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Best practice guides
Clear, practical guidance for compliant products, installation and maintenance.
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Locks & building hardwareDoorsetsIndustrial doors & shuttersDomestic garage doorsAutomated gates & barriersTraining academy
ABBEApproved Assessment Centre
Level 2 certificate · Available to book
Core competencies for building hardware.
Build essential knowledge through six compulsory core modules and a choice of 12 specialist product modules in this Ofqual-regulated qualification.
✓ Industry-led standards✓ Accredited training✓ Approved members
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Find expertise you can trust
Industry leadership since 1897
Competence is not a claim.
It is a standard.
DHF is the UK trade association for companies associated with locks and building hardware, doorsets, industrial doors and shutters, domestic garage doors, and automated gates.
Our role and impactEstablished 1897Over 125 years of leadership
600+ membersA strong industry community
Centre of excellenceStandards and best practice
Technical expertisePractical specialist support
Leaders in trainingAccredited development
Our product areas
Expertise across every entrance.
Practical guidance, technical standards and representation for five specialist sectors.
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Locks & building hardware
Specification, certification and technical guidance
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Doorsets
Metal, timber, fire, security and acoustic doorsets
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Industrial doors & shutters
Safe products, installation and maintenance
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Domestic garage doors
Standards for manufacture, installation and repair
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Automated gates & barriers
Competence and safety across the full lifecycle
DHF training
Build knowledge.
Prove competence.
Industry-led learning, recognised qualifications and practical courses created by the people who set the standard.
- Building hardware
- Industrial & garage doors
- Automated gates & barriers
- Fire door safety
Knowledge & guidance
Resources built for better decisions.
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Fire & life safety
Essential information on fire doors, escape routes and ongoing responsibilities.
Explore safety03
Standards & conformity
Stay informed on regulation, conformity marking and technical specifications.
View standardsLatest from DHF
Insights.
New smart-scannable CSCS cards strengthen competence checks
DHF launches a new generation of cards for professionals working across the door, gate and loading-bay industries.
Read the insightDHF launches accredited Building Hardware programme
A new learning pathway designed to strengthen core knowledge and raise competence across the sector.
Read moreBuilding safety: why ongoing competence matters
Practical guidance for manufacturers, installers, specifiers and those responsible for maintenance.
Read moreSafer automated gates through better specification
What clients and specifiers should consider across design, installation, testing and servicing.
Read moreStronger together
Set the standard
with DHF.
Join a respected community shaping safer products, better practice and a stronger industry.
Influence & representation
Help shape policy, standards and the future of the industry.
Expert support
Access technical advice and specialist member guidance.
Industry recognition
Demonstrate your commitment to quality and competence.
Training & development
Build skills through exclusive learning and qualifications.