How to Become a Locksmith in Idaho

If you are someone who considers yourself to be a problem-solver, and analytic and prefer to work with your hands, you may be the ideal candidate for a career as a locksmith.

As a locksmith, you could opt to work for a company, or you could start your own business, and recruit other locksmiths.

And, with today’s technology and social media, you could easily grow your business to a national brand.

But, it all starts with obtaining the right training.

3 Steps to Become a Locksmith in Idaho

There are no formal educational requirements to become a locksmith in Idaho.

However, to fast-track your career, it may be best to select a program that allows you to acquire the necessary knowledge to hit the ground running when you do land your dream job.

There are three skills required to master this job, which include, dexterity, mechanical skills, and physical strength.

Two are skills that you can easily obtain.

One, mechanical skills, is a skill you will attain through an apprenticeship or training program.

Step 1: Attend a training program that incorporates classroom training with hands-on training.

Alternatively, you could opt to attend an apprenticeship.

When you select the latter option, you will gain a lot of hands-on experience in your daily activities.

You could opt for a basic locksmith course to get you started.

These programs run for a couple of weeks up to a couple of months, depending on the curriculum.

Step 2: After completing a training program, you may opt to seek out employment with a licensed locksmith company to obtain further experience.

If you’ve attended an apprenticeship, you could speak with your employer about extending your work contract to a full-time contract.

Alternatively, you could seek employment elsewhere.

Once you’ve obtained sufficient experience, you may apply for certification to get your locksmith certificate.

Step 3: Many locksmiths enjoy long careers working for locksmith companies or the maintenance department of a business.

However, for those with more of an entrepreneurial flair, being a business owner may seem more enticing.

Speak with City Hall regarding business licensing, as you are required to obtain the necessary permits and licenses for your business.

Learn more about the permit and licensing requirements for your state here.

Step 4: Join a locksmith trade union for support.

Licensing Requirements to Become

Idaho does not require candidates to obtain a license to work as a locksmith in this state.

However, private businesses do require permits and licensing.

Locksmith Programs

There are no brick-and-mortar training schools in Idaho.

Candidates who would like to attend training in this field will either need to attend training in another state or attend an online program.

Below we have listed a few online options.

1. Penn Foster

Pen Foster offers an online five-month career diploma qualification for a Locksmith and Home Security Technician.

The program is accredited and students can learn at their own pace.

Students learn about different types of locks, methods, and tools used to open locks, dial locks, and how to change passcodes.

The program consists of six courses, two projects, and 19 examinations.

The fast-track program may be completed in five months, while the general program may take up to seven months to complete.

It would be best to supplement the program with an apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience.

Admission requirements include a minimum age of 17 and a minimum of 8th grade.

Tuition for the program is $899.

2. Ashworth College

This school offers a self-paced Locksmith Program online.

Five courses in the program cover the following topics:

• Introduction to Keys
• Locks and Key Mastering
•  Fundamentals of Home Security
• Home Security Wiring
• CCTV, Recording, and Detection Systems

There are two accrediting bodies for this program:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Distance Education Accrediting Commission

Upon completion of the program, students receive an ALOA Fundamentals Locksmith Certificate and are eligible to take the Associated Locksmith of America Fundamentals Locksmith Exam.

There is no admission requirement for this program.

Tuition is $899 and includes access to a student portal and dashboard, tools of the trade, and access to an active online community.

Salary

The salary of a locksmith in Boise, Idaho starts at $35,734 per annum.

The median salary for this position with some experience is $47,155.

Those on the high end of the earning bracket can expect to take home $56,879 per year.

These amounts will differ depending on your employer, the number of years of experience, and which part of the state you live in.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2025

Regional Salary in Idaho

* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers, OCC Code 49-9094, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.