If you’ve always been good with your hands, then choosing to become a locksmith might be the right career option. A locksmith will work with all types of locks, including high security locks, while providing a variety of installation services. This may include cutting keys, installing residential or commercial locks, and repairing broken locks.
Are you interested? Then here are the steps to follow so that you’ll know how to become a locksmith in as little as a few months.
What Training Is Required to Become a Locksmith?
Most locksmith trainees will receive some hands-on experience with some classroom learning opportunities. There are several programs available in most communities that will allow you to learn either in-person or online.
Some locksmiths may also provide apprenticeship programs for those who are serious about pursuing a locksmith career.
Trainees will receive a well-rounded education in all of the service areas that the modern locksmith provides. Training programs will include identifying keys, accessing locked doors without a key, working with Access Control Systems, security systems, and programming electronic access keys.
Is There a Certification or License Required to Be a Locksmith?
Because working as a locksmith is classified as a business, most communities will require a business license in order to provide services. This licensing requirement may be extended to the employees of a locksmith company even if they are just an employee of that company.
Locksmiths also work very closely with the public. This has created the need to require background checks in some communities in order to work as a locksmith.
There are few certification exams that must be passed in order to begin working as a locksmith. Many locksmiths will pursue a voluntary certification, however, to distinguish their skills from other local service providers. This includes becoming a Certified Registered Locksmith, a certification that is offered by the Associated Locksmiths of America.
How Much Experience Is Needed to Become a Locksmith?
Someone can begin working as soon as their business license is approved as a locksmith. No formal experience is needed beyond the capability of doing the job properly without damaging the customer’s lock.
If there is no locksmith experience, it may take several months of classroom learning and hands-on opportunities to successfully pass a formal course. Apprentices may be required to work 2-3 years before they are able to work on their own as a locksmith.
Is a Career as a Locksmith Right for You?
If you’re interested in pursuing a locksmith career, then make sure you approach the experienced and licensed locksmiths that are in your local area. If you are unsure of who to approach locally, then there are several experienced locksmiths online who may be willing to answer any questions you may have.
Locksmiths are never going to become extremely wealthy, but they can provide a high quality standard of living for themselves and their families. If you’re interested in pursuing this needed skill as a career option, then we’d love to answer any questions you may have or point you in the right direction so you can get started right away.