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Certified Registered Locksmiths are locksmiths who have earned the basic level of certification issued by the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
A certification is a document that proves that the locksmith is qualified to perform certain tasks.
Currently, several US states require locksmiths to hold a special license before being allowed to practice, and in order to qualify for this license, you will need a certificate or to complete an apprenticeship in the field.
ALOA offers three different levels of locksmith certifications: Certified Registered Locksmith, Certified Professional Locksmith, and Certified Master Locksmith.
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More about Certified Registered Locksmiths
As said before, the CRL credential is the first level of locksmith certification.
In order to earn this credential, you have to pass an exam that includes 10 required categories and two specialized electives.
This exam tests that you have strong general knowledge in this field.
A CRL is not a specialist in a particular locksmithing trade but is someone who knows the general aspects of this profession and works towards a specialization.
Requirements for Certified Registered Locksmiths
We have mentioned above that you have to pass 10 mandatory categories and two electives before earning your certification.
Each one of these categories is tested in one section of the exam.
Currently, there are 36 categories but in order to become a CRL you need to pass the following 10:
- Codes and Code Equipment
- Cylinder Servicing
- Key Blank Identification
- Key Duplication
- Key Impressioning
- Professional Lock Opening Techniques
- Lockset Functions
- Lockset Servicing
- Basic Master Keying
- Cabinet, Furniture, and Mailbox Locksmith
The mandatory categories are included in the written test and you have to earn a score of at least 70 percent in order to pass this test.
The other part of the test will cover 2 elective categories of your choice.
There are 26 electives that you can choose from, each one including between 25 and 40 questions.
You also need to get 70% of these questions correctly in order to pass the exam.
How Do I Register for the Exam?
You can register for this exam through the Associated Locksmiths of America website by completing a registration form.
The examination fee is $100 for registered ALOA members and $295 for non-members.
Those interested can prepare for the exam either by attending a training program at a local school or by studying on their own.
ALOA is also offering a $10 guide for those who want to study alone.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Locksmith