Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of our partners: The Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc.—or as it’s known in the industry, ALOA. We’ll discuss who they are, their membership criteria and the benefits of being a member.

About The Associated Locksmiths of America

ALOA is a membership, education and certification organization for security professionals. According to the ALOA website, “the mission of ALOA, as dedicated members of the locksmith/security industry, is to ensure professional excellence, and ethics; create a public demand for professional locksmith services; represent and speak for the locksmith/security industry; and expand the exchange of trade information and knowledge with other related organizations to preserve, and enhance the industry.”

ALOA Membership Criteria

Membership with The Associated Locksmiths of America, Inc., has several requirements, from basics like verifiable contact information to more intensive criteria like character references. Other elements involved in ALO membership criteria include:

• Professional role in the locksmith or security industry
• Any applicable license, and business numbers
• Company employment and licensing information
• Time, experience, and resources dedicated to locksmithing
• Trade-related personal character references
• Sponsor name, and ID number

There are several types of ALOA memberships, from active, and probationary to allied, and apprentice, which you can review on the application.

Benefits of an ALOA Membership

The perks associated with an ALOA membership start with the staff, which is always ready to help you, whatever your question may be. The association’s certification and membership programs solidify your status as a trusted locksmith and include the following benefits:

• Member discounts, and credits
• Bonding, marketing and management services
• Convention and security expo access
• Partner discounts, resources, and job referrals
• Other varying benefits depending on membership type

A-1 Locksmith is proud to partner with the Safe & Vault Technicians Association. If you’d like to know more, visit the ALOA 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!