How to Become a Locksmith in Vermont

Neither Vermont nor its neighbors — New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.– require locksmiths to hold a professional license at the state level.

New York City does, but it is too far away from the Vermont border for you to need a locksmith’s license from there.

However, you can easily open a locksmithing and safe repair business once you learn the basics and follow Vermont’s best business practices.

However, convincing potential customers that they can rely on you to perform your duties with competence and honesty can prove challenging without documentation.

Gaining a Professional Edge in Vermont Locksmithing

Membership in local, national, or international locksmithing and safe repair organizations makes your business appear more professional, reliable, and trustworthy.

Join one or more of the following:

• Associated Locksmiths of America
• Society of Professional Locksmiths
• Institutional Locksmiths’ Association
• Electronic Security Association (ESA) (if you offer electronic security lock services).
• Safe And Vault Technicians Association

Steps to Becoming a Locksmith in Vermont

1. Become a qualified Vermont locksmith’s apprentice or attend an introductory locksmithing course.
2. Study the six locksmithing practice tests at Practice Test Geeks.
3. Become a certified registered locksmith.
4. Display your credentials.
5. Join a locksmithing and safe repair professional organization.
6. Decide whether to have a storefront office in your Vermont hometown, provide mobile and roadside service, or combine all three.
7. Consult an attorney and an accountant regarding Vermont’s state and local tax laws.
8. Get bonded and insured in Vermont.
9. Obtain a Vermont business domain name and build a mobile phone-compatible website.
10. Write your Vermont Locksmithing About Us page, including a short bio of yourself and each employee, with photos.
11. Hold a soft opening for your Vermont storefront office if you decide to have one.
12. Register with AAA if you offer roadside locksmithing services.
13. Hold a Grand Opening of your storefront office 30 days after your soft opening.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Vermont Locksmith

Although Vermont does not require licenses, you will still need documentation of your expertise.

For example, display your locksmith training certificate.

In addition, post testimonials or reviews from your Vermont customers.

Use industry best practices, and you will succeed.

Salary

Nationwide, locksmiths make a mean annual salary of $47,810.

However, locksmiths in most Vermont cities make at least $1000 more than the national average yearly, giving them $47,000 additional dollars during their working lifetimes (from age 18 to 65).

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2025

Online and At-Home Training Programs for Vermont Locksmiths

Society of Professional Locksmiths: Basic Locksmith Training Program

This 67.5 CEU program consists of all the core knowledge needed to get started in locksmithing.

The complete course kit, which includes all materials and recommended tools, costs $1,377.73.

Afterward, you will pay another $14.95 to receive a certificate of completion.

Foley Belsaw Locksmithing: Ultimate Professional Locksmithing Online Course With Key Machine

Including a key-making machine in the course, materials provides one of Foley Belsaw’s most significant advantages over other programs.

The at-home study course includes 50 lessons and 50 brief skill tests, which most students complete in three to four months.

However, you can take up to 24 months if necessary.

The Mini Speedex Key Duplicator 9120RM included with the course retails for $567.98, yet the entire locksmith training study system — plus materials and books — only costs $1,090.

Penn Foster Locksmith & Home Security Technician Program

This five-month, fully accredited program costs $1,090 if you use the monthly mail-in payment plan or just $799 if you pay in a single lump sum.

Tuition includes all study materials.

In-Person Locksmithing Classes

North Bennet Street School Locksmithing & Security Technology Program

Although located in Boston, Massachusetts, the North Bennet Street School provides the nearest in-person course.

It lasts 36 weeks or 900 classroom hours.

You receive a diploma in Locksmithing & Security Technology on successful completion.

For more information, contact Rob O’Dwyer, Director of Admissions, at 617-227-0155 x111 or admissions@nbss.edu.

Tuition costs include the following:

• $21,000 for the complete 36-week program, PLUS
• $1,900 for hand tools
• $200 for books
• $100 for transportation, room, and board for the class trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a locksmithing license to work as a locksmith in Vermont?

Fortunately not.

Neither do Vermont’s neighboring states.

Why should I join a professional locksmiths organization?

Membership in locksmithing and safe repair organizations makes your business appear professional, reliable, and trustworthy.

Does locksmithing provide a livable wage?

Nationwide, locksmiths make a mean annual salary of $47,810.

Which training option costs the least?

The Foley Belsaw course provides the best value since it includes a key-making machine.