How to Become a Locksmith in Pennsylvania?

In order to become a licensed locksmith in Pennsylvania, an individual must first complete an apprenticeship program or have equivalent work experience. After completing an apprenticeship program or gaining equivalent work experience, the individual must then pass a written examination. Lastly, the individual must submit a locksmith license application to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Labor and Industry.

It takes a minimum of two years to become a locksmith in Pennsylvania. One year of this must be an apprenticeship under a qualified locksmith, while the other may be either an apprenticeship or locksmith coursework at a trade or technical school. Many locksmiths in Pennsylvania choose to become certified by the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), which requires the completion of an accredited locksmith program and passing a written exam.

As a locksmith in Pennsylvania, the most common calls that I receive are for either lockouts or lock changes. Lockouts tend to be the most common, especially during the winter months, as people are more likely to lose their keys when they're bundled up in coats and gloves. Lock changes are also common because people move frequently in Pennsylvania and may not want to leave their old locks intact for the next tenants. I also get a lot of calls for key duplication, as people often need extras for family members or co-workers, and for safe installation and repair.

There are a variety of problems that a locksmith in Pennsylvania may encounter on a daily basis. The most common problem is probably being called out to unlock a door that has been accidentally locked. This can happen when someone tries to close a door without first checking to see if the knob is in the locked position. Other common problems include dealing with breaks and tears in keys, as well as being called to open a door that has been jammed shut.