Locksmithing Help

[Black Zero]

I am interested in becoming a locksmith, but what to do seems unclear as I have heard several different things. Could you guys maybe clear things up for me and get me going in the right direction??

btw I live in Indiana, US if that changes things.

I've heard being a certified locksmith is different then being a licensed locksmith. [urlhttp://www.aloa.org/education/pdf/CertificationFAQ.pdf[/url]
ould I still open a locksmith business if I am just certified?

What type of certification is good? I've heard that the aloa prp was the standard, and then you go on from there.

Foley-Belsaw course - I'm interested in taking this course, and I know it will provide me with certification, but from that can i officially be known as a locksmith and open a business?

If theres anything else you guys think would help me out please let me know.


Thanks
BZ

[Lorek]

I'm not versed in indiana law but to answer you question regarding license vs certified. Most states require that you submit to a background test, work history, and fingerprinting as part of an application to be licensed to work as a locksmith in that state. In other words the state regulates who can and can't be a locksmith and hands out licenses for the most part. There might be some states that don't require licensing but most are leaning towards it now. For more detailed information you should check out your states laws. As for being certified it measures a certain competency in skill that is part of being a locksmith.

Hope that clears up the difference between the two.

Cheers,

Nathan


“A zealous locksmith died of late,
And did arrive at heaven gate,
He stood without and would not knock,
Because he meant to pick the lock.”
- William Camden

[magician59]

Greetings from Texas.

Indiana is my home state.

Currently, there is no license requirement for that state. If I were you, I would begin with a good reputable correspondance course, I took the one from Locksmithing Institute (New Jersey). Then it would do you good to join a local association as well as a regional or national one. Subscribe to at least two trade relates magazines, amass your tool and unventory collection according to your personal business plan. And most importantly: Stay in touch with friendlies, such as myself, who are willing to share from our wealth of experience.

Good luck.

[Eyes_Only]

To add to magician59's comment I would highly recommend taking the Foley-Belsaw course. Not really for the course, even though it is one of the most well known and well respected correspondence course out there but because they will offer you a subscription to The National Locksmith magazine when you come close to the end of your course.

And The National Locksmith mag will give you a photo locksmith ID and a $15,000 bond for free which should mean more in your area if they don't have any state licensing requirements unlike where I live in CA.

Hope that helps.

[Black Zero]

Thanks for the info guys, I'll be signing up for the foley belsaw course later this week, and hopefully keep busy with the course this winter.

[mojomojo]

this what i believe is a solid learning source....I copy and pasted what i posted in a prevoius topic





"If you are trying to learn what is taught in these "famous" schools my advice to you is to follow the the courses taught in assocaiton with Major Distributors across the US. These course cater to everyone b/c each course specifies on a certain subject even in courses for the beginners to the advanced lockies. Only thing is that they tour like a music band of sorts.... PM me for more details or look at aloa website....All the courses are taught by the best of the best here in the states like for example Michael Hyde of Auto Smart "the holy autobible" teaches many of the Automotive classes............"""""""""""""