Just wondering?

[colts123]

Just wondering I heard on this forum that if you take some online courses you can become a certified locksmith. And I'm just wondering if some 15-16 year old does it can he get a job as a lock smith at that age?

[josh0094]

all depends on who you go to and weather hes willing to take on a kid me.. i have a summer job offering.

[LeeNo]

Just wondering I heard on this forum that if you take some online courses you can become a certified locksmith. And I'm just wondering if some 15-16 year old does it can he get a job as a lock smith at that age?

There is no government recognized locksmith "certificate". It is all marketing. There are people that recognized that they could make money by offering courses in locksmithing and granting "degrees" to people after they bought enough of their product (the study manuals).

While posessing the ability to take apart a product manufactured by some other company (Yale, Kwikset, Schlage, etc.) and using tools produced by yet other companies that will generate keys to work with those locks and having the ability to read charts telling you what pins go in what locks is quite handy, the government of the United States of America (for whatever reason) doesn't see the need to tightly monitor and license locksmith practitioners the way they do surgeons and airline pilots.

Go figure......

[Beyond]

Just wondering I heard on this forum that if you take some online courses you can become a certified locksmith. And I'm just wondering if some 15-16 year old does it can he get a job as a lock smith at that age?

There is no government recognized locksmith "certificate". It is all marketing. There are people that recognized that they could make money by offering courses in locksmithing and granting "degrees" to people after they bought enough of their product (the study manuals).

While posessing the ability to take apart a product manufactured by some other company (Yale, Kwikset, Schlage, etc.) and using tools produced by yet other companies that will generate keys to work with those locks and having the ability to read charts telling you what pins go in what locks is quite handy, the government of the United States of America (for whatever reason) doesn't see the need to tightly monitor and license locksmith practitioners the way they do surgeons and airline pilots.

Go figure......

Yeah, and I feel the same way about ALOA's cert deal too. I mean, good intentions and great concept but the way they implement is deplorable and their tests are horrifically outdated.

[gstrendkill]

Recently I found out one of my friends moms had taken the course a few years ago. She was very willing to let both my friend and myself study the books she used to study for the "exam". Try asking around before paying hundreds of dollars for a cd and a "Certified" printout.

[Beyond]

If I were you, seriously just avoid the online deal. It's pointless.

I've always said you could learn the same, if not more, with just a library card and an internet connection.

Get really involved, join ALOA if you have the money, go to local chapter meetings and introduce yourself. They have a special designation for members in situations like yourself, the ones who want to become locksmiths eventually and want to involve themselves with the trade early on.

At your age, you might even impress a few locksmiths at the local chapter. Young people taking interest in these kind of areas shows initiative and pure interest.

I'm not sure how likely you are to get picked up by a locksmith for an apprenticeship given your age BUT, never say never. If I were in your shoes I'd personally learn all I can and start networking myself as much as possible.

Introduce yourself to local locksmiths, perhaps sitting down with them and explaining your situation and asking for their advice. One thing I've noticed about working around locksmiths is that they enjoy to talk about it. Use that to your advantage.

Hope that helps.

[keysman]

If I were you, seriously just avoid the online deal. It's pointless.

Hope that helps.

GREAT advise .. couldn't have said it beter myself