The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA®) is the only organization accredited by the America National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain performance standards for locks, closers, exit devices and other builders hardware. BHMA® currently has more than 40 ANSI/BHMA  standards. The widely known ANSI/BHMA A156 series of standards describes and establishes features and criteria for an array of builders hardware products including locks, closers, exit devices, butts, hinges, power-operated doors and access control products.

As the leader in builders hardware, BHMA® recognizes that the requirements for residential products differ enough from those of commercial products to have separate standards. As a result, BHMA® has developed two residential standards: one for deadbolts and another for locksets. These standards require that consumers be made aware of the three key areas in which these products have been tested-security, durability and finish. This program has a separate, consumer education site: securehome.org.