All  You  Need  to  Know  About  Professional  Locksmith  Certifications  

 

How  to  Find  a  Certified  Professional  Locksmith  –  Brentwood  

 

According  to  the  US-­‐based  Occupational  Information  Network,  the  demand  for  locksmiths  will  rise  by  7  to  13  percent  from  2009  through  2019.  Although  certifications  are  not  required  to  practice  in  the  field,  professional  locksmiths  often  have  the  option  to  take  up  voluntary  certification  through  the  Master  Locksmiths  Association.  Having  professional  locksmith  certification  can  double  the  employment  opportunities  and  earning  potential  of  a  locksmith.  

 

Examinations  

Most  types  of  certifications  and  memberships  offered  through  the  Master  Locksmiths  Association,  or  MLA,  require  locksmiths  to  pass  the  BLI  Examination  –  a  rigorous  test  of  both  locksmithing  knowledge  and  practical  skill.  People  new  to  the  industry  may  also  take  up  a  General  Locksmithing  Course,  which  covers    Basic  Locksmith  Tools,  Basic  of  Master  Keying,  Blank  Identification  &  the  basic  of  key  cutting  to  Pattern,  Brief  History  of  safes  &  locks,  Door  &  Frame  Construction,  Health  &  Safety,  and  many  more  topics  needed  by  prospective  locksmiths  to  persevere  in  the  trade.  Test  items  are  based  on  these  basic  skills  which  can  be  both  given  in  writing  and  in  hands-­‐on  demonstration.  

 

The  Master  Locksmiths  Association  features  three  primary  levels  of  locksmith  membership,  from  Student  Member  to  Advanced  Student  Member  of  the  BLI  and  then  to  become  Members  of  the  Master  Locksmiths  Association.  Student  memberships  are  for  persons  sixteen  and  over  who  are  studying  for  the  MLA’s  Entry  Examination.  Advanced  Student  Category  is  for  those  who  have  served  at  least  twelve  months  in  the  locksmith  trade  and  intend  to  study  for  the  British  

Locksmiths  Institute  Examination.  A  person  can  only  hold  an  Advance  Student  Status  for  four  full  calendar  years,  during  which  time  that  person  must  pass  the  BLI  examination.  Successful  takers  of  the  BLI  examination  are  awarded  personal  memberships  to  the  MLA.  Personal  members  of  the  MLA  have  the  option  to  pursue  the  Association’s  highest  level  -­‐  Fellow  of  the  British  Locksmiths  Institute.  

 

Training  

The  Master  Locksmiths  Association  offers  training  courses  that  can  help  locksmiths  get  ready  for  certification.  Classroom-­‐based  courses  are  offered  at  different  locations  for  prospective  locksmiths  and  professionals  alike.  Classes  are  often  given  at  association-­‐affiliated  facilities,  as  well  as  privately  owned  locations  throughout  London.  Additionally,  online  courses  can  be  taken  up  by  any  professional  locksmith.  Locksmith  Brentwood  has  online  courses  given  through  the  MLA,  which  offers  instructional  manuals  and  videos  from  the  group.  

 

Things  to  Consider  

Since  one  of  the  most  important  principles  of  the  MLA  is  to  maintain  and  ensure  skill  and  integrity  within  the  trade,  it  has  reinforced  its  commitment  to  members  by  launching  a  Continuing  Professional  Development  (CPD)  program.  Locksmiths  must  recertify  or  renew  their  sector  memberships  over  a  rolling  three  year  period  through  gaining  18  points  –  which  can  be  obtained  uniformly  over  three  years  or  accumulated  at  alternating  rates  as  needed  for  the  professional  locksmith.  Brentwood  is  a  frequent  venue  for  activities  including  national  and  regional  training  courses,  distance  learning,  exhibitions  and  manufacturer  seminars,  needed  for  gaining  points.  Necessary  fees  must  be  paid  by  the  locksmith.  Locksmith  Hornchurch  and  the  rest  of  London  may  have  varying  fees  depending  on  the  type  of  additional  certification  pursued  in  the  field  from  the  MLA.  To  gain  additional  credentials,  a  written  examination  must  also  be  passed  by  a  locksmith.  Brentwood,  for  instance,  have  locksmiths  that  have  taken  up  courses,  such  as  on  Health  &  Safety,  Marketing,  and  Website  effectiveness.