14 KEYNOTES FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 WWW.ALOA.ORG EDUCATION “Why Should I Become Certified?” datory Exam (L-00) includes testing on 250 questions broken down into 10 cate- gories. These 10 categories are: Key Origi- nation by Code and Code Equipment, Pin and Disc Cylinder Servicing, Key Blank Identification, Key Duplication Techniques and Equipment, Key Origina- tion by Impressioning, Professional Lock Opening Techniques, Lockset Servicing, Lockset Functions and Finishes, Basic Master Keying and Basics of Cabinet, Furniture and Mailbox Locks. The PRP was originally designed to show what the locksmith may know and, more im- portantly, what he or she may not know. This will enable the locksmith to study, practice and excel within the field. Within the “first tier” tests including the Mandatory (L-00), CPS and CAL, the student does not have to score a 70% on each section — for the total of the entire test, all sections, the student must have an average of 70% to pass. So, there is no “per section pass” available. Thus, if the total average of 70% does not occur, a re- take of the entire test is still required for a passing grade. The remaining 28 elective categories are selected based on each locksmith’s field of specialization or expanding knowledge. The number of questions in each elective averages 25, and most are multiple choice-type questions. When these electives are passed, the electives are “banked” into the lock- smith’s file (or account, if you will). As they accumulate, they can be used to- ward the varying levels of certification in many cases. Original Locksmith Pathway of Certification Levels To achieve the first level of certification, Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL), a passing grade (70%+) is required on the mandatory section and any two electives. To achieve the intermediate level of certi- fication, Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL), a passing grade (70%+) is required on each of any 12 additional electives. Finally, to achieve the highest level of certification, Certified Master Locksmith (CML), a passing grade (70%+) is required on each of 90% of the available electives. ALOA has certified over 6,000 of our members nationwide, with an additional 2,000 who are in the early stages of certifi- cation. ALOA provides the licensing exam for the State of Illinois Department of Pro- fessional Regulation and has worked with other city and state agencies in setting up their qualifications for locksmith hiring and requirements for licensing. ALOA Fundamental Locksmith (AFL) The ALOA Fundamental Locksmith (AFL) designation demonstrates the re- cipient has completed ALOA’s Six-Day Basic Locksmithing Course and then has passed the after-class examination given on the last day. An AFL has enough gen- eral locksmithing knowledge to function as an apprentice locksmith. An AFL is recognized for training or experience but is not PRP tested or certified. This is not a path for advanced certification levels. Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL) The first level of locksmith certification is Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL). A Certified Registered Locksmith has passed the 10 mandatory categories as well as at least two specialized electives of his/her choice. A CRL has a good work- ing knowledge of general locksmithing. Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL) The second level of locksmith certifica- tion is Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL). A Certified Professional Lock- smith has earned the CRL designation and has succeeded in passing an addi- tional 12 elective categories. A CPL has an advanced knowledge of general lock- smithing and of many specialized areas. Certified Master Locksmith (CML) The highest level of locksmith certifi- cation is Certified Master Locksmith (CML). A Certified Master Locksmith has reached the highest level of ALOA’s Proficiency Registration Program and has successfully demonstrated proficiency in 90% of the available categories of the Pro- ficiency Registration Program. A CML has advanced knowledge of most areas of locksmithing and electronic security. Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS) The first level of the safe tech certification is Certified Professional Safe Technician (CPS). A CPS has successfully demon- strated proficiency in 17 safe-and-vault- related categories. Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST) The highest level of the safe tech certifi- cation is Certified Master Safe Techni- cian (CMST). A CMST has successfully “ALOA has certified over 6,000 of our members nationwide, with an additional 2,000 who are in the early stages of certification.”
