What Does it Take to Become a Residential Locksmith?

Successful locksmiths enjoy precision work, solving problems, and offering solutions to help people in need. As a residential locksmith, you are helping residents feel safe and secure in their own homes. What does it take to become a residential locksmith? Call us today to learn more about the residential locksmith services we offer!

The General Duties of a Locksmith

Locksmiths generally work on adjusting and repairing locks and keys, but your local locksmith may have other related service offerings. Some of the other duties of a residential locksmith include:

• Repairs such as replacing and adjusting locks that are damaged as well as hinges, mechanisms, and various doors.
• Help with lock key pins by changing combinations as well as helping to design complex locking systems.
• Providing a variety of safes to keep your possessions secure.

Training to Become a Residential Locksmith

You become a locksmith through a registered apprenticeship. Currently, in Alberta this is only offered by Red Deer College. Your education to become a residential locksmith will take three years alongside a professional, including eight weeks of technical training while completing your hands-on training.

You can start learning to be a locksmith while still in high school so long as you have achieved the credits necessary as a prerequisite.

You will learn about all things locksmith-related from complex locking systems down to simple broken keys. You must satisfy all the educational and on-the-job requirements necessary to graduate and become a certified professional.

Considering Becoming a Certified Journeyman Locksmith (CJL)?

If you have been considering becoming a locksmith, make sure you are prepared for enrolment in the apprenticeship program, licensing requirements, and more.

• Check with Red Deer College about the program, requirements for entry, and subsidies available for some learning situations.
• The locksmith profession is highly regarded and requires a clean criminal record since you will be entering private homes.
• You will need to have an SSIA licence during apprenticeship and thereafter. Homeowners are entitled to ask for this at any time, and by law you must be able to present this at any time.
• Your working hours will need to be approved by a Certified Journeyman Locksmith so you will need to find an employer that is willing to hire and train apprentices.

Becoming a locksmith takes dedication and depth of knowledge. If you are interested in becoming a Certified Journeyman Locksmith or need residential locksmith services, get in touch with us.