Online Locksmith Training Programs: The Definitive Guide

Becoming a locksmith may be a great choice for those who are interested in entering the world of trade.

With improvements in technology, locksmith training programs are now accessible online, making them a great option for students who don’t have transportation or need a more flexible learning schedule.

If you are thinking about becoming a locksmith, an online training program could be a good fit for you.

This article will tell you everything you need to know to help you choose an online locksmith training course that is perfect for your needs and goals.

What Courses Are In An Online Locksmith Program?

The exact courses that are in an online locksmith program will vary depending on where you enroll.

However, you can expect some similarities across the board.

Most online locksmith training programs include courses to help you learn about:

• Basics of home security
• Master keys
• Home security wiring
• CCTV systems
• Lock picking techniques
• Low-volt conduit installation
• Lock installation and repair
• Key duplication
• Alarmed systems and access control
• Safe access and repair

These basic skills are things that every locksmith needs to know before they can become certified (though you may not need official certification depending on where you live).

Can You Earn a Locksmith Certification Completely Online?

Remote learning has made getting a locksmith certification easier than ever.

Whether you can earn a locksmith certification completely online largely depends on the program you attend.

Generally, you can do at least the vast majority of your locksmith certification online, including attending lectures and even taking your final certification.

However, some programs may require you to attend at least some in-person sessions to learn special skills.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Locksmith Certification Online?

In most cases, locksmith training — either in person or online — takes less than a year to complete.

Fast-track training programs might be as short as two months, while longer ones could be up to seven.

On average, however, you can probably expect to earn your locksmith certification online in four to six months, depending on the program you attend.

How Much Does an Online Locksmith Certification Cost?

Online locksmith training programs can vary significantly in cost.

In general, however, they are affordable for most people.

On average, they range in cost from $400 to $1,000.

This covers not only the cost of the course but also the cost of any tools and materials you may need for your studies.

Top 17 Online Locksmith Training Programs

School Name	Address
Penn Foster	200 Hickory Street Scranton, PA 18505 USA
UHS Hardware	3301 N 29th Ave, Hollywood, FL 33020
Ashworth College	5051 Peachtree Corners Circle, Suite 200, Norcross, Georgia 30092
Locksmith Courses Inc	30 N Gould St Ste R Sheridan, WY 82801
California Institute of Locksmithing	30423 Canwood St #201 Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Foley-Belsaw Locksmithing	PO Box 401, River Falls, Wisconsin, 54022
Udemy, Inc.	600 Harrison Street, 3rd Floor San Francisco, CA 94107
Lockmasters Security Institute	12011 Guilford Rd Suite #108, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701, USA
ABC Locksmith School	515 SUTTON RD. AUBURNDALE, FL 33823.
A Class Academy	9303 Center Street Suite 100, Manassas, VA 20110
ASSA ABLOY	110 Sargent Drive, New Haven, Connecticut
School of Lock and Electronic Security	6701 Cold Harbor Road Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111
Society of Professional Locksmiths	6016 S Antrim Loop, Tucson, Arizona, 85706,
Locksmith Trade Academy.	Not Available
Elite CEU	Not Available
North America Locksmith Academy	Not Available
LocksmithSchool4u	Not Available

Types of Locksmith Certifications

If your state requires an official locksmith certification, you might feel overwhelmed as you start to explore the options.

There are a huge number of certifications available, but don’t panic — you will likely have someone to guide you in figuring out which one you need to obtain.

But what is the point of becoming a certified locksmith, even if your state or city doesn’t require it?

Getting a certification lends you credibility as a tradesman, both to customers and to potential employers.

It shows that you truly know your craft and that you have shown yourself to have all the skills a reliable locksmith needs.

The types of locksmith certifications include:

• AFL (ALOA Fundamental Locksmith) — This certification shows that you have undergone the training program from the Associated Locksmiths Of America and passed a final exam. This is generally considered a “basic” certification that serves as a basis for higher certifications.
• RL (Registered Locksmith) — Largely interchangeable with AFL certification, RL certification differs in that it involves a longer training period.
• CRL (Certified Registered Locksmith) — The second stage of certification after completing AFL or RL, CRL certification indicates that you have become proficient in certain specialties related to locksmith work, you can use this practice test before your official exam.
• CPL (Certified Professional Locksmith) — CPL certification shows that you have completed further studies in certain locksmith specialties, such as safe deposit locks.
• CML (Certified Master Locksmith) — CML certification is the most advanced certification for general locksmith studies. This indicates that the recipient has master-level proficiency in certain specialties such as electronic lock systems.

If you choose to go into an advanced locksmith specialty, you may be interested in pursuing one of the following certifications:

• CAL (Certified Automotive Locksmith)
• CMAL (Certified Master Automotive Locksmith)
• CPS (Certified Professional SafeTech)
• CMST (Certified Master SafeTech)
• CFL (Certified Forensic Locksmith)
• ICRL (Institutional Certified Registered Locksmith)
• ICPL (Institutional Certified Professional Locksmith)
• ICML (Institutional Certified Master Locksmith)
• CILM (Certified Institutional Lockshop Manager)
• CEL (Certified Electronic Locksmith)
• CMEL (Certified Master Electronic Locksmith)

Benefits of Online Locksmith Training Programs

So what are the benefits of attending an online locksmith training program instead of a traditional in-person trade school or apprenticeship?

