locksmith training

[braddockpicker]

To become an official locksmith i know i need some sort of training or certification. I am fairly new at picking though and have no idea where to start. Or perhaps is there some sort of apprenticeship involved. I'm also located in the USA any help would be appreciated.

[Klaiviel]

Depending on the state you live in you may need to be licenced to legally become a locksmith, most states do not require this for example I am from WI here you are not required to get licensed; however, just a bit south in IL they have a fairly complicated process involved in getting your license. The best way to find out about such requirements is to google your applicable state statutes.

Secondly, most reputable locksmiths in the US are certified through the associated locksmiths of america aloa.org; I highly suggest you visit this site. While certification is not a legal requirement it shows that you are credible and meet the standards of the aloa. There are generally two ways to get certified if you are a complete novice; I would recommend either enrolling in a locksmithing training course in which they will help you get certified or calling up local locksmiths and see if they are willing to take on an apprentice.

I hope I have answered your questions as completely as possible. I myself am not a locksmith; all this information I have learned from this site since I joined. If someone more knowledgable spots a mistake or misinformation in my reply please feel free to correct me. Thanks.

Oh and welcome to the site braddockpicker.

[braddockpicker]

Hi thanks for your input quite helpful. However, I live in NJ and everything here is complicated. Just surfing around the internet I know NJ requires some sort of licence. And the apprentice thing might work but the problem is finding a locksmith willing to train a newbie. Once again thanks.

[Klaiviel]

Hi thanks for your input quite helpful. However, I live in NJ and everything here is complicated. Just surfing around the internet I know NJ requires some sort of licence. And the apprentice thing might work but the problem is finding a locksmith willing to train a newbie. Once again thanks.

Your telling me, lol. I have been looking for an apprenticeship for a while in WI, no dice. With the economy the way it is right now most look at it as training future competition.

I would look at getting licenced before doing anything else, getting legal is definately step #1.

Beyond that I would just recommend reading everything on this site, and then read it again. This site is a treasure trove of information, and who knows maybe you will learn enough to start your own operation. =D

[braddockpicker]

Wow i didn't think that would be so hard to be an apprentice for someone. But like you said the economy. But thanks again for all of your info.

[yng_pick]

It goes back and forth- for instance, we are almost never hiring for locksmiths, and have people occasionally come in who are interested in learning the trade. But when the company I work for is hiring, it sometimes seems impossible to find people who are interested in locksmithing in itself, rather than as just the next job.

And even getting an apprenticeship won't guarantee that the owner/boss (who ever is the A.L.O.A member) will sponsor you- some people are weird like that- thinking perhaps you'll get your membership and be gone.

I haven't looked into it enough- Klaiviel, what courses will assist upon completion with attaining A.L.O.A membership? Or is it a path that A.L.O.A offers if you have already completed an approved course?