Career and certification programs offer general training for locksmiths. However, locksmiths can go beyond job training of mechanical hardware locks and gain experience with installing alarms, electronic access systems, and electrical locking devices. Another option would be to gain experience as a safe-and-vault service mechanic.

Career diplomas allow students to work at their own pace. Some programs might allow one year to complete the training, while others may offer two years. Be sure to check the requirements before beginning a program. For those who can commit more time to studying and exams, the program will generally take six months or less to complete.

The majority of locksmiths have received a high school diploma or equivalent, and became locksmiths through on-the-job training. While a certificate or career diploma may not be necessary to excel as a locksmith, it will give prospective locksmiths an advantage over other applicants vying for the same job. While on-the-job training is the most likely route to being a locksmith, experience in other fields is helpful and the skills are transferable. For example, restaurant servers, bank tellers, cashiers, etc., have experience working directly with the public, which is something locksmiths do on a daily basis. (O-NET)

Locksmiths are not required to be certified, but certification can provide a competitive edge in a tough job market. Certification lets future employers know how serious and dedicated the locksmith is. Associated Locksmiths of America offers a number of certification options for locksmiths looking to advance their career.  Some of the certifications range from registered locksmith to certified master locksmith, with others focusing on automotive locksmiths and safe technicians.

Educational institutions offering career diplomas may also include certification in the program. Check with an advisor before starting the program. Prospective locksmiths should also check with appropriate local and state government agencies for additional requirements in becoming a locksmith. These could vary by area.

• Key Identification and Lock Mechanics: The most basic functions of a locksmith's job are covered in this class, as students get comfortable with different kinds of keys and locks and how to approach each kind.
• Residential Locks: Students cover the most common residential locks and basic door locks, as well as how to make the appropriate key for these locks.
• Automotive Locks: Another one of the most common scenarios many locksmiths can expect to encounter in their career is locked cars. Students in this course learn how to replace the many locking machanisms within a car and how to troubleshoot potential issues in these complex systems.
• Emergency Techniques: Locksmiths may find themselves in a situation in which traditional locksmithing techniques and troubleshooting do not offer solutions; if the lock needs to be opened immediately, graduates of this course have some strategies for opening a lock without the adequate materials.
• Keymaking: This course covers replicating keys by hand and using machinery for all kinds of residential, commercial, and automotive locks.

On-site training may not be required for a locksmithing program, but on-the-job experience is necessary for professional locksmiths to gain experience repairing all the different kinds of locks and security systems they will encounter over the course of their careers. Some students may prefer to work as an apprentice or entry-level employee for a working locksmith before setting out on their own and starting a business.

• Automotive Technology: In a similarly technical field, automotive technicians service and repair automobiles for clients and may specialize in one aspect of repair.
• Building Maintenance/Tech: Building maintenance technicians may encounter their fair share of locked doors needing to be opened; in addition, they oversee and handle the many other needs of a building, including fixing lighting and repairing structures.
• Home Inspector: These workers examine new homes as well as commercial buildings and other structures, noting any structural, electrical, and plumbing problems with the construction.