The Institute has three main categories of membership:
Student Member
Applicants who successfully pass the vetting procedures are eligible for Student Membership.
Student Members will not be listed in the find-a-locksmith pages and cannot display any ICL logos in any advertising media.
Member
Applicants who successfully pass the vetting procedures and who can demonstrate over 18 months trading history and who agree to the ICL guidelines and ethos may be eligible for Member status.
Members are listed in the find-a-locksmith pages while they adhere to ICL guidelines and ethos.
Certified Locksmith
ICL members who successfully pass the vetting procedures and who pass the ICL Certified Locksmith practical and theory exams are eligible for Certified Locksmith status.
Certified Locksmith status is awarded only to those locksmiths who can satisfy all the criteria required and are working commercial locksmiths.
A previously trained and trading locksmith who can demonstrate that they have been trading for a minimum of 18 months, and who is suitably skilled and equipped to work to our non-destructive entry standard can sit the Certified Locksmith exam and join directly as a Certified Locksmith subject to agreement to the ICL guidelines and ethos.
Certified Locksmiths are listed in the find-a-locksmith pages while they adhere to ICL guidelines and ethos.
ICL Examinations
The ICL has an examination process to allow Student members to progress to Member status. The exam is a two-part exam. The first part is a written exam based on a selection of questions. The questions will be a mix of picture questions, short answers, true or false and multi-choice. The second part of the exam is a practical exam based on a selection of practical techniques including lock fitting and non destructive opening of cylinders and mortice locks etc. Both parts of the exam must be passed to progress but the parts can be taken at different times.
Other membership categories
Honorary member
Awarded by the Committee to individuals who have given outstanding service to the locksmithing industry either to ICL or to the Master Locksmiths association. Recommendations for Honorary membership of the ICL shall be made to the committee, who willdebate and decide. This title may be withdrawn at any time.
Retired member
Any Full Member in good standing who has retired from full time locksmithing by reason of age or ill health.
Approved suppliers
Any company that works with or for the good of the industry and for ICL in particular may be awarded this title. Use of the ICL logo will be approved and a small fee levied.
Some membership benefits
- All categories of Membership receive full forum access and ICL discount benefits.
- All categories of members receive discounts from our growing list of suppliers, including SKS, Aldridge, Greenfox, SafeVentures etc.
- Trading Certified Locksmiths and ICL Members receive listings on the find-a-locksmith pages.
- There is a range of branded merchandise available to members.