How to Become a Locksmith in Ohio

Changing careers can sometimes stress a person out.

It doesn’t have to, however.

Do you think you’re ready to become a locksmith in Ohio?

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Ohio

1. Do you have a high school diploma?

If you do have your high school diploma, great.

You’re ready to move on to postsecondary training.

If you have any options for work studying at your high school, get involved with that too.

Otherwise, earn your diploma or GED first.

2. Have you looked for hands-on opportunities?

You can seek out hands-on opportunities via potential employers.

The Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) may also know where in South Dakota you can work as an apprentice.

3. Did you become an ALOA member?

Becoming an ALOA member is just as important as seeking locksmithing training.

It’s also as important as signing up for postsecondary classes.

It will provide networking opportunities and guide you through up to five locksmith certification levels.

4. Have you found a locksmithing job yet?

If you haven’t found a locksmithing job yet, start looking now.

By the time you complete your first certificate, you could become eligible for long-term hire.

5. Did you continue your learning path?

Don’t stop at your first certificate if you can at all help it.

If you enjoy working with locks, you’ll probably also find working with electronic security systems, safes, and vaults rewarding.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Ohio

The state of Ohio doesn’t require you to have a license to become a locksmith.

However, you must prove proficiency by taking an exam.

If you study hard enough, you could earn up to five different credentials as you gain practical experience during your apprenticeship.

Most employers and colleges will require you to be 18 years old too.

You must also agree to a criminal background check before you are approved to become a locksmith.

Employers would more than likely perform these checks before allowing you to work after you’re hired.

Locksmithing Programs

Check out some of the Ohio employment listings to find out what companies offer their own paid training.

Employers also might help fund some of your licensing costs.

You might not find a locksmith program near you in Ohio.

If you’re unsure where to attend locksmithing courses, inquire at local trade or technical schools and community colleges.

Some universities may also provide certificate courses.

Online learning through Penn Foster or Ashworth College may help you meet your educational goals.

Keep in mind that your courses should have ALOA approval and national accreditation.

Most importantly, your classes should help you pass your ALOA proficiency exams.

Types of Certifications

You have two primary types of certification offered to you by ALOA.

These include the locksmithing and SafeTech credentials.

Before you try to earn any of these, however, you must first achieve AFL (ALOA Fundamental Locksmith) status.

To achieve AFL status, you can take the Six-Day Basic Locksmithing Course.

This sets you on the path to learning important safety and security information all professionals should know.

Then, you will become an apprentice and earn one of these five certificates.

CRL

You will start here after you become an AFL.

CRL stands for Certified Registered Locksmith, a credential you can earn after you have a general idea of what locksmithing is.

This level requires passing 10 mandatory and two elective categories.

CPL

The Certified Professional Locksmith, or CPL, would have to pass 12 more categories beyond what the CRL requires.

You will open yourself to more advanced locksmithing opportunities at this level and may even find your special niche by now.

CML

I think of this as the “master’s degree of locksmithing.”

The Certified Master Locksmith (CML) credential makes you an advanced authority on just about any lock- or key-related issue.

By now, you probably will have gained experience with operating electronic security systems too.

CPS

CPS stands for Certified Professional Safe (a safe technician job title).

Earning a CPS credential means you can perform in 17 different skill sets on safes and vaults.

It’s the first of two safe and vault certificates you can earn.

CMST

CMST stands for Certified Professional Safe Technician.

As a CMST, you will perform advanced-level safe and vault security and safety operations.

By the way, this and the entry-level safe technician credentials are brought to you by SAVTA, a division of ALOA.

Salary

A locksmith in Ohio can earn an average (mean wage) of $44,490 per year, according to the BLS.

The mean national wage is $47,810.

It depends on the cost of living in your area of Ohio though, or if you decide to work in another state.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2025

Regional Salary in Ohio

* 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.