Safe Locksmith Choices

Are you a Locksmith?

Interested in being listed in this locksmith directory? Click here to learn more.

Locksmiths by City

Here are the TOP 100 U.S. cities (by population). If you do not see your city or think I should add another one, please drop me a note and I will work to get you listed.

I know it may have been easier to put in alphabetical order, but I thought it was cool to see how the cities compared by size.

Other Cities: Rockville

Locksmiths by State

Safe Locksmith International

f you or someone you know is qualified to work on safes in a foreign country, please drop me a note and I will work to get you listed.

1. United Kingdom Locksmiths
2. Vancouver Locksmiths

Safe Locksmith Certification

The two main safe locksmith certification programs are offered by the Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc.(ALOA) and the Safe and Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA). These two national trade associations worked together to formulate the following certifications:

1. Certified Professional SafeTech(CPS)
2. Certified Master SafeTech (CMST)

As highlighted above, just because a locksmith does not have one of these designations, does not mean they are incompetent to work on your gun safe. Maybe they have tremendous in house experience. Or, maybe they have received specialized training from one or more safe manufacturers.

When interviewing safe locksmith, if they do not have one of these certifications, ask them what makes them competent to work on your safe. Ask them to be specific. How many gun safes do you work on in any given month? What brands? What type of work? You get the picture.

For a list of all ALOA locksmith designations and the respective qualifications requirements, click here.

Let’s take a look at an overview of the certification requirements so you can understand what goes into being a “safe expert.”

Certified Professional SafeTech(CPS)

This is the place you start. You cannot become a Master Safe Tech without first obtaining the CPS designation. A CPS must demonstrate expertise in at least 17 safe technology subjects. Here is a partial list of possible expertise areas.

Proficiency in the above is tested on a 325 question exam where a 70% (or better) score must be achieved.

Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST)

This certification is the PHD of safe techs. To obtain this designation a candidate must have first obtain the CPS designation. Like the CPS, the CMST must show advanced knowledge in a variety of safe technology subjects.

In addition to the above 19 areas, advanced knowledge must also be demonstrated in the following areas of expertise:

Proficiency in the above is tested on a 267 question CMS exam (70% or greater score).

When you see a list of the subject matter required to pass these exams, it really makes you stop and appreciate the level of knowledge that goes into these designations.

Obviously, through extensive industry experience, one could obtain this knowledge as well, without taking the exam. Just make sure you ask your prospective safe locksmith how their skills and experience compare.

Society of Professional Locksmiths

The Society of Professional Locksmiths is an organization of certified professional locksmiths that provides online training, testing, live webinars, certifications and a industry magazine. They have a FREE Locksmith Training Program available and a valuable newsletter. Check them out if you were ever curious about locksmithing.