How to Become a Locksmith in New York

Locksmiths will always be in demand as long as there is a need for security.

A locksmith’s job varies from replacing lock systems to anything from house doors to car doors and ignitions.

If you are someone who likes problem-solving and working with your hands and brain, then Locksmithing would be quite the fun and fulfilling career choice for you.

Steps to Become a Locksmith in New York

Step 1: The first step to becoming a locksmith in New York is to enroll in an accredited Locksmithing program to earn your certificate.

This will ensure that when you are seeking employment, you will get a stable position and better opportunities will be presented for advancement in your career.

Step 2: Fill out the Individual Licensing Application on the online website and submit it or in-person.

Step 3: Wait for the approval of your licensing application which will be sent to you via email.

Step 4: Once you have received your license you can start looking for a position in the locksmith industry or start your own business in locksmithing after gaining enough experience.

Licensing Requirements to Become a locksmith in New York

In New York, it is required to have a locksmith’s license to be able to work in this field.

Locksmith licensing is issued by the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

To make the application for your locksmith license you will need your photo ID, your current passport photo in color, proof of your locksmith’s certificate, fingerprints and to pay the license fee.

As well as to pass a criminal background check.

Locksmith Programs in New York

1. The Charles Stuart School

The Charles Stuart School offers a 900-hour Basic locksmithing course that takes about nine months to complete.

The program covers all the basic topics in locksmithing, from theory to practice, and ensures that students will be prepared to acquire the licensing application.

Students will be provided with a Locks and Locksmithing textbook in an electronic format that will be included in the enrollment fee.

The school’s tuition is $20,000, which includes the additional registration fee.

2. The Society of Professional Locksmiths

The Society of Professional Locksmiths offers a 12-chapter Basic Locksmith Training Program.

It consists of the core knowledge that locksmiths are expected to know, plus hands-on training.

The tuition cost is only $14.95, this includes additional resources for each chapter but does not include the materials such as the locksmith kit.

There are three additional courses offered by this school.

The first is an online program with all course materials online and all study work being completed online.

This program is completely free.

For those that prefer to have physical study materials and equipment, the school offers three other locksmith courses:

• The basic kit costs $574.80
• The complete program costs $1,377,73
• The training manual which costs $149

3. City Tech College

City Tech College offers a 70-hour online Locksmith course.

The course consists of basic theory and hands-on training, from lock-picking all types of doors to installing and restoring different lock systems and duplicating keys.

For students who attend the online class, zoom login details will be provided.

This program is specifically designed for the following candidates:

• Hardware specialists
• Aspiring locksmiths
• Security personnel
• Handymen
• Building maintenance

The tuition is $1,130 and students are expected to purpose their own Locksmith textbook as well as a kit.

4. New York College of Technology

New York College of Technology offers a locksmith program.

This is the same program offered by City Tech College.

The program is 70 hours in duration and the tuition is $1,130.

The course material introduces students to various aspects of this job including different types of keys, locking devices, different methods of picking a lock, as well as repair and service locks.

The training focuses on both residential and commercial buildings.

Students learn how to install locks and how to open different kinds of locks.

Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the state examination.

Salary

The average annual salary for a certified Locksmith in New York is $67,489.

This is approximately $32 an hour, $1,298 a week, or $5,624 a month on the high end for an entry-level position.

The salary varies according to the exact location in the state of New York, the type of employer, and the number of years of experience the candidate has.