You're from Lockport IL, heh, fitting place to become a locksmith.

However, Illinois is the only state with strict regulations on locksmithing. You have to become tested and licensed by an Illinois board that regulates everything from security guards to locksmiths. Zeke would have more knowledge in this area than I do as I fled Illinois 2 years ago and now hail from New Mexico.
If you do a
Search on Illinois, you will find a host of information and similar posts on this matter.