How to Become a Locksmith in Maine

Perhaps you feel that a career change seems fitting at this time in your life.

If you have considered locksmithing in Maine, make sure you know the pros and cons of becoming employed in this profession.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Maine

1. Evaluate locksmith responsibilities. Make sure you feel comfortable with the duties a locksmith would perform. For instance, you need to pay attention to key details and possibly put yourself in potentially dangerous situations. If you think you can handle it, then proceed.
2. Explore relevant education programs. Available programs must provide courses on topics required for ensuring legal operation as a locksmith in Maine. Once you register for classes, you can seek out apprentice opportunities to learn the locksmithing trade.
3. Apply for an apprenticeship. This will give you the opportunity to make at least some money while in training. A more experienced, licensed professional would guide you in all aspects of key duplication, alarm systems, combinations, etc.
4. Purchase your license. In Maine, you may not need a locksmithing license. However, you will need to follow the state’s guidelines for operating a business in this location. Make sure you refer to the Associated Locksmiths of America website because they can help you decide what licenses you need to demonstrate locksmithing proficiency.
5. Acquire work experience. Your paid training as an apprentice will help you secure gainful employment. Becoming certified before hiring also will increase your chances of making as much money as a locksmith as you would like.
6. Continue your education. You can achieve up to six certificates in all. This allows you more advantages than what you would have as an entry-level locksmith.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith

As of 2021, only 16 states require a locksmithing license.

Maine has not yet made it mandatory.

Popular Programs

However, people requesting your services will expect that you uphold professional standards as set by ALOA.

You will need to legally register your business if self-employed and most employers will require a criminal background check as administered by the FBI.

Maine’s government website does list all the professions that require a license and how to obtain it.

Even if you do not see locksmithing included on the licensing by profession page, it is one of the best local references for operating a business.

You can find more resources for starting your own company in Maine here.

Locksmith Programs

The ALOA website could show you more information about the various available locksmithing certifications.

You could participate in three primary training levels.

Then, you can move up to the two extra SafeTech levels to receive certificates in electronic security and work with top-secret safes and vaults.

Training may take only a few months in the beginning but could require at least three to four years of additional coursework and practice to reach advanced levels.

First Three Certifications

If you follow ALOA guidelines, you would start out with the Six-Day Basic Locksmithing Course and take an exam on the last day.

If you pass at least 10 mandatory proficiency testing categories, you achieve AFL (ALOA Fundamental Locksmith) status.

After the initial evaluation, you will move on to the Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL), Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL), or Certified Master Locksmith levels (CML).

You must pass at least 10 mandatory and two elective categories to receive your CRL certificate.

Then, you need to pass 12 more elective locksmithing categories to acquire your CML license.

After that, you will require the passing of 17 vault and safe categories to obtain your CPS certification.

The Two SafeTech Certifications

ALOA also provides two vault and safe certifications via its Safe & Vault Technicians Association division.

These include the Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS) and the Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST) levels.

The CPS certificate shows that you became proficient in 17 vault and safe categories, and the CMST provides the most advanced electronic and safe licensing available to locksmiths.

Recommended Schools

To ensure you receive relevant training, review information provided by ALOA concerning how to become a licensed, educated security professional.

You can seek online training or try either the United Technologies Center or the Northern Maine Community College.

They might not train in just locksmithing, but you probably will find classes that cover various security topics and electronic technologies.

In addition, you could take business, accounting, or other classes that will make you a successful locksmithing entrepreneur.

Salary

Maine locksmith salaries range from $45,282-$58,843, with the average being approximately $54,195 as of January 2022.

You might make more money in Portland, Augusta, Westbrook, or other popular cities than in some smaller towns.

Locksmith Training by State