Certified Locksmith Training
Professionally trained and certified locksmiths are qualified to perform a variety of security services. Services include traditional lock and key installation, and repair services. In addition, professional locksmiths may also service and install security alarm systems for homes and businesses, including closed circuit television. To obtain certification, locksmiths must complete training requirements, and pass the required licensing and certification exams.
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Training
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Locksmith courses and training may be completed through classroom instruction, independent study or through distance learning. The Associated Locksmiths of America, one of the largest national trade associations, endorses locksmith training and education in a number of ways. The Associated Locksmiths of America sponsors more than 100 classes through local, state and national seminars and conventions.
The Associated Locksmiths of America also has a bookstore for members. The bookstore sells books and educational materials in CD and video tape formats. Members may also check out videos from the organization's library.
A list of sponsored schools throughout the country is available through the ALOA website. The school list specifies if a particular venue offers traditional classroom instruction, correspondence courses or online. The list is available through the ALOA website (See Resources).
Certification
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Certification in locksmithing demonstrates knowledge and competence. Locksmithing requires a particular set of specialized skills that are acquired through experience and training. In addition, certification binds you to professional standards of conduct common among other professional organizations. Certifications also promote continued education and skills proficiency with higher degree locksmith certifications.
The basic locksmith certification is the Registered Locksmith designation which documents your experience as a locksmith. In general, certifications with increasing proficiency requirements include Certified Registered Locksmith, the Certified Professional Locksmith and the Certified Master Locksmith. In addition, specialized locksmith certifications are also available for particular industries, such as in the automotive industries and as a safe technician locksmiths.
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Exam
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Locksmith training may be applied towards preparation for the certification exam. The exams for locksmith certifications are written tests and test 10 mandatory areas of expertise: key blank identification, key duplication, professional lock opening techniques, codes and code equipment, key impressioning, cylinder service, lockset functions, lockset servicing, basics of master keying, and cabinet, furniture and mailbox locks. This mandatory body of knowledge is combined into a 250-question exam. To pass the exam and obtain certification, you must answer at least 70 percent of the test questions correctly.
Elective Exams
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Although the certification exam only covers 10 mandatory areas of expertise, there are 26 other testable categories in which you can take elective exams for additional certifications. Additional areas of certification include: domestic and foreign automotive, safe deposit locks, advanced master keyeing, and alarms among others. Like with the mandatory knowledge exam, you must pass the elective exams you take with at least a 70 percent.
Scholarships
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To compete the training you need to obtain certification, industry scholarships are available from the Associated Locksmiths of America and the Safe and Vault Technicians Association. A full ALOA scholarship covers courses at the ALOA annual convention. According to ALOA, the convention package covers, "four full day clases, two half day classes, two evening seminars, admission for all three days of the security expo, admission to the kickoff party and a banquet ticket." In addition, ALOA sponsors financial need, aptitude, and character scholarships. ALOA also specifies that past scholarship recipients may be eligible for continued scholarship support.
The Safe and Vault Technicians Association offers a convention class scholarships similar to the ALOA convention package. According to ALOA, "the SAVTA package includes four full day classes, evening seminars, two days of the security expo, admission to the kickoff party and a banquet ticket."
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit keys image by Darko Draskovic from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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