If you’re not familiar with the Texas Locksmith Association (TLA), today’s post is for you. Let’s cover who the TLA is, what they require for members, and the benefits of membership.

About the Texas Locksmith Association

According to the TLA website, “the Texas Locksmiths Association provides support for its members through continuing education classes held throughout the state, and our annual conference, and trade show. Our goal is to assist members in growing their businesses, improving their public image, and providing continuing education a variety of topics of interest to the members. The Texas Locksmiths Association also provides scholarship funds for deserving, sons, and daughters of its members. The funds are awarded on an annual basis, and renewals are possible.”

Texas Locksmith Association Membership Criteria

TLA is unique in that it offers multiple tiers of membership, unlike many other professional associations. Here is the criteria for different tiers:

• Tier 1 (Regular): To qualify for Tier 1 membership, applicants must be 18 years of age, and have six months of locksmith experience. They must also be a registered owner of a locksmith shop or receive extensive education and/or training. Membership must also be maintained for renewals. 
• Tier 2 (Apprentice): Same as Tier 1, however the individual must be 12 years of age, and a dependent of a Regular or Life TLA member. Membership upgrades to Regular (Tier 1) when the individual turns 18.
• Tier 3 (Associate): Requires individuals or businesses to be approved, and pay fees set by the TLA Board of Directors (BOD).
• Tier 4 (Honorary): Two requirements: 1, exemplary contributions, and service to TLA; and 2, be selected by the BOD.
• Tier 5 (Life): Several requirements, including good standing in TLA for 10 years (minimum) and a BOD spot or other requirement, or 15 years of continuous membership (and 65 years of age). No more than three Life members are selected each year.

Benefits of Texas Locksmith Association Membership

A Texas Locksmith Association membership helps both locksmith companies, and the customers they serve. Here are a few of the benefits of a Texas Locksmith Association Membership:

1. Network with fellow locksmiths, and vendors – members get the opportunity to share knowledge, tips, and tricks to grow and improve their business.
2. Stay connected – TLA distributes Texas Occupations Code & Texas Administrative Code updates to our membership regularly. These laws that regulate locksmiths in Texas.
3. Receive continuing education and ongoing training – 16 CEU’s every two years are required to maintain a locksmith endorsement with DPS.
4. Band together – TLA works to ensure the interests of Texas locksmiths are considered when working with DPS and the state.
5. Save money – Membership in TLA gives members training and continuing education. This is often passed on to the customer in one form or another.

A-1 Locksmith is proud to partner with the Texas Locksmith Association. If you’d like to know more, visit the Texas Locksmith Association website today.

Obey the Local Authority

When it comes to rules, and regulations surrounding locksmiths, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Regulatory Services Division – Private Security Bureau (PSB) are the regulatory authority in charge of setting standards, and maintaining licensing requirements.  Before you even begin thinking about becoming a locksmith you’ll have to complete a background check to confirm you’re free of convictions, serious arrests, and other felonious behavior.  Wouldn’t do any good teaching criminals how to pick a lock, now would it?

More Testing Than You Can Shake a Stick At

Once you’ve passed the initial hurdle, there’s several routes you can take to becoming a licensed locksmith in charge of your own establishment.  The first route involves a combination of a 48-hour certification course, 600 hours served at a locksmith trade school, and working for a qualified locksmith for a year.  If that seems a bit, onerous, you can also find a local locksmith company that’s a member of a certified trade union and convince them to take you on for a two-year internship.

At the end of either approach you’ll be required to pass a Federal background check and take something called the PSB’s Qualified Managers exam.  The exam is a far-cry harder than your last driver’s ed test.  Exam takers will need to be familiar with all the laws that govern the locksmith profession, contained within the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702 and the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 35.  If you pass the exam, and that’s a big if, the state will then verify your education and employment history, and make you a bona fide Locksmith, able to start their own locksmith establishment.

But Wait, There’s More

The requirements don’t end once you have a license in hand.  As a locksmith, out in the big wide world on your own, you’ll be required by the state to maintain insurance to keep your license.  In order to maintain your license, you will also need to complete annual continuing education and certify, and renew your license.  And don’t forget that hour of ethics that is part of the requirement.

Call A-1 for a Certified Locksmith

As our short summary demonstrates, becoming a certified locksmith in the state of Texas is no small feat.  But that doesn’t stop the professionals at A-1 Locksmith from making the grade.  Each of our locksmiths have met the rigorous training, education, testing and background requirements set by the state.  It may be the law, but is also just makes good sense.  At A-1 locksmith your safety, and security is our number one priority, and only the best and brightest can call themselves a part of the A-1 family.  Call A-1 today to find out the difference that a state licensed locksmith can make when it comes to protecting you, your family, and your most treasured possessions.