ALOA CRL Question

[Klaiviel]

I would like to take the ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith certification. My question is, I was reading through some of the bylaws and they seemed to indicate that you need 2 years of experience in the field plus a character reference, while other areas seemed to indicate you only need to pass the exam to get certified, which is it? The reason I ask is at the moment I am just a hobbyist and my state Wisconsin does not have licensing so I would like to become certified as I think I could pass the test, I occassionally do lock work for my employer, and I don't want to run into problems if I get stopped with my picks on me. Even though that is perfectly legal in my state I would feel much better if I was an actual locksmith. Any advice or suggestions?

[Tyler J. Thomas]

I would like to take the ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith certification. My question is, I was reading through some of the bylaws and they seemed to indicate that you need 2 years of experience in the field plus a character reference, while other areas seemed to indicate you only need to pass the exam to get certified, which is it? The reason I ask is at the moment I am just a hobbyist and my state Wisconsin does not have licensing so I would like to become certified as I think I could pass the test, I occassionally do lock work for my employer, and I don't want to run into problems if I get stopped with my picks on me. Even though that is perfectly legal in my state I would feel much better if I was an actual locksmith. Any advice or suggestions?

You're confusing membership qualifications with the actual test itself. IIRC, a probationary member must be a person who a) has not been involved with the locksmith industry for a period of over 3 years and b) has 2 ALOA references/sponsors when applying. Once you're a member of ALOA, the only thing you need to take the actual exam is the application and dues.

As for the test, you need to get a hold of ALOA's preparation guide, if only for the glossary. You need to know ALOA's terminology for the test because they will use the correct terminology and expect you to know what they're talking about. I was a locksmith for barely 2 years when I took the test and passed the mandatory and one elective, missed the other elective by 1 question. You'll hear a lot of people say it's a hard test - don't buy that for one second. If you know you're stuff, it'll be very easy. I cheated myself because I let others tell me it was hard and rather than studying, I was going to let my first test be a primer on what I needed to learn. I nearly aced the mandatory and the SFIC elective. I missed the door closer elective by one question. Had I even dedicated a few minutes to studying, I know I would have passed.

[Klaiviel]

Thanks for the response. So I can't even take the test until I am a member and to become a member I need two sponsors? That part may be a problem, I don't really know anyone in the industry.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Thanks for the response. So I can't even take the test until I am a member and to become a member I need two sponsors? That part may be a problem, I don't really know anyone in the industry.

Check to see if there is a local chapter of ALOA near you (link). Plenty of people there to help you out and more than willing to sponsor you. If there's not a local chapter, PM me with your general area in the country and I'll pass along the contact information of your regional director so that he can help you out.

[pin_pusher]

just contacted someone in my area about their class offered at a tech school in my area, and after reading the thread warning me on which courses to avoid/take, i think i'll avoid this one... for the time being(only available in fall each year) they train "up to" 12 people, but he said never that many. it is just introductory and has certification for RL, which was told to me by the organizer of this course that if one were to join ALOA they are automatically RL certified. is this true? what are the benefits of these different certifications? how do i go about properly contacting someone for sponsorship to gain certification? i'm strongly pursuing this lock smithing as more than hobby. and thanks for that link confederate, i'll be keeping those contacts in mind.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

just contacted someone in my area about their class offered at a tech school in my area, and after reading the thread warning me on which courses to avoid/take, i think i'll avoid this one... for the time being(only available in fall each year) they train "up to" 12 people, but he said never that many. it is just introductory and has certification for RL, which was told to me by the organizer of this course that if one were to join ALOA they are automatically RL certified. is this true? what are the benefits of these different certifications? how do i go about properly contacting someone for sponsorship to gain certification? i'm strongly pursuing this lock smithing as more than hobby. and thanks for that link confederate, i'll be keeping those contacts in mind.

When ALOA instituted the certification program, they grandfathered a number of individuals in as RLs. Now, the only way to obtain that designation is to attend their 6 Basic Locksmithing course and pass the exam at the end.

The benefits of obtaining certification are numerous. For one, if you have an ALOA certification you'll never have trouble finding work in the industry - plain and simple. Plus, it's just a great thing to get behind. You learn a lot in the preparation for each level and it's demonstrates to your boss, co-workers, customers, and potential employers that you're competent. ALOA doesn't hand them out and it does take some work to obtain which makes it worth it.

If you need help a sponsor, I'll be happy to do it.

[pin_pusher]

thanks for the response, i'll be looking into sponsors when i make a new move in the coming months...it just seems a hassle to get certified, but what an investment it will turn out to be if i prove to be a decent locksmith.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

It can be a hassle. There's only been one PRP sitting in my state in the past 4 years. Not really up to traveling to other states to take electives at this point.

