Locksmithing training at North Bennet Street School

[Evan]

I went from private to institutional.

You can stay an institutional technician, no matter the trade, for as long as it's feasible for your employer and your body. We have technicians that have been at our facility for nearly 3 decades. The other locksmith has been here just over 23 years. Maintenanceguy would be someone to ask as well.

Occasionally, I do get called in for emergencies, but I did so voluntarily. Typically, going on call 24/7 means a few extra thousand a year. I get called once or twice a month. It's definitely advisable if you're looking to make more money.

Unfortunately, most institutional employers are looking for someone with experience - they don't have the time or setup to train. Remember, we're not making money but rather trying to save our employer money through PM and repairs. You may get lucky, however, with training and certifications. You also might have to put in some years with a mobile or storefront locksmith to build up the experience institutions are looking for.

Good luck. It's a great job.

@Confederate:

Most of the institutional ads for locksmiths I have seen in New England recently (there have been postings from: Boston University, Northeastern University, Bryant University, etc.) have focused more on the certifications that an applicant possesses... I.E. they are seeking applicants who have attained the ALOA CRL designation or higher... More of them are interested in a multifaceted candidate who also possesses a low-voltage electrical license so that the perspective locksmith-applicant can also maintain the access control system on site if they are hired on...

Academia is more focused on credentials (the trade school diploma and industry certifications) than specific time in with on-the-job experience...

With other institutions you have a point -- they will be expecting you to have the time on-the-job in a facilities maintenance/repair discipline but might be willing to overlook some amount of shortcomings in that aspect if you possess the ALOA certification...

~~ Evan

[Hollywoodpick]

I just turned 50 so i am in the same boat looking for something new to do and work my own hours even if it is only part time i do have some other things going on. But it would be great if this could turn into a full time good paying job i have a building i am trying to buy right now that i could work out of to that is commercial right in front of my house.

It is time for a career change, my second. I went from retail management to corporate technology rose to be a bank VP with a development team our jobs went to India (some went to Indians imported to the US.)

Now at 49 it is time to change careers again. I want something that I will be able to do for as long as I want to work (read workaholic), be able to either start or buy my own business after have worked awhile, and still has a bit of problem solving involved.

[Idgas]

I plan to work until I cannot or do not want to work anymore. I hope not to need to work full-time after I am 67 - full social security age - but I intend to work at least part-time. I have too many friends who have retired in their 60s and are now bored.

Evan & Confederate thanks for the good advice.


Hollywoodpick we need a "grown-up" or geezer area on this board.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

I.E. they are seeking applicants who have attained the ALOA CRL designation or higher...

I have found, and perhaps MCM can comment on this, that at least some hands-on experience was needed to pass the CRL test, but not a lot. I was able to come within one elective of passing it just after a year of being a locksmith, for example.

[Evan]

I.E. they are seeking applicants who have attained the ALOA CRL designation or higher...

I have found, and perhaps MCM can comment on this, that at least some hands-on experience was needed to pass the CRL test, but not a lot. I was able to come within one elective of passing it just after a year of being a locksmith, for example.

Anyone who earns a Locksmithing diploma from NBSS should be able to pass the ALOA CRL examination with flying colors on the first try without breaking a sweat...

Unless the curriculum has changed wildly from what it was 5 years ago when I last inquired about the program...

~~ Evan

[deception]

I.E. they are seeking applicants who have attained the ALOA CRL designation or higher...

I have found, and perhaps MCM can comment on this, that at least some hands-on experience was needed to pass the CRL test, but not a lot. I was able to come within one elective of passing it just after a year of being a locksmith, for example.

Anyone who earns a Locksmithing diploma from NBSS should be able to pass the ALOA CRL examination with flying colors on the first try without breaking a sweat...

Unless the curriculum has changed wildly from what it was 5 years ago when I last inquired about the program...

~~ Evan

@Evan,

This is also what I've been told. I actually have a copy of the PRP study guide, and all of it is pretty generic. The only thing I could brush up on is auto knowledge. I'm honestly not sure how much auto knowledge is on the CRL exam though.

[Evan]

@Evan,

This is also what I've been told. I actually have a copy of the PRP study guide, and all of it is pretty generic. The only thing I could brush up on is auto knowledge. I'm honestly not sure how much auto knowledge is on the CRL exam though.

@deception:

Yeah, the CRL designation is the 10 mandatory core categories of generic stuff (the 250 question exam) and any two PRP electives...

You could choose the automotive lock elective categories if you wanted to do so but there is no requirement on which two extra categories you have to choose...

If memory serves properly: the ALOA created a separate CAL "Certified Automotive Locksmith" designation a couple of years ago which now has its own 300 question examination which I have been told is fairly comprehensive and not for a beginner...

~~ Evan

[Tyler J. Thomas]

The mandatory exam had maybe 5-10 automotive questions when I took it, if that. They were so basic that I, having no automotive experience up to that point, knew the answer. A rough knowledge of GM 6/10 cut and Ford 10/8 cut would prepare you well. I seem to remember a very basic question on key progression with regards to automotive cylinders.

[deception]

The mandatory exam had maybe 5-10 automotive questions when I took it, if that. They were so basic that I, having no automotive experience up to that point, knew the answer. A rough knowledge of GM 6/10 cut and Ford 10/8 cut would prepare you well. I seem to remember a very basic question on key progression with regards to automotive cylinders.

Ah, well I shouldn't really have a problem then. I have a general knowledge of the GM 6/10 cut and Ford 10/8 cut system.

I'm not planning on taking the PRP at ALOA, will take it at Yankee Security in October though.

[Idgas]

I am starting the NBSS locksmithing program next week.