How to Become a Locksmith in Miami (Detailed 2021 Guide)

If you are considering becoming a locksmith in Miami this year, this is the only guide you need to get started.

At one point or another, everyone needs a locksmith. Whether you lock your keys in your vehicle or your key breaks off in your lock at home, there are certain scenarios where only a qualified locksmith can assist you.

If you are considering a career as a locksmith in Miami, there are a few requirements to be aware of, which we will cover in this guide.

Before we get into them though, why should you become a locksmith in the first place? Is it a worthwhile endeavor?

Locksmiths provide an essential service and are professionals you can rely on in a vulnerable situation. There’s nothing quite like the relief you feel when you have a locksmith to help you get back into your home or vehicle. Locksmiths are also there to help you feel safer in general by assisting with the installation and repair of residential and business security solutions.

The locksmithing profession is going to be around for a long time to come, so if you want to learn a new skill and be able to assist people when they need it the most, this might just be the profession for you.

Let’s get into some of the specific requirements for becoming a locksmith or joining a team such as Quickly Locksmith in Miami.

Skills Required to Be a Good Locksmith:

In order to be a good locksmith, there are a few skills you can’t do without, including:

• Problem-Solving Abilities. Locksmiths are natural problem solvers. Some problems are simple, while others require you to think of a unique solution. As a locksmith, you need to be comfortable with expecting the unexpected.
• Dexterity. An eye for detail is essential when picking and fixing locks. Without hand-eye coordination and dexterity, you could end up making a problem far worse.
• People Skills. As a locksmith, you’re going to be dealing with people a lot. Not only do you need to be good with people, even the rude ones, but you should also be a clear communicator.
• A Good Memory. Once you become a locksmith, you are going to encounter a lot of different products and brands, so a good memory is a must. Fortunately, things don’t feel as overwhelming once you gain some experience.
• Experience with Tools & Equipment. Without knowledge of the tools and equipment a locksmith uses, you won’t be able to do much to help your customers. This is where courses and qualifications come into play.

Understanding the Different Types of Locksmiths:

While there is always the option to offer a variety of lock and security-related services, some locksmiths choose to specialize. Here are some of the options to consider:

• Emergency Locksmith. If you want to be available to help customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, consider becoming an emergency locksmith. As an emergency locksmith, you endeavor to reach a customer as quickly as possible, regardless of the hour. Emergency locksmiths are also able to charge higher rates due to the convenience.
• Residential Locksmith. This is probably the most common type of locksmith in Miami. They deal with a variety of lock and security-related concerns related to residential properties. Some of the services they offer include lock repair and replacement, key copies, re-keying, and lockout assistance. Many of today’s residential locksmiths also offer emergency services.
• Commercial Locksmith. A commercial locksmith only deals with businesses and is most familiar with multi-use and keyless systems. Small, medium and large businesses turn to commercial locksmiths to help secure their business premises and assets.
• Industrial Locksmith. If you would prefer to only work with larger businesses that require monthly maintenance, industrial locksmithing might be a better choice for you. Typical services include replacing doors and installing security and access control systems in warehouses and industrial environments.
• Automotive Locksmith. As the name suggests, an automotive locksmith specializes in vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, and bikes. Services include car key replacement and copies, key programming, and lockout assistance. Many residential and emergency locksmiths also tend to offer automotive services.
• Safe Locksmith. While this falls in with commercial and industrial locksmithing, some professionals choose to specialize in safes and vaults alone. Naturally, this type of locksmithing requires very specific skills and knowledge.
• Forensic Locksmith. Lastly, forensic locksmiths work specifically with the police and FBI. This requires knowledge of security systems and locks, as well as crime scenes, so additional training and qualifications are necessary. A forensic locksmith is responsible for identifying weaknesses in security systems and the tools and methods to gain entry to a building or home.

How many of these areas you would prefer to specialize in is entirely up to you.

Next, let’s get into the specific requirements for becoming a locksmith in Miami.

National Locksmith Requirements:

To become a locksmith in the United States, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Age of 18 or older
• No criminal record
• Completion of necessary locksmith training based on the desired area of expertise
• Achieve at least 70 percent on the certification exam, which tests 10 chosen areas of expertise (more on that below)
• Official license depending on the state of operation
• Business license if self-employed

Florida Locksmith Requirements:

If you want to become a locksmith in Florida specifically, you will start with a background check and fingerprinting – services you need to pay for yourself. All records are checked within the FBI and by the state of Florida before you can start operating as a locksmith.

Every county in Florida also has specific requirements. Some require a locksmith to have a license, while others don’t – most counties don’t. Along with the background checks and fingerprinting, some locksmiths may even need to be an apprentice for at least a year before they can operate on their own.

Potential locksmiths can refer to their local county website for details on the specific requirements. If you can’t locate this information online, the organization that facilitates your training will be able to guide you.

Quickly Locksmith services Dade county and has a license from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Dade is one of the few counties that has more specific requirements for locksmiths.

Locksmith Certification Exam – What It Covers:

To become a qualified and reputable locksmith like Quickly Locksmith, you need to be tested on 10 mandatory categories during your certification exam. This includes:

1. Codes and Code Equipment
2. Cylinder Servicing
3. Key Blank Identification
4. Key Duplication
5. Key Impressioning
6. Professional Lock Opening Techniques
7. Lockset Functions
8. Lockset Servicing
9. Basic Master Keying
10. Cabinet, Furniture, and Mailbox Locks

There are also 26 elective categories that you can add to your exam should you want to add additional specialties to your skillset. Some of these extra categories include domestic and foreign automotive, keyless mechanical locks, safe deposit locks, alarms, and closed circuit television.

Becoming a Locksmith in Miami – Additional Requirements:

Along with the above requirements, here are a few other aspects to be aware of.

Association Memberships:

While locksmiths in Miami don’t officially need to belong to any professional groups, it is great for building more trust with potential customers. The Associated Locksmiths of America is one example of a professional membership group. However, there are others to choose from too, each of which will cater to the needs of different locksmiths. Once you become a member, you can display the badge on your website or your social media profiles to start building more trust in your community.

Insurance and Bond Protection:

To operate in Florida, locksmiths need to maintain at least $25,000 worth of liability insurance. This ensures you are protected should anything go wrong during a job.

Locksmith Equipment:

Before you can start operating as a locksmith, you will need the right tools and equipment. This includes everything from a key duplicator and extractor to re-keying kits. You will also need a way to get to and from clients and a place to store your equipment. It’s only once you register as a locksmith with the state of Florida that you can purchase the necessary tools.

Where to Find Locksmith Training in Florida:

A simple Google search is all that’s required to find locksmith training facilities in Florida. If you don’t necessarily want to attend in-person training, online programs are available too. Locksmith Training HQ and Assured Locksmith Training are two training facilities you can consider.

To take a certification exam, most locksmiths contact the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) as they grant one of the widest varieties of designations. In fact, ALOA can facilitate your training too.

Undergoing the necessary training and examinations will ensure you start your career as a locksmith on the right foot and can gain the trust of potential customers.

It can take several months to become a locksmith, but on-the-job training will take another few months, if not a year or two. Patience is key when learning to become an experienced locksmith, but your efforts will be well worth it.

Honing Your Skills as a Locksmith:

To really excel as a locksmith in Miami, it’s important to keep honing your skills. Staying abreast of the latest products and technology will help you stand out and attract more clients more often.

Learning from a mentor is another great way to get valuable experience and become an industry-recognized locksmith.

There are also a number of online courses and seminars that you can register for throughout the year that will keep you at the top of your game – a must if you want to stand out as a reputable professional in Miami.