Locksmith Certification Training

Locksmith certification adds to your prestige.

Locksmiths are security professionals and official certification provides proof of that professional status. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that job openings for locksmiths will continue to grow by 7 percent to 13 percent. Locksmith certification ensures potential employers that you have the ethical standards and technical skills of a professional locksmith and are capable of designing, installing and maintaining highly sophisticated security systems.

State Certification

Tools of the locksmith trade.

Alabama, California, New Jersey, Illinois, Louisiana, Tennessee and North Carolina all require state licensing for locksmiths, according to the Connecticut General Assembly's Office of Legislative Research. Each state maintains its own certification standards, which may include background checks, competency reviews or state issued identification.

National Certification

Locksmithing is expected to grow.

National certification provides a higher level of proof of your professional competence. While a state license allows you to practice the profession, national certification ensures professional recognition by the Associated Locksmiths of America or the Safe and Vault Technicians Association. The Associated Locksmiths notes that certification is available in automotive locksmithing, general locksmithing, specialty locksmithing, electronic access control and safe and vault service.

General Certification Exams

Keys to specialization

You earn certification by passing written exams in the Proficiency Registration Program. According to the Associated Locksmiths of America certification website, there are 10 subject exams with 250 questions included in all Proficiency Registrations Programs. The mandatory subject areas are, codes and code equipment, cylinder servicing, key blank identification, key duplication, key impressioning, professional lock opening techniques, lockset functions, lockset servicing, basic master keying and cabinet, furniture and mailbox locks. The Safe and Vault Technicians Association offers a certification test for safe technicians which consists of 350 questions on 17 topics, including lock identification, dialing diagnostics and safe related electronics.

Specialized Certification Exams

Preparation is key

You can specialize as a certified automotive locksmith, or take the exams for electronic access control. There are several levels of certification, ranging from certified registered locksmith to the most advanced certified master locksmith. To become a certified locksmith you must pass the general exam and two specialized electives of your choice. Twenty-six elective exams, such as time locks or electromechanical access control are available to fit your specialty. Passing 12 elective tests will qualify you to become a certified professional locksmith. The highest certification of master locksmith is awarded to professionals who have passed 90 percent of all available tests.

Preparing for the Exam

You can train for the exams by apprenticing with a certified locksmith. According to the Associated Locksmiths education department, you can also attend training classes at regional or national conventions or at the organization's training center in Dallas Texas. The locksmith group offers resource guides and reference manuals to help you study for the test. There are also a number of locksmithing schools which offer online or correspondence classes.

References

• Office of Legislative Research Report
• Associated Locksmiths of America Education
• ALOA certification overview
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
• SAVTA certification overview