[yng_pick]

The RL designation can also be awarded after passing the mandatory test sections (L-00) which I believe cover 10 topics.

The CRL is awarded after passing the L-OO and two electives.

In order to maintain a certification you must request every three years to have it continued. There is a point system in which you must recieve 16 points in the three years to requalify, based upon association memberships, education, participation in industry related shows, publications, etc.

A new member remains a probationary member for two years (I believe). In order to continue being a member, you must receive a designation by the end of this time. I -believe- if you get the RL designation, you can maintain membership without having to requalify every 3 years.

Incidentally, you reset the three year period everytime you obtain a new certification.

I believe Certification is available to non members. All the classes and testing have member/non member pricing AFAIR.
It would likely be a whole lot cheaper to become a member then to pay the higher prices for testing and classes.
You also become pre-qualified to become a SAVTA member if you are already an ALOA member (of course you must pay dues for it as well).

There is a lot of information on ALOAs' website, under the education tab. It is a bit mixed up to me, and takes a bit to wade through it, but it is there.

[Evan]

The RL designation can also be awarded after passing the mandatory test sections (L-00) which I believe cover 10 topics.

That is incorrect... The "RL" designation was for registered locksmiths who were grandfathered in before the changes to the way the certification system currently works and is no longer issued to new applicants...

You have to be a member of the ALOA before you can take the PRP exams and that is where the character references and member recommendations come into play -- once you are a member of the ALOA it is just a matter of keeping up with your dues and locating a sitting for the exam at a location you feel up to traveling to for your exam...

~~ Evan

[yng_pick]

Evan, that is how it is explained in some areas.

What I am basing it off of is the following:

"GENERAL LOCKSMITH CERTIFICATION
Registered Locksmith (RL)
The designation for Registered Locksmith is – RL An Individual who is an RL was “grand fathered” into the
program at it’s inception in 1985/6 (this grandfather program is no longer available); or is an active locksmith
who has received twelve ALOA Education Units (AEU) by completing twelve ALOA Continuing Education
(ACE) Classes consisting of eight hours each; or has completed the ALOA Five or Six-Day Basic Locksmithing
course and passed the exam at the end of the course."

http://www.aloa.org/education/pdf/Certi ... mation.pdf

"Do I have to take a test to maintain my ALOA membership?
Article III, Section 3 of the ALOA Bylaws specifies that you must hold and maintain an ALOA
approved designation. ALOA approved designations include the RL designation which does not
require testing. See description below."

http://www.aloa.org/education/pdf/CertificationFAQ.pdf

"The Registered Locksmith (RL) designation does not require testing. Is this designation a certification?
The Registered Locksmith (RL) designation is recognition of experience or training but
because there is not an examination it is not a certification. It has been awarded for
various accomplishments such as: 10 years of ALOA membership which provided for
grandfathering when the program was first initiated in 1985; taking 12 ALOA Continuing
Education (ACE) classes (since 1992) or equivalent; successfully completing the ALOA
Basic Locksmithing Course and passing the exam at the end of the course; Passing the L-
00 Mandatory section of the PRP. .Except for the last two options, it is not a path towards
certification. It is however,an ALOA recognized designation and thus meets the
requirements of achieving an ALOA recognized designation for ALOA membership."

http://www.aloa.org/education/pdf/CertificationFAQ.pdf

and apparently you do not have to be a member to recertify:
"The re-certification fee is $0.00 for members and $195.00 for non-members, payable
every three years. ALOA will send an invoice after the credit requirement is met. The fee
is subject to change."

http://www.aloa.org/education/pdf/BylawsandPRP.pdf

Though I am still looking for information atm regarding whether a non member can obtain a certification, I am sure I have seen somewhere the pricing for non member but cannot remember where atm.

[yng_pick]

The Aloa store lists a few prices:


Option 1: L-00 Examination

Code: PRP-OPT1
Member Price: 95.00
NonMember Price: 295.00


Option 2: L-00 Examination plus Two Electives

Code: PRP-OPT2
Member Price: 120.00
NonMember Price: 320.00

and a few other options

[pin_pusher]

thanks for the information people...it seems that the hardest part of this whole process is budgeting the expenses. a friend of mine is a business owner, and said he would allow me to re-key his shop in exchange for a recommendation on my resume. but these types of favor-jobs (for people i trust 100%, and trust me the same) don't seem to get me any closer to certification. they're a benefit for training, and my confidence to complete these exams is growing. if i didn't have rather large obligations for the next six to nine months, i'd be jumping quicker toward a focus on certification. goal one: this time next year, have some sort of certificate under my belt. but, for now thanks for discussing this. i'll be on again asking some annoying questions,i'm sure.