A2P Certifications: Why Choose a Certified Locksmith?

When it comes to securing your home, the term A2P comes up regularly: on lock packaging in shops, in insurance policies, at the locksmith’s. But what does this label really mean? Who issues it? And why is it so important to choose a certified locksmith to fully benefit from this protection?

What is A2P certification?

A2P stands for “Assurance Prévention Protection”. It is a French certification label managed by the CNPP (Centre National de Prévention et de Protection), the reference body in France for security testing.

A2P certification guarantees that a piece of equipment — cylinder, lock, armoured door, bolt — has been tested and resists a break-in attempt with professional tools for a defined minimum duration.

The three A2P levels

Level

These durations may seem short, but in practice the vast majority of abandoned burglaries are given up within the first 5 minutes if the break-in is difficult. An A2P** cylinder is enough to discourage most opportunistic burglars.

Which equipment can be A2P certified?

A2P certification applies to several types of security product:

• ✓Cylinders: the most commonly certified part. An A2P cylinder resists picking, drilling, snapping and pulling.
• ✓Complete locks: the entire lock can be certified, including the mechanism and the cylinder.
• ✓Armoured doors: rated by BP level (Blindé Partie, from BP1 to BP4).
• ✓Bolts and strike plates: notably for cellar doors or secondary access.
• ✓Safes: which have their own classification system but rely on similar principles.

Why do insurers recognise A2P certification?

A2P certification has become the French market reference because it is:

• ✓Independent: tests are carried out by accredited laboratories, not by manufacturers themselves.
• ✓Reproducible: each certified product has passed standardised tests, allowing a reliable comparison.
• ✓Nationally recognised: all major French insurers include A2P in their cover conditions.

In practice, your insurer may:

• ✓Require a minimum A2P level for your theft cover to apply in the event of a burglary
• ✓Offer a premium discount for homes fitted with certified products
• ✓Ask for proof of compliant installation to validate a claim

The key role of the RNCP-certified locksmith

Product certification is not enough. For your equipment to be fully effective and recognised by your insurer, the installation must be carried out properly. This is where the locksmith’s RNCP certification comes in.

What is the RNCP?

The National Directory of Professional Certifications is the official registry of certifications recognised by the French state. An RNCP-certified locksmith has completed a recognised professional locksmith qualification, guaranteeing their level of competence.

Why it matters for A2P

A poorly fitted A2P cylinder loses much of its effectiveness. For example:

• ✓A cylinder that is too long can be pulled out easily
• ✓A poorly centred cylinder in the door can allow forcing by rotation
• ✓A misaligned strike plate weakens the whole mechanism

An RNCP locksmith knows how to measure precisely, choose the right length and fit the cylinder optimally. They can also provide an installation certificate that your insurer may require.

How to choose your A2P equipment in Paris?

Assess your exposure level

• ✓Upper floor, secured building: A2P* may suffice
• ✓Ground or 1st floor: A2P** recommended
• ✓House, highly exposed flat: A2P*** or a BP2+ armoured door

Choose a recognised brand

Major brands available on the Paris market with A2P-certified ranges include: Mul-T-Lock, ASSA Abloy, Fichet, Bricard, Picard, Vachette. Our technicians can advise based on your existing lock and budget.

Use a certified professional

At 247 Serrurerie, all our technicians are RNCP certified and work exclusively with A2P-certified cylinders and locks when security is the priority. We systematically provide a detailed invoice and a fitting certificate on request.

The concrete benefits of A2P equipment fitted by a pro

1. Effective security: a well-fitted A2P cylinder is exponentially harder to force
2. Insurance recognition: guaranteed cover in the event of a claim if your policy requires it
3. Peace of mind: you know exactly what level of protection you have
4. Potential premium discount: depending on your policy, equipping your home can lower your annual contribution

Our A2P interventions in Paris

247 Serrurerie offers the installation of A2P-certified cylinders and locks across Paris and Île-de-France. Our rates for an A2P cylinder:

• ✓Standard cylinder (A2P*): from €150 incl. VAT (parts + fitting)
• ✓High-security cylinder (A2P** or A2P***): from €220 incl. VAT

See our page on high-security cylinder replacement or contact us for a free quote tailored to your home.