How to Become a Locksmith in Mississippi

It takes courage to make positive changes that could improve your living conditions.

However, it also takes having the right information.

Learn the pros and cons of becoming a locksmith in Mississippi if this career track interests you.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Mississippi

1. Research state requirements. As you find out about what steps it takes to become a Mississippi locksmith, you might also consider becoming a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America. This will provide you with one of the best resources for operating in this profession.
2. Sign up for training. For this, you will want to consult both local and national organizations for information. See licensing requirements in the next section for more details.
3. Apply to become an apprentice. At this stage, you will receive your experience to become a locksmith before venturing out on your own. Even if Mississippi does not require a license, it will help you gain a competitive advantage over other students.
4. Seek new opportunities. As you find out about the various licenses you can acquire, you also can seek new employment opportunities. The ALOA provides up to six different licensing levels (including the preparatory AFL one that comes before receiving “official” operating licenses).
5. Update your skills. This may happen on the job or by way of continued education. You might even take new courses pertaining to the latest security technology after completing all the available certifications.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith

As of February 2, 2022, Mississippi does not require a locksmithing license in either part or all the state.

Popular Programs

You can keep up with current local requirements at the ALOA website.

The Mississippi Locksmith Association also provides updates on what requirements you must meet to operate in this location.

There were laws concerning licensing for this state back in 2012, but they may have changed.

Locksmith Programs

The preliminary coursework you would complete regardless of location resembles the ALOA preparation to obtain AFL (ALOA Fundamental Locksmith) standing.

This usually occurs after completing the Six-Day Basic Locksmithing Course, which makes you ready for entry into a locksmith apprenticeship program.

Three Primary Certificates

Three levels designated by ALOA prepare you for work either for an employer or to run your own business.

These include the CRL (Certified Registered Locksmith), CPL (Certified Professional Locksmith), or CML (Certified Master Locksmith) certifications.

These licenses provide you with chances to update your skills relevant to your customers.

• CRL – At this level, you will have passed the 10 mandatory and two elective testing categories. This begins your journey of professional locksmithing either while self-employed or landing your first non-apprentice job.
• CPL – After CRL certification, you can show your ability to perform in 12 additional elective locksmithing categories. If you do, you will have an “intermediate” level of locksmithing skills. At this stage, you will have more opportunities than a beginning locksmith and could bring in a steady stream of revenue from your or an employer’s clientele.
• CML – This licensing level requires that you have proven capable of providing 90 percent of all the available Proficiency Registration Program locksmithing service categories. This includes knowing how to resolve a variety of electronic security problems and more complicated lock systems.

Two More Certificates

The two additional certificates offered according to ALOA standards include the CPS (Certified Professional Safe Technician) and CMST (Certified Master Safe Technician) licenses.

These two SafeTech certificates offer you the chance to have the confidence that you can perform in at least 17 additional security categories, which relate to solving safe and vault problems.

Recommended Schools

You will find a number of schools in Mississippi that may offer locksmith training.

Usually, this would occur at trade schools, such as the ones you might find in Jackson, MS.

If this location does not work for you, search for options in your city.

Otherwise, follow the ALOA recommendations for online training but make sure you choose the educational track appropriate for your state.

You can also take some of your courses online.

However, you must make sure you choose classes that would cover services you would provide in your specific location.

Salary

You can earn an average of $47, 106 per year but could make an annual salary of up to at least $53, 106 in Mississippi as of January 2022.

This amount totals in the middle of the $46,973-$61,041 United States national average range.

You would earn the most in these MS cities: Olive Branch, Abbeville, Aberdeen, or Ackerman.

Locksmith Training by State