A master locksmith is an individual who has received a high designation confirming his or her ability to change or pick locks, particularly for customers who have lost their keys. He or she must have solid manual dexterity as well as manage time well. If you aim to become a master locksmith, you should complete an apprenticeship at an organization where you will gain hands-on experience in the field. You also have to pass a test and complete continuing education courses to be certified in the industry.
A person who desires to become a master locksmith can look for training opportunities at local companies. Professionals in this field typically do not need a college education and instead can obtain experience through informal apprenticeships, which might be paid. If you do receive a wage, you likely will receive more pay as your level of expertise increases. As long as you have a high school diploma or the equivalent certification, which proves your basic ability to read and write, your local master locksmith should be willing to work with you.
During your supervised training opportunity, you need to practice many manual skills. For example, you have to learn how to install and open locks for people as well as provide advice to customers about how to secure their homes or belongings. Studying how to make duplicate keys or even drilling through locks to remove them are other tasks that an individual who seeks to become a master locksmith needs to learn through practical training experiences.
After training at an area company, you must complete a four-part exam offered by the Master Locksmith Association, which includes practical and written exercises throughout the world. Once you earn certification to become a master locksmith, you may apply for jobs at hardware stores, manufacturers of security equipment, or local locksmith shops. Possessing an industry designation is advantageous because it proves to employers that you are competent in this field and can handle a variety of situations on the job, so you have a better chance of claiming employment.
Although receiving certification in this career area is beneficial, its advantages are short-term if you do not complete the established requirement to maintain it. This includes participating in continuing education classes that cover new techniques for manipulating locks as well as new products to use in this line of work. You can use this information to enhance the quality of the services that you provide to clients when you become a master locksmith.