Do you know how to become a locksmith? Locksmiths play a huge role in securing homes and businesses.

These technicians aren’t only restricted to cutting keys and fittings locks. There is so much more you can offer as a locksmith as you will soon find out.

Therefore, how to become a locksmith is the next logical question to ask. The answer to this question is what we seek to provide.

We will attempt to answer this question in as detail as possible.

Range of Services Provided by a Locksmith

What type (s) of services do locksmiths provide? There are several such. These include key cutting, repair, supply, and fitting windows, and door locks, and providing automobile locksmith services.

Additional services include fixing of safes, round-the-clock emergency locksmith services, and the installation of security access control systems. As a locksmith, these and more are services you will specialize in.

Do I Need a Degree?

While several professions require a degree, the same doesn’t apply to locksmiths. To become a locksmith, you can either take a course or take up an apprenticeship role.

There are locksmith schools you can apply for. However, we advise that you only go for those having the approval seal of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).

Almost every ALOA approved locksmith school provides classroom and hands-on training. This approach gives you an edge. It also enables you to hit the ground running in your effort to start a successful career.

Here is a sample locksmith business plan.

How to Become a Locksmith

Becoming a professional locksmith involves several procedures.

Each of these is relevant and critical to achieving your desire. Hence in this section, we will discuss every step and action you need to take starting with the following steps;

  • Are You Suited for this?

Certain qualities are associated with locksmiths. Hence you need to find out if you are well suited for the job. It is expected that you are fascinated by locks and keys.

This is a good starting point. While this may be the case, you should know that the industry is driven by innovation. Therefore, constantly updating your skills is a top priority if you need to remain relevant.

Customer skills are another attribute you need to consider. You are a problem solver and will come in contact with distressed clients. Under such circumstances, being able to calm and reassure your clients is highly desirable.

  • Choosing your Training

This is one of the most basic steps to take in achieving your desire.

Consequently, there are two major types of training you’ll find. These include physical or in-person training as well as online-based schools. Both of these should be approved by ALOA.

There are certain things to consider when choosing a training program or school.

A few of these include attending an accredited program/school, finding out if there is a provision for hands-on training as well as finding out if the curriculum covers the most basic courses.

For the avoidance of doubt, we will briefly mention some of the courses or areas you will be trained on.

  • The Courses

The following courses are offered during training as a locksmith. These cover key areas considered important in equipping the student. For instance, courses to be offered should include electronic access locks, high-security locks, and safe & vault locks.

Other courses include; key identification, lock installation, key making, lock picking, automotive locks, residential and commercial locks, as well as business and home security systems among others.

These courses are offered in taught (classroom) and practical (hands-on) formats. Hence through this, you gain theoretical and practical knowledge on everything locks.

  • Training Duration

How long does it take to become a locksmith? The time taken to become a full-fledged locksmith depends on several circumstances.

Such include apprenticeship, on-the-job training as well as attending formal training. These come with different training time-frames or duration.

Hence, depending on your preferred training option, it could last from 2 months to three years (in the case of apprenticeship).

  • Obtaining a High School Diploma

A high school diploma is the least qualification required by most locksmith schools. Thus to commence training, get ready to be asked this admission requirement.

This is fair enough as you need to be able to communicate with your clients effectively. This shouldn’t be difficult or challenging for anyone with a high school diploma.

  • Applying for a Licence

Licensing is an integral part of becoming a locksmith. Although this is the case, each state has its licensing requirements. Such requirements or licensing laws may differ a little. But why are these licensing laws necessary?

They are so because locksmiths play a huge role in securing lives and property. Hence, licensing allows for further assessment and recommendation of the locksmith. This allows for greater confidence.

  • Staying Constantly Updated

To stay relevant as a locksmith, you need to keep yourself updated. This is one of the requirements for becoming a professional locksmith. Each year, ALOA organizes workshops.

Such events reveal current happenings in the industry. This also enables you to follow the trend and avoid being left out of information regarding where the industry is headed.

Lots of research is needed on your part. Through personal development, you enhance your quality of service.

  • Consider a Sub-specialty

A subspecialty in locksmithing gives an added advantage. Why so?  Lots of competition! Specializing in a specific area improves your capacity to get the job done better.

Has this been of help? We hope it has. Becoming a locksmith has been the focus. To sum up our discussion, the above steps are essential in your bid to start a promising career.

Also, we recommend that you have a drive. In other words, passion is highly desirable to succeed in a locksmith business.