To apply to become a member of ICL:

  1. Download, print and complete this application form by post
  2. Post the application together with a copy of your basic disclosure certificate (forms for this are obtainable at any police station), two passport photos and a subscription charge of £50, which is also the annual charge. The ICL is a non-profit making organisation, and these charges cover our administration costs only.

The completed application should be posted to:

Carol Pink
ICL Admin
36 The Glade
Clifton
NOTTINGHAM NG11 9EA

Once received, the application process takes up to 28 days to complete. You will then receive a member's ID card, and your personal login details for the members-only area of this website (this is not the same as the forum login details).

Membership category is determined via examination or assessment.

We accept direct Certified Locksmith applications only from existing BLI Full Members once they have completed the NDE exam, or shown competence by way of CPD.

To qualify for Member status you must be able to show eighteen months trading history or be assessed to have the equivalent skills.

All other applications should be in the Student Member category.

References must be either supplier or employer trade references, or your trainer's or commercial customer's references.

The ratification of applications to all categories of membership shall be by voting by the Committee. The Institute, through the Committee, reserves the right to decline membership without explanation. A rejected potential member cannot re-apply for 12 months.

Every member shall inform the Institute of a change of address.

Former members may apply to re-join the Institute within two years of leaving providing that:

  • They have not been expelled
  • They can prove they have maintained their NDE skills
  • They complete the appropriate application form and provide two references.

Any member, having been suspended or expelled for non-payment of dues, may re-apply for membership upon payment of the current year's subscription and the re-joining fee (equal to one year's subscription).

Examinations

Examinations may be of a practical, written, oral nature, by evidence of certified Continuing Professional Development, or of any combination, as the Committee may decide from time to time and may relate to general locksmithing or specialist subjects relevant to the candidate.

The forum

Whilst waiting to join the ICL, feel free to join the ICL forum, where all trading locksmiths are welcome in the non-members area. Once your membership is live the members forum areas will also be opened up to you. Remember when joining the forum you must register your username as your full true name, e.g. John Smith, and fill in your profile fully.