Here are some of the top reasons that people opt to get their certification online:

1. Convenience

One of the biggest benefits of attending an online training program of any kind is convenience.

You do not need to have transportation to get to class and much of the time, you don’t even need to leave your home.

As long as you have a computer and reliable internet access, you can pursue your education right where you are.

This is a huge benefit to many people, especially those who do not live near a trade school or in-person training program.

2. Flexibility

Another major benefit of attending an online locksmith training program is schedule flexibility.

Much of the time, students have the option to choose a variety of class times or even access prerecorded lectures on their own schedule.

This makes it possible to pursue your studies even if you are working or have other responsibilities that make attending in-person school impractical for your needs.

You can also take weekend or night classes if this better suits your schedule.

3. Affordability

Many people find that studying from home is a much more affordable option for them than attending courses in person.

Trade schools are, in general, much lower in cost than four-year colleges.

There are many things that factor into the lower costs of online school, including lower cost of materials and no transportation costs.

4. School-Life Balance

Many people find that attending an online training program helps them balance their schooling with their usual life responsibilities.

This may be especially true for people who have a full-time job or a family, whose schedule is already extremely busy.

Online training means being able to study from wherever you are, saving time for your other duties.

Drawbacks of Online Locksmith Training Programs

1. It May Involve Practical Training

One of the biggest difficulties with attending an online trade school in any discipline is missing out on a hands-on experience.

Because learning how to perform basic locksmith tasks is an essential part of your training, there may be times when you have to attend an in-person class.

In this way, online locksmith training programs cannot be entirely remote.

2. Communication Limitations

Unlike in a traditional classroom setting, learning from home can make it difficult to communicate with your teacher.

Some students find it hard to speak to their teacher one-on-one if they have questions or need additional support.

This can also extend to communicating with other students if you want to form a study group.

3. It Requires Self-Discipline

The freedom of learning from home also has a downside, especially if you struggle with self-discipline.

Because you are responsible for making your own schedule, you might find it difficult to make yourself sit down and attend your lectures, review your notes, and complete any classwork.

Some people find that it takes practice to manage their time well while studying remotely.

4. Technology Requirements

The basic requirements for learning from home are, of course, having a working computer and home internet.

This means that online training programs aren’t necessarily accessible to everyone.

Depending on your program, you may be able to access the course through a public computer (such as at a library) if you do not have internet access at home.

Benefits of Online Locksmith Training Programs	Drawbacks of Online Locksmith Training Programs
Convenience	It May Involve Practical Training
Flexibility	Communication Limitations
Affordability	It Requires Self-Discipline
School-Life Balance	Technology Requirements

4 Self-Study Tips for Locksmith Online Students

So what do you need to know before you get started on your online locksmith training?

These tips will help you study more effectively from home, whether you are planning on joining an established business after completing your training or starting your own locksmith company.

1. Reach Out To Your Teachers & Peers

Communication can be a challenge when you are studying from home.

It is important to take the initiative if you are struggling or have questions.

Be proactive in reaching out to your teacher to ask for clarification or extra support if you feel you need it.

Similarly, there is no need to feel isolated just because you are working from home.

Reach out to your classmates to ask if they want to form a study group, either remotely or in person if you feel like that would be beneficial to you.

2. Set Up a Dedicated Study Space

It can be easy to blend school and home life when you are training remotely.

However, this isn’t the most effective way to learn.

Instead, set up a study space in your home that is exclusively for learning and doing your work.

This might be an office or desk, but it can also be another space.

The important thing is that it is a place where you can focus without distractions, have all your materials in one place, and learn effectively.

3. Find Your Learning Style

Everyone learns differently, and it is all right if it takes you a while to find your learning style.

Be proactive about experimenting with different study methods to find which one is best for you.

For some people, that might be taking notes and reading them over later.

For others, it might be listening to prerecorded lectures several times.

Or maybe you work best in a group setting where you can take turns testing one another.

Don’t expect to retain information the same way everyone else does.

4. Stay Organized

As simple as it is, one of the best pieces of advice for remote students is to stay organized.

Keep extensive notes that you can follow and store all your materials in a dedicated space.

This will not only help you learn more effectively but also keep your mind clear and relaxed while you study.

Frequently Asked Questions

What States Require Locksmith Certification?

Requirements for locksmiths vary from state to state.

Currently, only fifteen states require locksmiths to get an official certification before they can work:

Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

However, you may be subject to other local laws before you can work (New York City and Miami, for example, are known for their unique licensing requirements).

Make sure you research your local and state requirements to find out what steps you need to take to work as a locksmith.

What Are The Best Online Locksmith Training Programs?

There are many excellent online locksmith training programs, and you may find that one or another is best suited for your unique needs.

However, some of the best-known and acclaimed online programs include Stratford Career Institute, Penn Foster Career School, and Ashworth College.

Is Becoming a Locksmith Worth It?

There are many benefits to becoming a locksmith.

The average salary for a locksmith in the United States is just under $47,000 annually.

There are also benefits to having job security, career advancement, and the freedom to set your own schedule or start your own business.

Do You Need To Take a Test To Become a Locksmith?

To obtain locksmith certification, you will need to pass a series of tests with a minimum score of 70 percent, as per ALOA requirements.

But even if you don’t live in a place that requires certification, you will likely need to sit through several exams to complete your online training.

These are usually completed remotely.