Pursue a Career as a Locksmith and Home Security Technician

You can complete Penn Foster Career School’s online Locksmith & Home Security Technician training program at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home — in as little as two months! You’ll learn about key making, electronic security, and learn how to work with several types of locks, including automobile locks, safes, and vaults. Our program also covers the fundamentals of home security including lessons on access control systems, closed circuit television (CCTV), detections systems and system management software.

With mobile-friendly coursework, progress-tracking and goal-setting tools, virtual simulations, informative videos, and personal coaches to help you succeed, the Penn Foster Experience (PFx) is online learning like no other.

In the Penn Foster Career School Professional Locksmith & Home Security Technician training program you’ll learn about duplicating keys, the methods of opening locks without keys, as well as installing door locks, security devices, safes, vaults, and panic hardware. Additionally, you'll cover Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), recording and detection systems, and system management software. And, with the help of our interactive lock simulation, which is included with your program, you'll be able to prepare for your new career with confidence.

Q. How do you become a locksmith?

A. Locksmiths generally have a high school diploma or equivalency and have completed vocational training in the field. From there, you can work for an established company or start your own business in your area.

Q. What is the average hourly wage of a locksmith?

A. Locksmiths working in the field have an average pay of $21.16 per hour, as of 2019. Depending on where you work and whether you’re an on-call locksmith, you can potentially earn more per hour.

Q. What does a locksmith do on a daily basis?

A. Locksmiths make and repair keys, take service calls and perform repairs as needed, install and maintain electronic home security systems, and more.

Q. What industry can I work in as a locksmith?

A. Many locksmiths find work in a local shop or open their own locksmith business. However, skilled locksmiths and home security technicians also work for schools, local government, hospitals, security service companies, or any business that has locks or the need for facilities support professionals.

Q. What are the typical requirements to become a locksmith?

A. To become a locksmith, you’ll typically be required to complete at least entry-level education and long-term on the job training. Many locksmiths learn the foundational knowledge needed for the field through a combination of post-secondary education and hands-on training.