Individuals interested in working in the home and business security fields can take professional locksmith courses at a locksmith school, or by completing a locksmith training program. Skilled locksmiths are needed to handle residential and commercial locks and keymaking, manage panic hardware and security systems, and unlock electric locks. Professional locksmith schools online, and locksmith schooling programs, provide students with the skills, knowledge, tools and equipment to become successful locksmiths in all types of settings.
Locksmith Schooling Classes and Programs
Some of the most common locksmithing courses and programs of a locksmith school and locksmith schooling program include:
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Key Blank Identification
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How Locks Work
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Locksmithing Code of Ethics
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Lock Installations
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Key Impressioning
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Key Machine Operation
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Basic Master Keying
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Hardware Applications
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Locksmith Tools
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Terminology
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Lock Picking
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Types of Locks
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Manufacturers
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Distributors
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Code Cutting
Students who complete locksmith schooling classes and programs learn how to install, adjust, repair and open locks. They also learn how to change lock combinations and make different types of keys. Most are employed by hardware and departments stores, but others may work at a government agency, large industrial plant, or for a manufacturer of safes and locks. Locksmiths are also trained to advise people about the best security measure for their home or business, and may drive to a worksite or a mobile shop to provide their services. They may also be responsible for teaching customers how to use locks and keys properly.
Locksmith courses are generally fairly short and can be completed in just a few semesters. High school students preparing for a locksmithing career are encouraged to take courses in electronics, mathematics, mechanical drawing and physics. Locksmith training programs and professional locksmith schooling programs are listed by the Associated Locksmiths of America organization.
Locksmith Training Program Tools
Many professional locksmith schools online and locksmith schools provide students with specialized tools and equipment to help them learn basic keying techniques and key machine operation skills. Some of the tools included in an online and offline course program include:
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Tweezers
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Key decoders
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4 in 1 screwdrivers
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File handle
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Safety glasses
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.005 pinning kit
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Spanner wrench
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Aerosol lubricant
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Impression plate
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Tru-Arc pliers
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Key extractor set
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Pocket screwdriver
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Impression tool
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Aerosol lubricant
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Tool box
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4 locks
Students may also be provided with a basic locksmithing manual, technical data sheets and a key catalog as supplementary materials for their program.
Attending Professional Locksmith Schools Online
Students who wish to complete their degree program from the comforts of home or while working at a full-time job, may consider attending professional locksmith schools online. Online locksmith schooling programs train students how to protect homes and businesses using different locksmith tools, master key systems, and electronics systems. Locksmiths learn important skills in the field of electronics and electricity to work with different types of alarm systems, and to install and repair various locking mechanisms.
Locksmith schools online and locksmithing certificate programs are generally composed of four or five core courses, and include training in combination locks, modern alarms, high-security locks, key duplicating machines and automotive locksmithing. Students learn how to differentiate locks made by different manufacturers, and how learn to assess how a lock can be opened.
Career Options After Locksmith School
Many locksmiths work for a family business, but others may choose to work for a locksmith shop, industrial firm, school, hospital, or a government agency. Some state and private agencies may be good resources for finding a locksmith job after locksmith school.
Professional and highly-trained locksmiths may be responsible for assisting people who lock themselves out of their office, home or car, and for providing services to people who have high-security locks and vault doors. The profession requires advanced proficiency and skills with hand tools, power drills and welding torches. Some jobs offer on-the-job training, while others require a student to have completed an accredited course at an online or offline institution.
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