Where to get certified in US

[princecaspian]

Is there a thread on getting certification for being a lockie in the US? I'd like to train and get a liscense, but don't really want to be a lockie, yet.

[digital_blue]

Well, "certified" is a little misleading. Firstly, regulations vary from state to state.

There is a course offered by Foley-Belsaw that many here have taken and have spoken pretty highly about. That might be a good start. But, honestly, if you're not looking at getting into the business just yet, there's nothing that you'll learn from Foley-Belsaw that you can't learn right here on this site. We just don't give you a cute little piece of paper when you're done reading.

... hmm... maybe we should ....

*db thinks on that a bit*

db

[jimb]

honestly, if you're not looking at getting into the business just yet, there's nothing that you'll learn from Foley-Belsaw that you can't learn right here on this site.
db

Well, kinda, you can't learn everything here that you will learn from FB unless you have access to the advanced forums.

[Romstar]

honestly, if you're not looking at getting into the business just yet, there's nothing that you'll learn from Foley-Belsaw that you can't learn right here on this site.
db

Well, kinda, you can't learn everything here that you will learn from FB unless you have access to the advanced forums.

Access to the advanced forums only takes three things.

1. Time
2. Particpation
3. A request.

The rules for gaining access to the advanced forums are pretty basic and easy to follow. If you haven't requested access, you won't get it. If you don't meet the criteria, you won't get in either. There has to be at least some material here that can be used to decide if you should be let in.

Romstar

[jimb]

[
Access to the advanced forums only takes three things.

1. Time
2. Particpation
3. A request.

The rules for gaining access to the advanced forums are pretty basic and easy to follow. If you haven't requested access, you won't get it. If you don't meet the criteria, you won't get in either. There has to be at least some material here that can be used to decide if you should be let in.

Romstar

That's why I said kinda It's very likely you could complete the fb course before you're granted access to the advanced forums. It's also possible you may never be granted access.

[Bud Wiser]

FB is useful to have the right credentials to buy restricted tools, and to set up additional credentials as well. It's mostly beneficial for recognition, not learning to be a locksmith, although it helps in that area too

[Romstar]

That's why I said kinda It's very likely you could complete the fb course before you're granted access to the advanced forums. It's also possible you may never be granted access.

Well, not to put too fine a point on it, you have to be pretty messed up not to get in.

Just look at me for example.

I was in the advanced forums, I was a mod, and then I had some problems. I lost all that, and now I have to start over again. So yeah, you have to be pretty messed up not to get in or to get bounced. I speak from experience.

Romstar

[globallockytoo]

FB is useful to have the right credentials to buy restricted tools, and to set up additional credentials as well. It's mostly beneficial for recognition, not learning to be a locksmith, although it helps in that area too

In some countries, all that is required to be able to purchase restricted tools, is a letter of reference from a reputed tradesman who is usually a client of the supplier already. Or at least known by them.

IMHO....FB is not considered "right credentials"....although, the shortage of any other recognised body makes ascertaining these "right credentials" difficult. I guess it depends on the supplier as to who they choose to sell product to...and whether they are within their rights and responsibilities according to state laws.

[Bud Wiser]

FB is useful to have the right credentials to buy restricted tools, and to set up additional credentials as well. It's mostly beneficial for recognition, not learning to be a locksmith, although it helps in that area too

In some countries, all that is required to be able to purchase restricted tools, is a letter of reference from a reputed tradesman who is usually a client of the supplier already. Or at least known by them.

IMHO....FB is not considered "right credentials"....although, the shortage of any other recognised body makes ascertaining these "right credentials" difficult. I guess it depends on the supplier as to who they choose to sell product to...and whether they are within their rights and responsibilities according to state laws.

If FB is not in your opinion right credentials, how would a simple letter from a "tradesman" better?

Any way, it's worked for me so far.

[globallockytoo]

FB is useful to have the right credentials to buy restricted tools, and to set up additional credentials as well. It's mostly beneficial for recognition, not learning to be a locksmith, although it helps in that area too

In some countries, all that is required to be able to purchase restricted tools, is a letter of reference from a reputed tradesman who is usually a client of the supplier already. Or at least known by them.

IMHO....FB is not considered "right credentials"....although, the shortage of any other recognised body makes ascertaining these "right credentials" difficult. I guess it depends on the supplier as to who they choose to sell product to...and whether they are within their rights and responsibilities according to state laws.

If FB is not in your opinion right credentials, how would a simple letter from a "tradesman" better?

Any way, it's worked for me so far.

I said 'tradesman known to the supply house or known of ...by the supply house'. Reputation is everything in the locksmith trade.

Not price....not longevity....but quality of service = reputation

[Bud Wiser]

So how much do you want for a letter of reference?

[princecaspian]

[globallockytoo]

So how much do you want for a letter of reference?

Who do you want to buy from?

[lockdr]

For What Its Worth: I have written to a couple of suppliers who advertise "We sell to established professional locksmiths only" or some such. I asked if they would deal with a Foley-Belsaw student. Several of them have replied, one stated that I needed to fax my diploma to them, at which time they would be glad to deal with me. Meaning I would have to finish the course before they would deal with me. Most of the others, however, have just said something like "Yes, just fill in your F-B Student ID number in the "Cert" box..." or something similar. They then go on in the reply letter about how their tools are better, or cheaper, or more wonderful than those offered by Foley-Belsaw, etc, blah, blah. blah. The general theme being that the tools FB offers are more expensive and/or not as good. Although the F-B wholesale catalog seems to offer the same brands. Go figure.