Education · 1 of 4

The path

Mostly learned on the job. There is no degree and, in most states, no exam.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Shop class, electronics and anything mechanical. Fine motor skill and patience matter more than grades.

2. 2

   Get hired by a shop

   Weeks to months of asking

   Start as a helper or counter person cutting keys. This is how almost everyone learns. Small independent shops are more likely to take on a beginner than a big franchise.

3. 3

   Learn the mechanics

   1 to 3 years

   Pin tumbler locks, rekeying, master key systems, door hardware, safes. Some people add a short trade course or the training ALOA (the locksmith trade association) runs at its conventions.

4. 4

   Get registered if your state requires it

   Weeks

   A background check and fingerprints in the states that license the trade. In others you can simply start working.

5. 5

   Certify and specialize

   Ongoing

   Take ALOA exams, add automotive key programming or electronic access control, or move into safe work.