Age for Certification???

[Lockpick Dan]

I am thinking about taking a locksmith cource and getting certified, but I don't know if there is a age that you have to be, and if there is what is it. Any help is greatly appreciated and thanks in advance.

[Chucklz]

Where are you from? Countries/States etc all have different rules and regulations. In the US, there are very few "government" certifications, at least not that I know of.

[Lockpick Dan]

Indiana

[randmguy]

LockpickDan there is no certification requirement in Indiana. If you want to become a registered certified locksmith there is a school in Indy that will sponsor you for ALOA membership after you pass one of their courses.

http://www.locksmithschool.net/locations.htm

[Lockpick Dan]

So there is no age that you have to be in order to take a locksmithing course from foley-belsaw and start a buiseness?

[Chucklz]

No, unless you need a business liscene from where you live, but FB wont ask about that at all.

[luguzitzu]

Do you know any laws in michigan about that?

[Romstar]

As a general rule of thumb I almost always go by the age of 18.

With the exception of alcohol, it seems that universally 18 is the age of majority. You can drive, own a business, be certified for just about anything.

With that said, you should look into it for your area. In some juristicitions locksmithing falls under the security trades. They sometimes require 2-4 years of experience before you can be independantly certified.
In other places, you may not be able to obtain business licensing until 18, although this is rare.

In places that require apprenticeship, you may need to be a minimum of 16 years for work legislation, and then be an apprentice for a certain amount of time.

I am unaware of any course which asks you for your age. So, you may be able to take the course at 14, but unable to open a business until the age of 18.

Research and sometimes a good lawyer are your best options to steer through the red tape.

Good luck,
Romstar

[Cameron Flint]

I'm in the same boat...
I live in MI also, and am trying to figure out if i NEED to get licensed to practise locksmithing professionally, amateurly, or as a hobby... I'm 15 (yeah, I know, look's bleak). I'm confused reading all the locksmith manuals divided over whether or not you need one... and looking, it doesn't look good for being an apprentice (I live in a small town).
Anyway, I'll keep trying to find out. Meanwhile, any help would be GREATLY appreciated. (Via PM is great! but not nessesary)

[Uisgdlyast]

15? i know when i was 15 i was really interested in lock picking but never fully pursued it because people would have thought i was crazy. Now that i'm 18 its easier to buy picks and locks.

I'd keep learning, i wish i would have started even with homemad picks at 15

[Buggs41]

What is crazy, is not going after what you want to do in life.

I started flying lessons at the age of 14. No one gave me any help. I decided that is what I wanted to do, and I pursued my dream. Even my parents thought I was crazy.

Keep at it! Wishing you success!

[Lockpick Dan]

I started the FB course when i was 14, and my friends thought it was sorta wierd...until they forgot the combo to their locker. Now they think it's cool. Mom and dad are supportive and paid for half the course which helped too.

[Mr Ules]

yes, I find it quite interesting when people make fun of me for being interested in locksmithing. Usually, about a week later, they ask me what the problem is with their front door lock, or that they have friend who can't open their locker. By that point I simply shrug my shoulders and walk away. That will teach them to make fun of my interests. Especially when they have to get the custodian or a locksmith to open their door or locker.