Are you considering becoming a locksmith in Connecticut? If so, you can prepare yourself for a great career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Connecticut is home to some of the best-paid locksmiths in the country. In fact, the average annual income for locksmiths in Connecticut is $53,950. Best of all, becoming a locksmith allows you to be your own boss and to own your own business.

Don’t start buying your tools and equipment just yet. First, there are some things you should know about how to become a locksmith in Connecticut.

Locksmith Job Description

A locksmith is a trained professional that inspects, repairs, replaces, and installs locks and locking systems for home and business owners. They also cut both new and duplicate keys for various locks. Locksmiths also help to open doors on cars, safes, homes, and businesses when the owner is locked out. With many of today’s home and business owners using keyless entry locks, locksmiths also must know how to repair and maintain digital locks.

Many of today’s locksmiths also install, repair, and maintain home security and surveillance systems. While some locksmith services are done by appointment, you can expect to provide emergency services too. For example, if a customer is locked out of their car or lost their keys, they would need your locksmith services right away.

Locksmith Registration Requirements

The state of Connecticut does not require locksmiths to get a state license. They must, however, register with the state. Locksmiths must complete the Locksmith Registration form. They also must obtain both a Criminal History Report from the Connecticut State Police and an FBI Criminal Background Check. You must submit these forms along with a $200 application fee to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.

Your application will not be approved if you have been convicted of a felony. Other smaller crimes, such as fraud and theft, also may prevent you from being a locksmith in the state. You cannot work as a locksmith in Connecticut without approval from the Department of Consumer Protection.

Locksmith Training Options

Since you do not have to be licensed to work as a locksmith in Connecticut, there are no specific training requirements. You do, however, need to know how to perform the duties of a locksmith if you hope to run a successful business. There are many online and classroom courses you can take to gain the skills you need to be a locksmith. Most locksmith training programs take less than one year to complete. An apprenticeship program also can provide you with the skills you need to become a locksmith in Connecticut. These programs usually last one to three years and provide hands-on experience.

Online Locksmith Training Course

One of the easiest ways to get the skills required to become a locksmith is to sign up to an online locksmith training course. Our basic locksmith course is good, but what I’m really talking about is an in-depth online course that will walk you through all of the step-by-step requirements for becoming a locksmith — even if your state doesn’t require training. The job itself requires specialized knowledge that has traditionally been passed down from locksmith to locksmith. That’s what this online course does, it just does it in the comfort of your own home, at your own learning speed. Take your time, learn locksmithing online, and when you’re ready, go out and launch your own locksmithing business.

Association Membership

Locksmiths in Connecticut do not have to belong to any professional membership group, such as Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). However, joining this group can help to build trust with your customers. This trust can improve sales over time. Each professional association has its own set of membership rules and regulations. Be sure to take your time and find out which group is right for you. Once you earn your membership into a group, you can display their logo on your website or social media profile. Membership into one of these groups allows potential customers to know that you have the right skills and professionalism to finish the job right.

Insurance and Bond Protection

If you want to be a locksmith in Connecticut, you must obtain the right type of insurance. You will need both business insurance and bonding. Your business insurance policy should include business auto coverage and liability. This insurance will protect your business and personal assets in the event of a lawsuit, error, mistake, or accident. Bond protection, on the other hand, helps to protect the consumer. It provides a guarantee that you will complete the job right and on time. Having both insurance and bond coverage will protect both you and your customer from the unexpected.

Tools and Equipment

Before you can start your career as a locksmith, you must purchase the right types of tools. This includes a key decoder, lock by-pass tools, key duplicator, key extractor, rekeying kits, code cutting machine, and more. You also will need to have reliable transportation, since typically you will go to the customer’s location versus them coming to you. Most locksmiths use a business van because it allows them to store all the tools and equipment they need inside.

The first step is to obtain the right training. Then, you can register with the state and purchase the right insurance and tools. Once that is done, you can begin your career as a locksmith in Connecticut. You will need to start small. Consider setting up a website or social media profile so that prospective customers can find you. Over time you can build your business by providing great services to all your customers.