would make sense to have some regulation for the industry. Currently, anyone can pick up a tool kit and claim to be a locksmith. Customers want to know that they person they are hiring to secure their homes are trustworthy and reliable and most Locksmiths do this by providing proof of a DBS check and training.

By joining a national locksmith association or undertaking courses that give you proof of training, means that customers should be more confident when booking.

No Fixed Pricing Structure

As there are no regulations within the industry, so there is no fixed pricing structure for locksmiths to refer to. This means that customers are often blindsided when they are told the price. If there were some regulations that customers could refer to, they could be put at ease that they are not being overcharged. Once again, rogue traders with little experience tend to over charge for a bad job. Due to customers having no frame of reference for a correct price, they often have no choice but to pay the extortionate fees.

No Support for Locksmiths

While the industry is unregulated, there is a lack of support network for trading locksmiths. If a customer disputes a payment, or you are mistreated on site, there is no one, officially, there to help you. If you join an association or subcontract from a national company, then you will have that safety net in place. However, if you trade as a private locksmith, you mostly on your own.

What is a Key Holding Service?

A key holding service is different to a locksmith service and does need a licence. A key holding service is normally provided by a private security company, who hold a spare set of keys for a commercial building. They are tasked with responding to security issues and breeches regardless of day or time. This works for business as their own members of staff are not tasked with the responsibility of responding. This is different to a locksmithing service who fit and replace locks when needed.

Should I Get a Qualification or Accreditation?

Like we have previously stated, the locksmith industry is unregulated and you don’t need any formal qualification to trade. However, its best to know what you are doing. Taking part in a training course or an apprenticeship, will give you the skills and experience you need to be a successful locksmith. If you feel you want some support or to be part of a community, then it’s worth looking into joining an association. You can also subcontract with a national company such as Keytek, who have technical support 24/7.