Join the ALA
Apply to become a member of the ALA.
Application Details for ALA Membership▾
Here is an outline of membership requirements for The Auto Locksmiths Association (ALA).
Requirements
- An in-date CRB check (motoring offences do not count)
- Minimum 2 years trading as an Auto Locksmith
- 2 trade references
- 2 colour photos of your van and/or premises
- 6 auto-related invoices from a 2-week period (details may be confirmed with customers)
- Pass a practical examination at one of our two annual meetings
What happens next
Your completed application is checked by the committee. Once approved, you will be invited to take the practical examination, which consists of two separate practical tasks and a written component.
Fees
- If you pass in April, a balance of £300.00 becomes due immediately.
- If you pass in October, £150.00 becomes due immediately and your membership runs until the following April.
- If you fail, you may be invited to retake the exam at the next meeting (a further fee will apply).
- Annual membership is £300.00 per year.
Membership benefits
- Free listing on our established website with your own page
- Real-time support when you are stuck
- Early access to products before general release
- Discounts on Auto Locksmith consumables via ALA Affiliates
- National insurance company contract work not available outside the Association
- Two annual meetings with training on new and old vehicles
- Hands-on practice and training on LIVE vehicles
- Automatic affiliation with the MLA (Master Locksmith Association)
- Discounts on commercial vehicle sales via national deals
ALA weekend meetings
- Two weekends each year: April and September/October.
- Members pay for their own rooms (Friday and Saturday night).
- The £40.00 day delegate fee is included in your annual membership.
- Lunch, evening meals and refreshments are provided free. If you book a room at the ALA venue, breakfast is included.
- Attend both weekends to get the full £160.00 worth of benefits.
Invited visitors
A non-member may be invited to a weekend meeting by the committee or a sponsoring paid-up ALA member. A visitors form must be completed, signed by the sponsor, and emailed to the committee for approval before the meeting dates. The committee will confirm acceptance by email and can refuse any visitor without giving a reason.
A visitor may only attend one meeting as a visitor, but may attend a further meeting if taking the practical exam. If you need a visitors form, please contact us.