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.

The majority of online reviews are personal (and subjective), however. This begs the question: what do professional recommendations look like? There are organizations that track reviews, and complaints, as well as articles, and government-supported research.

But one of the best ways to get a professional recommendation is through an association membership. Members of professional locksmith associations in particular get to enjoy certain benefits, perks, and, most importantly, the trusted reputation that comes with being a member.

In short, these associations matter. Let’s discuss why.

Benefits of Professional Locksmith Association Membership

Locksmith companies don’t just list the associations they partner with for show. These partners have real benefits, and can be the deciding factor between one locksmith and another. Here are a few of the benefits of a professional locksmith association membership:

• Professional development opportunities: to keep skills sharp via presentations, trade shows, and so forth.
• Technical resources: to better identify desired information and find security solutions.
• Industry backing: members of these associations have met strict requirements, and follow best practices of the industry.
• Discounts, and savings: which can potentially be passed on to customers.
• Peace of mind: knowing you’re working with a legitimate, trustworthy company.

Professional Locksmith Association Membership Criteria

The criteria for membership with these associations varies depending on the specific organization, but in general, professional locksmiths have to meet criteria similar to the following to gain acceptance as a member:

• Complete an official membership application
• Be an adult and have experience for at least a certain time period (e.g. six months)
• Have received approved educational or on-the-job locksmith training
• Agree to pay membership dues, and fees

There are also different tiers/levels for, some associations, as well as bonus perks or recognition for being active members for a certain number of years.

The Most Trusted Professional Locksmith Associations

There are several associations in the industry that have earned the esteem of industry vets over time. These organizations have experience, knowledge, and a proven track record of delivering results, and finding, solutions for customers. When a locksmith, or locksmith company, is a member of one or more of these associations, you can have more peace of mind about hiring them.

Here are the professional locksmith associations we partner with at A-1 Locksmith:

• Texas Locksmith Association (TLA)
• Safe & Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA)
• The Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc. (ALOA)

To learn more about these professional locksmith associations, and how they benefit you as a customer, contact A-1 Locksmith today!