A locksmith is not a person who just duplicates existing keys. He runs or is an employee of a business that installs, repairs, opens locks and makes keys for locks. There are two ways to become a locksmith. One is to attend trade school and the other is to obtain a certificate from the Associated Locksmiths of America or the ALOA. 13 states in the US require locksmith licensing. Hence, you should confirm with your state's business services department, the various pre-requisites you have to fulfill, to becoming a licensed locksmith. Some counties also require a license and hence it's advisable to check with your nearest county licensing department. The same is true for many cities. You may contact your city licensing department to find out if you really need to acquire a license. It's better to obtain different levels of certification from the ALOA if a license isn't required by your state, as this can improve your prospects.
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If you want to run a locksmith business, you would require a locksmith business license. On the other hand, if you want to work as an employee, you need to acquire a locksmith employee license. The name of the manager of the business must be mentioned in the locksmith business license application form. Each applicant in the business would be evaluated individually. For both the locksmith slotenmaker wassenaar business and the locksmith employee licenses, you would have to undergo a criminal background check through the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Generally, you wouldn't be issued a license, if you have been previously convicted of any crime. In addition to these two licenses, you need an alarm system installer license if you intend to install alarm systems. Licensing requirements vary among different states and some states require you to take a licensing exam while others require the payment of a licensing fee, to become a locksmith.
To be eligible for an apprenticeship with a locksmith business, you should complete a course in basiclocksmithing. Although it's not mandatory for locksmiths to obtain certificates, completion certificates for approved courses are offered by the ALOA and the Safe and Vault Technicians Association. Upon completion of the course and passing the exam, you earn the title of a certified locksmith. Moreover, membership to the ALOA and the Safe and Vault Technicians Association can help you get the latest industry updates and you can thus have the opportunity to pursue your education. Similarly, bonding is optional in many states but since only a person with exemplary character is allowed to post a bond by bonding agencies, you can boost a customer's confidence by acquiring certificates and becoming a bonded locksmith.
In addition to acquiring the appropriate license and obtaining course completion certificates, it's essential to acquire the requisite practical skills in all aspects of lock repair and design. As a trained locksmith, you might be called upon to install, remove, modify or repair any locking device. You should thus have in-depth knowledge about cutting new keys and resetting combinations. Hence, it's important to work as an apprentice to get hands-on experience. Locksmiths have plenty of job opportunities even in economically difficult times and locksmithing is an excellent career choice for those who have keen interest in this field.
The dictionary definition of "locksmith"; "A Locksmith is one that makes or repairs locks" to put it bluntly. Locksmithing was (and still is), in essence, one of the earliest/best forms of security against many types of crimes or people.
In more recent years, the term has become a bit more expanded, to include many forms and types of locksmithing. Commercial (working out of a storefront), mobile (working out of a vehicle), institutional (employed by an institution) or investigational (forensic locksmiths) or may specialize in one aspect of the skill, such as an automotive lock specialist, a master key system specialist or a safe technician. They may also be security consultants or one of many other possible ends for this type of career. Are some examples of what becoming a locksmith may bring to you as a career choice?
Becoming a locksmith tends to be quite the job. Among other things, it takes skill, concentration, and creativity as well as patience to become a locksmith. It's wise to know all fields and opportunities that would be open to you. You must first consider which of them you'd like to take part in. All have Pros and Cons, such as pay, hours, skill, and others. This is why it can take some time to decide which of them you'd like to venture in first, as well as decide which one would be best for you. Also, most countries require completion of an Apprenticeship, or some level of formal education required. This varies from country to country. This tends to mean a lot of study and research is required, and it is best to check around for the levels of education and skills required to be a locksmith in your country before you make a decision, as the differences can impact your entire career.
There are two types of locksmith licenses:
o Automobile master key licenses are for individuals employed as locksmiths. These individuals are licensed to sell or be in possession of equipment that enables them to work on switches or locks of motor vehicles or business and/or residential door locks. These licenses are renewed every five years.
o Restricted automobile master key licenses are for individuals who fall under the automotive and auto body technician trades as well as tow truck drivers. This license restricts locksmith to be in possession of equipment that is designed strictly to operate the switches or locks of motor vehicles.
Locksmith is now being taught in several trade schools and engineering departments around the world. For example, Australia offers a degree in locksmithing in the school of engineering. While other schools offer a certificate. The primary way to become a locksmith to is become familiar with the makeup of the key and lock. Today, locksmiths do much more than repairing locks they must also be able to asses the potential break in factor and in some sense must implement the appropriate equipment with multiple locks and screen doors. Currently, there are several types of locks on the market, making it more difficult for the locksmith to become familiar with the nuts and bolts of the operation, literally.