Michigan Locksmith Requirements
Locksmithing is an old and noble trade. Locksmiths are the masters of the lock-and-key, fixing bolts and safes and making keys with expert precision. In Michigan, although locksmithing is not a licensed trade, many professional locksmiths benefit from special training to set themselves apart from their competition.
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State Requirements
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Michigan does not license or certify locksmiths. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a state business-development agency, the only license a locksmith needs is a sales-tax license if he sells merchandise.
Certifications
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The two primary trade organizations for locksmiths, the Associated Locksmiths of America and the Safe and Vault Technicians Association, maintain a tiered certification program. Although optional for locksmiths, those programs convey professionalism to potential customers and require considerable vocational education to earn. Both organizations offer beginner-, intermediate-, and master-level certifications.
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Skills
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Locksmiths are involved in all aspects of lock design and repair. From large bank vaults to back-door deadbolts, a trained locksmith can install, remove, repair, or modify any lock or locking device. That includes cutting new keys and resetting combinations. A skilled locksmith can also crack safes, with the permission of the safe owner or at the request of law-enforcement officials.
In addition, today's locksmiths often branch into electronic locks and security systems.
Bonding
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Although Michigan does not require them to be licensed, many locksmiths post surety bonds to demonstrate the integrity of their businesses. Because a bonding agency will not post a bond for a person of disreputable character, obtaining a bond is a sign that a locksmith wants to give his or her customers confidence that the locksmith is of good moral character. Michigan does not require locksmiths to be bonded.
Trade Organizations
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The Associated Locksmiths of America is the primary trade organization for professional locksmiths. Although membership is not obligatory, maintaining membership in a trade organization will provide locksmiths with the latest industry news and most up-to-date continuing-education opportunities.
Many locksmiths also maintain membership in the Safe and Vault Technicians Association.
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References
- Photo Credit aprilzosia: flickr.com
