How to Become a Locksmith in Louisiana

Becoming a locksmith might not appeal to everyone, but you may consider it a viable career choice if you want to maybe take a police science, detective, or security training course.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Louisiana

1. Enroll in a relevant training course. The ALOA Security Professionals Association promotes security and safety, and this organization sees to it that the most qualified people become locksmiths. The ALOA also provides trustworthy referrals to customers, so you could use them as a job search resource. Once approved by this association, you will prepare yourself to provide lock, key, combination, and alarm system repairs. In addition, you will know how to install new security equipment.
2. Look for apprenticeship openings.  You will most likely have chances to learn on the job as you work under the supervision of an experienced locksmith. You will have plenty of opportunities to become proficient in locksmithing duties, and you can earn money even before you work without someone watching you for the first time.
3. Apply for mandatory licenses. As you begin your training and spent time practicing locksmithing duties, you need to obtain your license. You may not necessarily have to have graduated from your advanced classes before you can obtain a certification. For instance, you will start out taking a six-day beginner’s course that will introduce you to the world of different lock and key types. You will also start your training with the necessary safety and security information before obtaining your first certificate.
4. Start your job search. You can continue your education and look for jobs at the same time. Eventually, you will rise to the top of your field if you stay dedicated to improving your skills. This starts with seeking as much experience as possible during your initial training sessions and upon obtaining one of several available certifications.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith

The State of Louisiana offers several licensing options, including a six-day basic course and up to six levels of certifications as promoted by ALOA.

Licensing fees in Louisiana start out at about $250, but you also need to obtain enough liability insurance before performing Louisiana locksmithing services.

Licensing includes passing mandatory safety courses, such as the Fire Marshal Administrative Rules, Fire Marshal Plan Review, and Life Safety Courses as designated by the state.

Popular Programs

Locksmith Programs

Locksmiths need at least one certification past the six-day introductory course to become a technician.

However, it would benefit you to seek as many certifications as possible, so you can perform the services your customers need.

You could start your training via the Elite Continuing Education University, which offers an introductory 36-hour training course.

If you wish to try a different training track, make sure it is approved by the Louisiana Fire Marshall.

You will also find guidelines concerning steps to run a locksmith business offered by Louisiana’s government, and most of these include information you will receive when enrolled in various locksmith programs.

Initial training might only take you less than a year, but you could spend time in school for two years or more and keep updating your training even after you have a job.

Licensing Levels

The Preliminary AFL Training

First, you must prepare yourself for this course by taking the Six-Day Basic Locksmithing Course.

On the last day, you will take an exam.

Then, you will move on to take the ALOA Fundamental Locksmith course.

While in AFL training, you will prepare for advancement through the upper locksmithing certification levels while working as an apprentice.

Three Upper-Level Licenses

CRL (Level One) – By the time you obtain your Certified Registered Locksmith license, you will have passed at least 10 mandatory Proficiency Registration Evaluation categories.

This includes knowing various lockset and key functions, including those that keep cabinets, furniture, and mailboxes secure.

You will also have learned about key impressions and duplicating, and you will receive critical safety code information.

CPL (Level Two) – As a Certified Professional Locksmith, you will have reached the “intermediate level” of training.

Upon reaching this level, you probably have some time in working as an apprentice.

During your CPL training, you will become immersed in a dozen or more new proficiency categories chosen by you.

At this stage, you are one step closer to acquiring skills for running your own business, but you also can apply your certification to paid, direct-hire positions while no longer requiring supervision.

CML (Level Three) – Passing this level of Proficiency Registration Program testing before receiving your Certified Master Locksmith certificate requires that you provide an ability to perform most of the locksmithing tasks your customers need.

Licensing at this level comes with demonstrating a 90 percent or better proficiency in chosen and mandatory categories.

Two SafeTech (SAVTA) Courses

The Safe and Vault Technicians Association serves along with ALOA, and the SAVTA provides two additional licensing options.

This includes the Certified Professional Safe Technician course, which you will usually hear called the CPS certification.

You will receive training in at least 17 aspects of safe and vault locksmithing.

At the second SafeTech training level, you will have obtained the Certified Master Safe Technician, or CMST, certificate.

This provides you with some of the highest privileges to classified information that a locksmith can receive.

You will need to prove yourself as a trustworthy person and show your customers that you can handle their vault and safety issues.

Louisiana Locksmith Salary

The locksmith salary in the United States ranges from $46,898-$60,939.

In Louisiana, the average yearly earnings calculate at approximately $51,788.

The amount of education, experience, and skills you have and the types of certificates you achieve affect how much you can make as a locksmith, which usually equals about $24.989 per hour.

Regional Salary in Louisiana

Locksmith Training by State