by Updated on | $ Apprenticeship: Up to $100 | $ $ Online Locksmith Training: $400-$1,000 | $ $ $ In-Person Locksmith Training: $1,000-$3,000 |
Locksmith training is done in two ways: by attending an online program or by getting an in-person certificate program or apprenticeship.
Fifteen states make locksmiths obtain licensure or certification, while the other states require locksmiths to search for voluntary certification.
Typical Costs
The online locksmith programs are the most popular training option and their price ranges from $400 to $1,000, which covers the study materials and a mailed tool kit.
For example, the course through Assured Locksmith Training covers a training manual with step-by-step photos, tool kit and key duplicator, and instructional DVD for the sum of $910.
At the same time, Stratford Career Institute provides a similar course for $689, which sum covers textbooks, plus online exams and a diploma upon completion.
Earn your accredited, affordable Locksmith career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
The price of the in-person locksmith programs is approx. $1,000-$3,000 and can last for several days or one or two semesters.
For example, the Lockmasters Security Institute in Nicholasville, KY, provides a 10-day Safe and Vault training course at the price of $2,750.
At the same time, the Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, WI, provides a five-day locksmith training course at the price of $1,300, covering all course supplies and materials.
The Hostos Community College in New York provides a series of three locksmith training courses, each lasting 10-weeks for the sum of $1,200.
The employers recommend both online or in-person training courses and can require an employee to get a certification after attending a training course and earning on-the-job experience.
Employers may recommend either online or in-person training courses, but in either case, may require an employee to seek certification after a training course and earning on-the-job experience.
The locksmith apprenticeships can be both formal or informal and their price is up to $100, with an option to earn money on the job.
The locksmith apprentices who are working in New York, for example, need to register for a license for $75 for fingerprinting and then pay $25 for the two-year license.
The locksmith companies that hire an apprentice can pay a percentage of a normal wage while they offer hands-on training.
Salt Lake City, UT, Glens Key Lock, and Safe Company, usually hire one apprentice locksmith every one or two years where they start at $10 per hour plus training.
The cost of the Certification through the Associated Locksmiths of America is $60-$300 per exam.
In order to become a Certified Registered Locksmith, for instance, ALOA members pay $60 ($100 computer-based test) and non-members pay $215 ($300 computer-based test).
The applicants may test for proficiency in various aspects such as automotive security or safes, general locksmithing, and vaults.
What Is Included
- The online locksmithing programs should provide a minimum of 60 hours of training and preparing students in order to work as an independent locksmith or in entry-level jobs at key shops and hardware stores.
- Upon completion, the students receive a certificate or diploma.
- According to the Education Portal, the locksmith certificate programs cover residential and automotive, commercial and institutional locksmithing, mechanical locks and lockset servicing, key duplication and impressions.
Additional Costs
- If not covered by the training program cost, the price of the basic locksmith tool kits is $100-$2,000.
- A 51-piece car kit from Access Tools, for instance, costs $370, while manual key duplicators, like the Mini Speedex manual key duplicator, costs $700, range from $400-$2,000.
- Additional tools that are needed cover installation and drilling kits at up to $1,300 for a kit, or $30-$60 per piece.
- Transportation to job sites is other expenses incurred by a locksmith.
Discounts
Scholarships to qualified applicants are offered by the industry groups such as the Associated Locksmiths of America and the Texas Locksmiths Association.
Shopping For Locksmith Training
If you’re interested in becoming a locksmith, read our full guide on the topic – How to Become a Locksmith: Complete Information + Step-by-Step Guide
A list of approved locksmith training programs, as well as basic career information, is offered by the Associated Locksmiths of America.
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