How to Become a Locksmith in Minnesota

Why learn how to become a locksmith in Minnesota?

It’s a fun job for some people, and you can make a wage you can live on.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Minnesota

1. Get your high school diploma.

Getting your diploma is one of the top priorities of anyone interested in becoming a locksmith.

If you’re still in high school, make sure you finish your classes and graduate.

Otherwise, find out how to get your GED.

2. Research educational opportunities.

If you’re still in high school, find out if your school will prepare you for locksmith training.

If not, seek out opportunities you can take advantage of as soon as you graduate.

Your training should prepare you to take one of the exams hosted by the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).

This doesn’t mean that you can’t take supporting courses indirectly related to working on locks, keys, or security systems.

However, part of your instructions should focus on helping you pass your ALOA certification exams.

3. Join a locksmith association.

ALOA offers support for Minnesota residents pursuing locksmithing as a career.

This national organization provides you with guidance as you move from one certificate level to the next.

I recommend that you join ALOA at the same time you look for jobs and start academic training.

Joining the ALOA organization will enhance your networking and prepare you for a lucrative career.

4. Seek full-time employment opportunities.

You will gain some experience when working as an apprentice for which you’ll get paid.

However, we encourage you to seek out full-time, long-term employment opportunities.

Do this as soon as possible.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Minnesota

You don’t have to worry about the state of Minnesota requiring you to have a license or be bonded.

However, some municipalities require certification before you decide to operate within their borders.

Employers located near you also may require you to obtain at least one certificate before performing locksmithing services with them.

You could also continue on your journey to acquire up to three lock and key certificates and two safe and vault certificates.

Locksmith Programs

Locksmith programs in Minnesota will prepare you for one of three locksmithing certification levels.

You also can attend advanced classes to complete two safe and vault certification levels.

Locksmith Certification Levels

You can move up in your career with one of three locksmithing certification levels offered by ALOA.

These include the CRL, CPL, and CML, but you have to obtain “AFL” status first.

AFL (ALOA Fundamentals Locksmith)

You can earn AFL status after completing the Six Day Basic Locksmithing Course.

This happens after you pass the exam you will take on the last day.

After this, you begin training as an apprentice locksmith working toward your first certificate.

CRL

A CRL (Certified Registered Locksmith) has to pass 10 mandatory sections of the required Proficiency Registration Program (PRP) exam.

This prepares you for dealing with codes and the equipment related to them and key duplication, impressions, identification, and more.

This isn’t the only requirement for this level though.

You also need to choose two electives, and you must pass those exam sections to become qualified to perform at the CRL level.

CPL

You can move on to the second ALOA certification level after you’ve spent some time performing as a CRL.

However, you must pass 12 more sections of your PRP exam to qualify for work as a CPL (Certified Professional Locksmith).

If you pass your CPL exam, this puts you at an intermediate service level.

You shouldn’t have to worry about making a living wage when you earn this certificate.

However, you don’t have to stop here.

CML

The CML (Certified Master Locksmith) certification puts you at an advanced locksmith service level.

This includes upper-level skills in working on locks and tending to electronic security issues.

To earn a CML credential, you must show that you can perform at least 90% of all skills you test for on the PRP exam.

This includes solving advanced electronic security and locksmithing issues.

Minnesota Locksmith Schools

ALOA doesn’t have Minnesota listed on its website as a state that has licensing laws.

I assume this means you could attend school in any state or online to become an MN locksmith.

Of course, you need to watch out for scams.

If you’re not sure where to receive your locksmith training, attend classes recommended by ALOA.

Contact this organization or local employers for more information if you’re not sure.

One possibility right in MN is the MJS Locksmith training.

This school has several locations across the country, including Minneapolis.

They also provide online training if you don’t live close to the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul).

Other online schools you may consider are any electronic security classes offered by local technical schools.

Trade centers and universities also might provide educational support for locksmiths.

Salary

The annual mean (average) wage for Minnesota Locksmith employees totals approximately $54,000.

However, that depends on your immediate location the number of years you have served, and how many certificates you have earned.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2025

Regional Salary in Minnesota

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Locksmiths and Safe Repairers, OCC Code 49-9094, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.