How to Become a Locksmith in Kansas

Do you have some curiosity about how to become a locksmith in Kansas?

If so, you are not the only one, and this information will help you whether you have already decided this is the career path for you.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Kansas

1. Research training options. Think about your career goals before you choose a locksmithing certificate program. You could enroll in both locksmithing classes and business courses if you decide you want to have your own business, for instance.
2. Enroll in a relevant educational track. Make sure the Kansas Government approves of your choice of training. It must cover the categories as established by the ALOA. This will ensure you receive training from qualified instructors.
3. Seek work experience via an apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you will train with an experienced security maintenance and repair provider. During this time, you will learn all you need to know before serving your own customers.
4. Apply for your locksmith license. Licensing starts with a preliminary six-day course. Then, you will work up to the highest certification level there is.
5. Keep updating your skills. Various continuing education courses will help you gain an edge over your competition. The more courses you take, that is how much more qualified you will be for future opportunities.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith

The State of Kansas offers detailed explanations on who has the right to purchase locksmithing equipment.

This includes lock picking devices and both safe-opening and vehicle-opening tools.

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Anyone performing these acts must show a valid license and always have their photo I.D. on them.

The standard license runs no more than $100, but that does not account for any voluntary certifications you want to attain to enhance your security repair skills.

You must wait until you are at least 18 years old before you can purchase a locksmithing license in Kansas.

Moreover, you should review liability insurance and bonding requirements before providing services in this state.

Kansas Locksmith Programs

According to the Associated Locksmith of America, training to become a Locksmith takes as little time as a few months.

However, you can continue receiving certificates that enable you to earn more money as you take on more security repair responsibilities.

What is more, you could attend a four-year college to acquire a Business Administration, Accounting or similar degree to prepare you for either running your own business or managing someone else’s someday.

About The ALOA Certificates

You can refer to the “How to Certify” document provided by the ALOA to learn more about the varying Proficiency Registration Evaluation categories you must pass.

Some mandatory topics covered include Key Blank Identification, Key Duplications and Impressioning, Professional Lock Opening Techniques, and Furniture and Mailbox Locks.

The Preliminary Six-Day Course

You do not necessarily have to attend in person to take the Six-Day Basic Locksmithing Course.

Instead, register online and make sure you receive instructions for the state of Kansas if that is where you will operate.

On the last day, you will take your Proficiency Registration Evaluation exam.

This gives you the right to operate as an apprentice but does not give you the right to perform on your own just yet.

AFL Certificate

At this level, you have received your ALOA Fundamental Locksmith (AFL) recognition after taking the Six-Day course and passing mandatory tests.

However, you still need to move on to more levels before receiving advanced locksmithing certificates.

CRL Certificate

You will need to pass 10 mandatory training categories.

After that, you receive your Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL) license.

This level also requires that you choose two elective tracks and must pass those.

CPL Certificate

At the Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL) level, you will have passed 12 additional elective categories that pertain to your chosen specializations.

You have broadened your skills enough at this point, and usually, you can start looking for full-time work upon completing this certification level.

CML Certificate

A Certified Master Locksmith (CML) has completed at least 90 percent of available certification categories.

This includes becoming proficient in wireless technology and electronic security systems.

After this, you can move on to SafeTech training.

Safetech Certificates

ALOA also provides two SafeTech certifications: The Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS) and the Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST) licenses.

The CPS demonstrates that you have passed at least 17 vault and safe locksmithing categories, and the CMST shows that you have proven yourself at the highest level you possibly can achieve.

Recommended Schools

You might receive training that suits your preferences at the U.S. Flight Co., Concord Career College, or Kansas City Carpenter Training Center.

You are not limited to these, however.

Refer to the ALOA website for more information on suitable courses.

Kansas Locksmith Salary

A Kansas Locksmith Salary averages about $51,302, which rates close to the United States locksmithing salary average.

You can earn up to $57,831 or more, however.

Education, skills, and whether you decide to operate while self-employed make a difference in how much you make per year.

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