RPL exam in "Complete Book of Locks..." by Phillips & Roper

[Servalite6354]

I have the "Complete book of Locks & Locksmithing", by Bill Phillips. It has a test at the end for "Registered Professional Locksmith" certification. The test is fairly easy after reading the book (50 questions), and all you need is a 70% to pass. My problem is that you have to send $50 and an ID and at leat one previous locksmithing certification to the IAHSSP (based in Erie, Pa).

I can't find ANY information on whether this place is still in business. There is a website, http://www.iahssp.org/, but it's listed for deletion by the domain server. It says the domain is owned by a company called "Serpetuity".

Has anyone ever tried this certification? Is it worth it? I just don't want to send the dough/info if it's not going to work. Also, just what is RPL certification? I can't seem to find any info on that either, just CRL, and CPL, but not RPL. Is RPL the same as being a RL for ALOA?

[thelockpickkid]

I wondered about this also, I actually posted a question about this as well on one of these forums, I never got an answer either!!

[Servalite6354]

Well, I hope I'll hear from someone who's tried it...........

Does anyone know the difference between this certification and ALOA's certs? I'm interested in that as well, looks like it may be more worthwhile?

[lunchb0x]

I looked Bill Phillips up on a locksmith forum that I am on and all it really had to say was that the info in his book was good but only covers the very basics, this was in a topic someone had on whether or not they should renew their ALOA membership and was answered with yes, he should renew it, so my guess would be that the certification from Bill Phillips book wouldn't be worth anything now and if you have the option go for ALOA, everyone atleast has heard of them.

[maintenanceguy]

I looked into this a year or so ago.

I figured that Mr. Phillips came up with a way to get an extra $50 from the people who read his book by offering a "certification".

I'll certify you for $25. Not even any test questions to worry about. Check or Paypal?

[Servalite6354]

I looked into this a year or so ago.

I figured that Mr. Phillips came up with a way to get an extra $50 from the people who read his book by offering a "certification".

I'll certify you for $25. Not even any test questions to worry about. Check or Paypal?

Not sure if you're being facetious, so I'll ask at the risk of looking dumb: What certification do you offer?

[maintenanceguy]

I looked into this a year or so ago.

I figured that Mr. Phillips came up with a way to get an extra $50 from the people who read his book by offering a "certification".

I'll certify you for $25. Not even any test questions to worry about. Check or Paypal?

Not sure if you're being facetious, so I'll ask at the risk of looking dumb: What certification do you offer?

I was being facetious. Don't worry, it wasn't very funny humor, most probably missed it too.

[5thcorps]

I certify for free...... OK you're now certified (LOL)
I wonder how many sent in the $50. I had heard about that claim before as well. Asked a few friends who had also heard and they all wondered if the guy was even alive anymore. Nobody seems to know

[Servalite6354]

From what I gather, Bill Phillips is not the one doing the licensing, it's the IAHSS or whatever. As far as whether or not he's still alive, I couldn't find out.

There's also another guy who wrote or edited the book - the Roper name is also on mine.