How to Become a Locksmith | Locksmith Training and Certification

Unlock Your Future

  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • HOME
  • BLOG
  • TRAINING
  • ONLINE
  • COST
  • SALARY
  • JOBS
  • RESOURCES

How to Become a Locksmith in Oregon

Featured Online Program
Penn Foster Request Info Select Program:
  • Locksmith & Home Security Technician
Program Details:
  • Getting a career diploma in as little as 2 months.
  • Gain experience with practical exercises and interactive assignments.
  • Learn how to identify, create, and duplicate keys.
  • Learn to work with several types of locks including safes, valuts, and auto.
  • and more...
Sponsored

In Oregon, the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) regulates licensing and business requirements for locksmiths.

As of July 1, 2010, the Oregon Legislature passed a law requiring locksmiths to be certified by CCB and hold a CCB contractor’s license.

Oregon

Table of Contents

  • Becoming Certified
  • About the Test
  • The Application Process
  • Becoming Licensed
    • 4 Best Locksmith Schools in Oregon
  • Salary
    • Average Salary of Locksmiths in Oregon
    • Regional Salary in Oregon

Becoming Certified

An individual wanting to become a locksmith in Oregon must have:

  • Not been convicted of a disqualifying crime (typically a felony)
  • Submitted an application and fees to CCB (see more below)
  • Passed the CCB test (see more below)
  • Apply for a construction contractor license (or work for one)
  • Follow standards of professional conduct

About the Test

The Locksmith Certification Test is an 80-question, open-book test.

The CCB uses the “test to 100%” to determine a passing grade.

This means to be certified you must answer all the exam questions correctly.

It’s not as bad as it sounds though.

The CCB allows you to utilize the following references:

  • The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing (6th Edition)
  • The Locksmith Dictionary (2009)

After your first attempt through the test, any questions answered incorrectly will be displayed on the screen at the end of the test.

You will have the opportunity to change your answer using the review documents above.

The testing fee is $60 and is only offered online.

The Application Process

The application for a locksmith certificate starts online at the following link.

Link: https://portal.ccb.state.or.us/

It’s a very simple 7-step process:

  1. Register for an account online
  2. Select “Locksmith Certification” as the service
  3. Complete the application
  4. Pay for the application ($60) and the test ($60)
  5. Take the test we reviewed above
  6. Complete the “Criminal History Information” section
  7. Pay for the 2-year certification ($60)

Becoming Licensed

Now that you’re certified you’ll need to become a licensed contractor or work for a licensed contractor.

You can find the licensing information here: https://www.oregon.gov/CCB/licensing/Pages/licensing.aspx

The steps to becoming licensed are pretty standard.

Once you are certified you’ll be required to fill out the CCB licensing application ($32), provide proof of general liability insurance and other insurances, and provide your full business name and address.

4 Best Locksmith Schools in Oregon

School Name Address
Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331-4501
Portland Community College 705 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217, United States
The Flying Locksmiths, Inc. PORTLAND, OR
Penn Foster Online

Salary

Annual Salary Range:
$47K
$54K
$59K

Average Salary of Locksmiths in Oregon

City Name Salary
Gresham $55,512
Albany $53,003
Salem $53,590
Beaverton $55,619
Hillsboro $55,405
Springfield $53,270
Bend $52,790
Clackamas $55,512
Medford $53,217
Oregon City $55,405
* Salary information last updated 2025

Regional Salary in Oregon

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Eugene-Springfield, OR40$54,520$26.21$65,290$35,190
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA140$55,050$26.47$69,440$37,150
* 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.
Featured Online Program
Penn Foster Request Info Select Program:
  • Locksmith & Home Security Technician
Program Details:
  • Getting a career diploma in as little as 2 months.
  • Gain experience with practical exercises and interactive assignments.
  • Learn how to identify, create, and duplicate keys.
  • Learn to work with several types of locks including safes, valuts, and auto.
  • and more...
Sponsored

You might also like...

North CarolinaHow to Become a Locksmith in North Carolina TennesseeHow to Become a Locksmith in Tennessee LouisianaHow to Become a Locksmith in Louisiana MarylandHow to Become a Locksmith in Maryland New JerseyHow to Become a Locksmith in New Jersey
Locksmith Expert

About Locksmith Expert

I'm Thomas. I have been a locksmith for the better part of my life. It is my livelihood, my career, and my hobby. I started about 23 years ago and never looked back. I welcome any questions you might have about being a locksmith.

Comments

  1. Chris Morris says

    August 30, 2016 at 3:29 pm

    I have a question because I cant find an answer elsewhere. I’m looking to get Locksmith ID number for the purposes of reprogramming automotive passlock and BCM computers. Some manufacturers, Chrysler and GM to name 2, want a locksmith ID number before they will allow you to receive security information. Do I really need to have to go through all the CCB junk, insurance and such?

    Reply
  2. Josh Hendrix says

    January 2, 2017 at 8:20 am

    Regarding the test to be taken. Does having the opportunity to change the wrong answers to right ones still happens on the first try? Or you will have to retake the test and just know the right answers to the before mistaken questions? Nonetheless, thank you for these instructions!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Find a Program

Get your locksmith and home security career diploma in as little as 2 months!

Select Program:
  • Locksmith & Home Security Technician
Request Info Sponsored

LOCKSMITH CAREERS

  • Automotive Locksmith
  • Commercial Locksmith
  • Forensic Locksmith
  • Institutional Locksmith
  • Mobile Locksmith
  • Residential Locksmith
  • Safe Technician
  • Security Consultant

ESSENTIAL RESOURCES

  • Pros & Cons Of Being a Locksmith
  • Career Possibilities for a Locksmith
  • What is a Certified Locksmith?
  • Becoming a Certified Locksmith
  • Becoming a Locksmith Apprentice
  • ALOA CRL Practice Test
  • Locksmith Statistics

About | Contact | Privacy Policy |

Copyright © 2025 HowToBecomeALocksmith.org.