So, you want to become a locksmith in Alabama? That’s a great choice. Locksmith’s in Alabama average an annual salary of over $46,000. Couple this with the fact that Alabama is home to some of the strictest locksmithing laws in the country, and you will see very little competition along the way. All this, while being your own boss, and controlling your own destiny.

But before we run off and pick up our locksmith kit, let’s talk about the specifics.

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 key-less 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

Before we start discussing the registration requirements, we need to talk about the education requirements. Alabama, as said before, has some of the strictest requirements for locksmiths in the country. For that reason, you are required to have training prior to becoming a licensed locksmith. You must have completed a class that has been approved by the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure. This class should include a proctored or board approved exam, which is also required prior to your license. On top of all of this, you are then required to complete 8 hours of continuing education every year. These hours are checked when your license comes up for renewal.

On top of all of the above, you still have to pass a background check. This is where the one shining light comes through. A new license cannot be denied if you have a criminal conviction that is over 7 years old. So, you may have made a dumb mistake in your 20s, but you’ve changed, and now you’re in your 30s? Go get your license.

Skill Development

As mentioned above, to become a locksmith in Arizona you need to know what you’re doing. Before dumping a ton of money into a long term college program, it’s better to get an idea if you even enjoy this type of work. The simplest way to get started is by picking up a starter lockpick set, a practice lock set, and learning how to use them. Picking open a lock is a unique skill, and one that you will need to know as a locksmith. For that reason, we suggest working at it before investing a lot of money.

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 Memberships

Locksmiths in Alabama 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 Alabama, you should obtain the right type of insurance. It isn’t required by law, but it’s just smart business sense. You should get 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 can include a key decoder, lock by-pass tools, key duplicator, key extractor, re-keying 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 Alabama. 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.