WWW.ALOA.ORG FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 KEYNOTES 15 “Simply stated, to remain as competitive as possible today, you must be certified.” Help other safe and vault technicians to learn and grow in the profession by donating your quality used safes. We are looking for gently used safes in decent shape, open or locked. You help students learn — and get a tax write-off. No rusted or damaged safes, please, and the preferred weight is under 1,000 lbs. For more information, email [email protected] or call (214) 819-9733 ext. 2111. Donate Your Old Safe to SAFETECH 2024! Find out more about SAFETECH on SAVTA.org demonstrated advanced proficiency in safe-and-vault-related categories. Other Certification Pathways Those locksmiths who tend to specialize may choose to follow alternate certifi- cation pathways that are available from ALOA. These include: Automotive - CAL (Certified Auto- motive Locksmith). “Drive” into this certification if you excel in automotive and motorcycle work. Automotive - CMAL (Certified Mas- ter Automotive Locksmith). “Race to the top” with this advanced certifica- tion once you have attained the CAL. Electronics - CEL (Certified Elec- tronics Locksmith). Those who are “charged” with this certification excel in the electronics field. Forensics - CFL (Certified Forensic Locksmith). Be the “CSI” of your field with this very specialized certification. As you can now see, this brief syn- opsis of certification pathways demon- strates that ALOA offers a wide variety of specialty certifications for every type of locksmith, from beginner to seasoned professional. It’s up to you to invest in yourself and earn the certifications you deserve! ALOA SPAI Director of Ed- ucation William M. Lynk, CML, CPS, ICML, CMIL, CAI, M.Ed., has been a locksmith since 1975 and is the owner of www. ICLSglobal.com. Bill is an IC specialist, an industry author, the subject matter expert on IC for ALOA, and an ALOA ACE instruc- tor, teaching classes on interchangeable cores and master keying across the coun- try. He has originated SFIC Technical Manu- als for both national and international lock manufacturers, and maintains a working relationship with the major lock and secu- rity manufacturers throughout the world. In 2013, he was named Keynotes Author of the Year.
