A Career in Locksmithing

Locksmithing is the science and art of making and defeating locks. A lock is a mechanism that secures buildings, rooms, cabinets, or other storage facilities from theft by burglars. 

Locksmithing includes jobs involved in repairing, overhauling, modifying, testing, and installing a variety of locking devices typically found on doors, desks, compartments, mobile equipment, safes, vaults, and other secured locations. The work includes the manufacture and duplication of keys and the keying and combination of locking mechanisms.

The work requires a knowledge of the construction, operation, and functional characteristics of locking devices, and skill in manufacturing replacement parts, devising or changing combinations, establishing master keying systems, neutralizing lockouts, and a variety of installation and repair processes such as filing, drilling, chiseling, and grinding.

The Associated Locksmiths of America Inc. (ALOA) is an international professional organization of highly qualified security professionals engaged in consulting, sales, installation and maintenance of locks, keys, safes, premises security, access controls, alarms, and other security related endeavors.

  ALOA PRP RECERTIFICATION PROGRAM 


The security industry is in a constant state of evolution. To protect the integrity and advance the professionalism of the CRL, CPL, and CML designations, the ALOA Board of Directors through the ALOA Education Department (AED) has mandated that all holders of ALOA certifications achieved after January 1, 2006 pursue professional development and continuing education in order to maintain proficiency and credibility. 

Those that achieved their designations prior to January 1, 2006 are exempt from the AED requirement for recertification; however, to remain a member of ALOA, they will have to comply with the ALOA Active membership requirement to have and maintain an ALOA recognized certification. 

Recertification requirements established by the AED involve obtaining a specified number of credits (16 pts within three years), in areas such as education, training, writing, and volunteer leadership in locksmith/security and business management associations. The AED will review and revise activities approved for credit as appropriate. 

Recertification activity must be submitted to the ALOA Education Department every three years for holders of the CRL, CPL, and CML designations. Certification holders will be required to submit a recertification activity form prior to the expiration of their current certification. While documentation other than the activity form will not be required, the Certification holder may be asked to submit backup documentation when requested. 

For further information contact ALOA Education Department: 

(800) 532-2562 x1 01 

Email: education@aloa.org 

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION INFORMATION 

As an international trade association, ALOA recognizes professionalism and proficiency among locksmiths and safe technicians by granting the designations Registered Locksmith (RL), Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL), Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL), Certified Master Locksmith (CML), Certified Professional SafeTech (CPS), and Certified Master SafeTech (CMST). Available to all locksmiths and safe technicians, the Proficiency Registration Program (PRP) evaluates, through participation tracking and testing, the educational and technical competence of dedicated individuals in a wide range of subjects including; Automotive locksmithing, Generallocksmithing, Electronic Access Control, and Safe and Vault service. 

REGISTERED LOCKSMITH (RL) 

The designation for Registered Locksmith is - RL. John Doe, RL, was "grand fathered" into the program at its inception in 1985 (this grandfather program is no longer available) or is an active locksmith who has received twelve ALOA Education Units (AEU) by completing twelve ALOA Continuing Education (ACE) Classes consisting of eight hours each. An RL is recognized for training or experience, but is not tested or certified. This is not a path for advanced certification levels. 

CERTIFIED REGISTERED LOCKSMITH (CRL) 

The first level of locksmith certification is Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL). 

A Certified Registered Locksmith has passed the ten mandatory categories, as well as at least two specialized electives of his choice. A CRL has a good working knowledge of general locksmithing. To achieve this first level of certification, a passing grade (70%+) is required on the mandatory section and any two electives. 

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL LOCKSMITH (CPL) 

The second level of locksmith certification is Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL). A Certified Professional Locksmith has earned the CRL designation and 

has successfully completed an additional twelve elective categories. A CPL has an advanced knowledge of generallocksmithing and of many specialized areas. To achieve this intermediate level of certification, a passing grade is required on each of any twelve additional electives. 

Note: This information was taken directly from ALOA's website (WWW.ALOA.ORG). 

CERTIFIED MASTER LOCKSMITH (CML) 

The highest level of locksmith certification is Certified Master Locksmith (CML). 

A Certified Master Locksmith has reached the highest level of ALOA's Proficiency Registration Program and has successfully demonstrated proficiency in ninety percent of the available categories of the Proficiency Registration Program. A CML has advanced knowledge of most areas of locksmithing and electronic security. To achieve this highest level of certification, a passing grade is required on each of any nine of the remaining electives. 


SAFE TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION LEVELS

Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS)
The first level of the SafeTech certification is Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS) – A CPS has successfully demonstrated proficiency in 17 safe and vault related categories. A CPS has advanced knowledge of general Safe & Vault categories. 

Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST)

The highest level of the SafeTech certification Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST) – A CMST has successfully demonstrated advanced knowledge in most areas of safe and vault related categories. 

To achieve the highest level of certification, Certified Master Safe Technician, you must be a CPS and achieve a passing grade (70%+) on the Certified Master Safe Technician exam.

SAFE TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION CATEGORIES

The Certified Professional Safe Technician Categories are: 

• Lock Identification • UL Standards For Safes • Vault and Safe Locks 
•SMNA & JIS Ratings •Tools and Their Usage • Safe Lock Servicing and Changing • Troubleshooting and Dialing Diagnostics • The Theory of Manipulation • Safe Lock Installation • Basic Safe and Lock Construction 
• Safe Installation • GSA Equipment • Safe and Vault Door • Adjustments/Alignment • Safe Drilling/Penetration • Post-Penetration Repairs • Safe Deposit Locks  •Key-Operated Safe Locks • Safe-Related Electronics • 

The Certified Master Safe Technician categories are: 

• Lock Identification • UL Standards For Safes • Vault & Safe Locks 
• SMNA & JIS Ratings • Tools & Their Usage • Safe Lock Servicing & Changing • Troubleshooting & Dialing Diagnostics • The Theory Of Manipulation • Safe Lock Installation • Basic Safe & Lock Construction 
• Safe Installation • GSA Equipment • Safe & Vault Door Adjustments & Alignment • Safe Drilling • Post-Penetration Repairs • Safe Deposit Locks 
• Key-Operated Safe Locks • Safe-Related Electronics • Advanced Dialing Diagnostics • Manipulation • Uncommon Safes & Locks • Advanced Safe • Deposit Locks • Time Locks •Night Depositories • High-Security Safe Construction • Safe Penetration • Advanced Borescope Techniques•  Composite & High-Security Safe Repair • Vaults & Vault Doors