20 July 2023
There are lots of locksmiths out there, and there are lots of people out there who call themselves locksmiths. So how do you know a good one from a bad one. How do you know if they are really a locksmith? More importantly, how do you know if they are a Master Locksmith? Start by asking some questions.
Are they qualified?
Master Locksmiths need to hold a Cert III in Locksmithing (Australia) or Cert IV in Locksmithing (New Zealand). It can only be completed as part of a 4-year apprenticeship at one of four TAFEs in Australia or Competenz in New Zealand. And it can only be done under the supervision of a fully qualified locksmith, one who holds a Cert III or Cert IV qualification.
Are they licenced and police-checked?
Master Locksmiths need to be licenced. Not only does the business need to be licenced, but the tradesperson also needs to be licenced. Where locksmiths don’t need to be licenced, and this is unusual, Master Locksmiths need to be police-checked.
Are they insured?
Master Locksmiths need to be fully insured. In Australia, they need $20million in public & product liability insurance, and in New Zealand where the insurance requirements are different, they must have at least $5million in public & products liability insurance. In the highly unlikely situation where something goes wrong, you have the peace of mind you’re your Master Locksmith has insurance to cover it. $20million (Aus) and $5million (NZ) is considered by insurance experts an appropriate amount of cover for a skilled locksmith to hold.
Do they have the skills to do the job you need done?
Master Locksmiths have a broad range of skills. These are obtained as part of their qualification and through the various professional development courses they undertake on a regular basis. All Master Locksmiths can install and repair locks, rekey locks, open a safe, gain entry to your property when you have lost your keys, and more. Many Master Locksmiths can also install cameras, alarm systems and electronic access control systems. Many can also undertake specialist automotive locksmithing work.
The Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Ltd (MLAA) represents the very best of the locksmith industry. To become an MLAA member, locksmith businesses must employ fully trade-qualified locksmiths, be vetted by their industry peers, meet strict requirements for insurance and licences, and adhere to a Code of Ethics. Locksmiths working for an MLAA business must be qualified and licenced, and they must adhere to the same Code of Ethics.
‘Locksmith’ is not a protected title in Australia or New Zealand, and un-trained, un-qualified individuals calling themselves locksmiths operate in both countries. Master Locksmiths stand above this; they are the most reliable, most qualified, most trustworthy options for locksmithing and security work in Australia and New Zealand.
Only MLAA Business Members are able to identify and promote themselves as Master Locksmiths to customers and the general public using the MLAA triangular Trust Badge that includes the words PROFESSIONAL GUARANTEE.
So when you need a locksmith, you really need a Master Locksmith. Don’t settle for anything less.