How Do You Become a Locksmith?

You’re good with your hands, enjoy helping others, and have mechanical skills. Finding a career that uses all of your skills can be frustrating. Ashworth’s Locksmithing Career Diploma may be the key to finding a job that lets you put your skills to work.

What does a locksmith do?

Locksmiths are essential. Most people come in contact with a lock every day. As a locksmith, you’re an expert in the field of locks and security systems. You’ll work with locks and safes, security systems, and repair lock systems. Most locksmiths are self-employed and make their own hours. You’ll work on your own time and your office may range from homes and businesses to institutions or even cars. You’ll assist others as you service, replace, and rekey lock and security systems.

How long does it take to become a locksmith?

Finding a career that uses all of your skills may sound hard to unlock, but with Ashworth’s locksmith program you’ll train for the field in as little as four months. You’ll study at your own pace as you learn tasks essential to your job, like the tools and processes used by locksmiths, safe-work practices, and how to identify various brands and styles of locking systems and keys. You’ll complete lessons such as

• Keys and Locks. In this lesson, you’ll learn to identify a select key blank using various techniques. You’ll also learn the steps required for cutting a key manually and how to identify basic parts and operation of common lock styles.
• Introduction to High-Security Systems. This lesson will cover the parts and operation of locking hardware designed for high-security applications.
• Automotive Locksmithing. This lesson will focus on how automobile locks compare and contrast opposed to locks in building security. You’ll also learn the various lock styles and configurations associated with specific makes of automobiles.
• The Business and Law of Locksmithing. In this lesson, you’ll learn business practices required for owning and operating a locksmith business. You’ll also learn about legal regulations that may apply, including state and local laws related to licensing and certification.

Aspiring locksmiths must be at least 18 years old and must also undergo on-the-job training.

Do you need a license to be a locksmith?

Since locksmiths enter people’s homes and have access to security information, locksmiths may need to be licensed. Licensing varies by state, and in some states, locksmiths are required to pass a criminal history and background check, including fingerprinting for state and federal databases.

How much do locksmiths earn?

In 2021, locksmiths earned a median salary of $47,810, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The skills you learn may help you enter the job field. After completing our locksmith program, you should be able to identify multiple types of locking and security devices and describe the process followed to install locksets into doors and install a complete security system. As you gain experience in the field, your median salary may increase.

Unlock your potential with Ashworth

The key to work you enjoy starts with education. If you’re ready to unpick your potential and start your career journey towards becoming a locksmith with Ashworth, call an Admissions Advisor at or enroll online today.