CRL Exam Prep

[kpjones44]

I am preparing to take the CRL exams in a month. I have Bill Philips' exam prep and current Locksmithing book. I learn better visually. There is a ton of videos out there. Can anyone recommend a set that might help me pass the exams?

I am a newbie and I hope this is posted in the proper section.

Thanks in advance,

KP

[globallockytoo]

Nothing personal here but, you are asking for "cheat sheets"?

How does this help you to be a better locksmith? How does this help your future customers?

Obviously you dont respect the CRL classification if you are willing to cheat to attain it, in my opinion.

[thelockpickkid]

Last I heard, this place that give you the CRL exam, was defunct, (the place you send your money to) You need to research this. There was a conversation on one of these forums once that also said that there was no such thing as CRL and if there was it isn't recognized. I may be wrong. Just passing the info down to you. Also, that exam at the back of his book, it's very very easy, not much studying to be done to pass it.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

I sent you a PM, kpjones44. I don't really want to broadcast the link I'm sending you but use it to prepare and you'll do fine.

[kpjones44]

Confederate,
What did you send? It directed me to a cheesy porn site.

globallockytoo,
If the test is valid, there are no "cheat sheets". I know how to play ball, I just wanted to know which park I'm playing in.

[globallockytoo]

You're a newbie and you are taking the CRL exam and you are asking for visual aids?

Wh?...Wha?...What?

[Legion303]

global: I disagree. Different people do have different learning styles, and knowing a subject with a fair degree of confidence is no guarantee that you'll do well on a test. I know computers inside and out, but if I hadn't crammed for one of my MSCE tests my score would have been much lower. Sometimes knowing what the test writers expect as an answer is as important as knowing the material.

n.b., no one uses IR printers anymore and I've never even seen one in ~20 years of working with computers, but darned if there isn't a question about it on Microsoft's Windows 2003 Admin tests...

-steve

[globallockytoo]

Fair enough.

I'll grant that. But truth be told, the CRL piece of paper is no real bonafides. It might give some personal satisfaction, that's about it. I dont think the industry really recognizes it anymore. I wouldnt employ 1 person over another because they have a CRL.

Even the ALOA PRP is not a real determination of someones knowledge or qualification. That is the probably why this country is in such a mess, because there is no clear recognition of qualifications in the trade.

In Australia, you can only become a locksmith 2 ways.

1. Apprenticeship as recognized by the federal department of industry.
2. Tradesman's rite. (7 years practise in full time employment, then tested by federal dept of industry)

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Confederate,
What did you send? It directed me to a cheesy porn site.

What? It was a link to a website started by an ALOA member that contains a few games and quizzes intended to prepare you for a PRP sitting. A lot of them are visual.

You're a newbie and you are taking the CRL exam and you are asking for visual aids?

There's nothing wrong with that. I took my CRL barely 2 years after my first day as a working locksmith and passed the mandatory and 1 elective with plenty of room to spare. I failed the second elective by one question. I used a lot of visual aids, specifically exploded diagrams to prepare.

Best of luck OP. Take it seriously. I heard a lot of people comment at the past two conventions about how you more than likely won't pass the first time and just to use it as a learning experience. I took those words seriously, a bit too seriously. I didn't even bother studying for my electives because I was more concerned about the mandatory. If I had, I guarantee I would have passed it all my first time. The test isn't as hard as everyone makes it out to be. I guess a lot of people have a tough time with it but as long as you understand the questions (proper terminology is a must), you'll do fine.

[kpjones44]

I found it. It has already helped me understand the mechanics a little better.

Thanks again.

KP

[Locksmithsheir]

I notices some of you think a CRL is a useless piece of paper. The state of Louisiana requires it by LAW before you can get a license to locksmith in Louisiana. So it is not so useless to me. If I could be sent that study site url, please it would help. Also, is there a practice test in existence? And I think the original poster is only a newbie to this site, not the industry.

[globallockytoo]

I notices some of you think a CRL is a useless piece of paper. The state of Louisiana requires it by LAW before you can get a license to locksmith in Louisiana. So it is not so useless to me. If I could be sent that study site url, please it would help. Also, is there a practice test in existence? And I think the original poster is only a newbie to this site, not the industry.

Pre-Katrina, I have worked in LA locksmithing (under contract) and required no CRL. I checked with the dept of fair trading before I started and they mentioned no pre-requisites or licenses required to operate. It may differ in different cities though. One city might require it but another might not. Licensing is far too difficult to manage on a statewide basis, hence why there is little to no enforcement. (and another reason the scammers have been able to flourish)

I challenge any CRL or licensed locksmith to come here and say how often, if ever they've been required to prove their credentials.

There are far too many exemptions in most state licensing requirements that licensing is a joke. A mechanic, who works on cars can have the tools, machinery, inventory etc to service their clients without licensing. A hardware store can sell, rekey, service, repair locks without a license. A tow truck operator can unlock doors without a license. An alarm technician can install, repair electronic locks as part of their job, without licensing.

The CRL might be accepted across the industry (there - but I doubt it), but the market is the realm that needs to require it.....not the fractured industry.

[BradyMarshino27]

Been working as an apprentice locksmith for almost 2 years now. Failed my CRL exam once and I am going to take it again in April. I have all the ALOA books that are needed and I am getting as much experience on the job as I can even though I am part of a small town locksmith business. I was wondering if there are any credible websites or links that would benefit me in the long run with the test. I know there is way more than those books cover and I don't want to have to take the test a third time. Thanks!

[billdeserthills]

As I've been a self-employed locksmith since 1990, I have little use for a CRL
Good luck chasing your dream, mine was to make more $$$ and I did it

[RedStagKiller]

Been working as an apprentice locksmith for almost 2 years now. Failed my CRL exam once and I am going to take it again in April. I have all the ALOA books that are needed and I am getting as much experience on the job as I can even though I am part of a small town locksmith business. I was wondering if there are any credible websites or links that would benefit me in the long run with the test. I know there is way more than those books cover and I don't want to have to take the test a third time. Thanks!

It seems like 2 years is such a short time to learn all this stuff. I've been locksmithing in just a commercial setting for 5 years and I learn new stuff all the time. (and thats with no automobiles under my belt)