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How to Become a Locksmith in Virginia

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  • Learn to work with several types of locks including safes, valuts, and auto.
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Have you ever locked yourself out of your home or car?

This is just a guess, but you probably had to call a locksmith.

Virginia

And even though your granddad still keeps his “ring of many keys,” the locksmithing profession has evolved.

Gone are the days of clunky key rings and Columbo-style lock picks.

Modern locksmiths work with a range of products, including digital and electronic safes, home entry systems, and magnetic vaults commonly found in banks and panic rooms.

Locksmithing in Virginia is considered an entry-level profession that provides a range of career opportunities.

Skilled lock technicians can be found in factories, real estate, and the automotive industries.

It is also a good career choice for those wanting to start their own business.

So, whether you live on the Chesapeake shore or in the historic city of Charlottesville, the pathway to a locksmithing career is easy.

Table of Contents

  • Steps to Become a Locksmith in Virginia
  • Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Virginia
  • Locksmith Programs in Virginia
    • 1. School of Lock and Electronic Security
    • 2. A Class Academy
    • 3. Armour College
    • 3 Best Locksmith Schools in Virginia
  • Salary
    • Average Salary of Locksmiths in Virginia
    • Regional Salary in Virginia

Steps to Become a Locksmith in Virginia

In the digital age, a “locksmith” has taken on new titles.

They have specialized skills and training and are often referred to as a lock technician or physical security technician.

To become a locksmith in Virginia, you must meet the legal requirements of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Individuals seeking to work in the locksmith industry must:

  1. Meet the age and citizenship requirements: 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.
  2. Enroll and complete the 25E Locksmith Entry-level course.
  3. Pass a written exam proctored by the course instructor.
  4. Pass a criminal background check, including being fingerprinted. Major convictions, military court-martial, or a current restraining order are not automatic disqualifications. But, additional information may be needed through a Criminal History Supplemental Form.
  5. Apply for a state license online and pay a nominal fee.
  6. Intern in a locksmith shop to gain experience.
  7. Join a trade association for professional support.
  8. Obtain personal or professional liability insurance.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Locksmith in Virginia

The state requires licensure of all entities in the locksmithing industry, both individuals and businesses.

Because a locksmith technician will have access to personal property, homes, and businesses, candidates must have a clear criminal background check without felonies or major convictions and fingerprints on file.

Training is essential in Virginia.

Aspiring locksmiths must submit a Certificate of Completion of the state-approved, 18-hour certification course, 25E- Locksmith Entry-Level.

The basic class must be taken in person, while continuing education, known as an in-service, may be onsite or online.

Candidates waiting for their license approval may work in the locksmithing industry for 90 days.

A two-year renewal is required to maintain a valid locksmithing license, with proof of four in-service credits and a fee.

Online in-services, such as Electric Strike – Magnetic Lock Installation, are short and designed for professional development.

Locksmith Programs in Virginia

There are a range of in-service courses that teach updated locksmithing.

Many add additional modules such as firearms or active shooter education.

Entry-level courses must be in person and follow a set Department of Criminal Justice Services syllabus that includes Virginia regulations that relate to private security services and signs of terrorism.

Subjects include ethics and locksmith terminology, public safety review, and comprehensive coverage of lock types and access control.

1. School of Lock and Electronic Security

The School of Lock and Electronic Security, located in Mechanicsville, offers the entry-level course 25E – Locksmith Technician.

The two-day, onsite class costs $295, payable upon registration.

A certificate of completion is available for all students who pass the written exam.

Online in-service programs are accessible for a nominal cost of $75.

These 45-minute classes are provided for professional development.

2. A Class Academy

Located in northern Virginia, A Class Academy in Manassas also offers the required two-day 25E course with a bonus – two hours of master key training before the written exam.

Its price tag is $395.

3. Armour College

Armour College follows a unique onsite mobile instruction model.

Its two-day 25E Locksmith class costs are listed as $425 per student.

Additional training, such as active shooter, first aid, and in-services, are available, costing $100 per student.

3 Best Locksmith Schools in Virginia

School Name Address
School of Lock and Electronic Security 6701 Cold Harbor Road Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111
A Class Academy 9303 Center St Unit 101, Manassas, VA 20110
Armour College Henrico, VA 23228

Salary

The BLS estimates the median wage for locksmiths at $54,090, noticeably higher than $48,380, the national average.

Across the state, entry-level pay starts at $34,820 and increases for more seasoned individuals to $76,590.

Wages for those employed in metropolitan areas or holding a Master Locksmith certificate are higher.

The top industries with competitive wages for locksmiths include hospitals, governments, schools, and universities.

Annual Salary Range:
$46K
$53K
$59K

Average Salary of Locksmiths in Virginia

City Name Salary
Alexandria $59,408
Richmond $51,936
Annandale $59,408
Arlington $59,408
Norfolk $50,281
Suffolk $50,228
Portsmouth $50,281
Reston $59,302
Lynchburg $48,946
Chesapeake $50,174
* Salary information last updated 2025

Regional Salary in Virginia

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Richmond, VA110$52,100$25.05$71,800$34,260
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC90$49,450$23.78$61,300$30,640
* 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.
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

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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. A. Mezick says

    January 17, 2017 at 11:32 am

    As this post has no dates, is there an update?

    Reply
  2. Kaleigh says

    March 10, 2017 at 9:18 am

    They traded much of the "shovel ready" for "female friendly." Easier (and therefore lodna-iediviwual-wrge) work + feminist approval = more "jobs" and more votes for the same money. Win!(Unless you're a man with a family to support. Then sorry 'bout your luck.)

    Reply
  3. John Henry McAlpin jr says

    August 10, 2021 at 5:03 pm

    How the criminal record goes back

    Reply

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