In your search for locksmiths and safe technicians on our site, you might notice some letters behind some locksmiths’ names. As an international membership association of locksmiths and security professionals, ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. (ALOA) recognizes professionalism and proficiency among security professionals through its certification programs.
You want to be confident that you’re hiring a knowledgeable and qualified professional for the work you need to be completed. ALOA certifications give you the peace of mind you need.
Through our Proficiency Registration Program (PRP) and the Safe Technicians Proficiency Registration Program (STPRP), ALOA evaluates the educational and technical competence of dedicated individuals in a wide range of subjects. To earn credentials, individuals must pass strict testing and education requirements.
You can find out more about ALOA certifications and their requirements here, but below are some of our offerings with a brief explanation of each.
Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL) – This is the entry-level certification for locksmith professionals.
Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL) – This is the second level of certification for locksmith professionals.
Certified Master Locksmith (CML) – This is the top level of the general locksmithing category.
ALOA Fundamental Locksmith (AFL) – This is for technicians who have completed ALOA’s Fundamentals of Locksmithing course and passed the corresponding exam.
Certified Professional Safeman (CPS) – This is the entry-level test for the safe and vault technician.
Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST) – This is the top level of certification for the safe and vault category.
Certified Automotive Locksmith (CAL) – This is the entry-level certification for the automotive specialist.
Certified Master Automotive Locksmith (CMAL) – This is the top-level certification for the vehicle locksmith professional.
Institutional Certified Registered Locksmith (ICRL) – This is the entry-level certification for the in-house locksmith at places like hospitals, K-12 schools and higher education, government facilities, etc.
Institutional Certified Professional Locksmith (ICPL) – This is the second level in institutional locksmith certification.
Institutional Certified Master Locksmith (ICML) – This is the top level of the institutional locksmithing category.
Certified Institutional Shop Manager (CISM) – This is a credential specifically for institutional lock shop managers.
Life Safety & Fire Door Inspector (LSFDI) – Available only to members of the institutional locksmith division, this credential combines fire door and life safety code disciplines.
Certified Electronic Locksmith (CEL) – This is the entry-level certification for the security professional who provides electronic security services.
Certified Master Electronic Locksmith (CMEL) – This is the highest-level certification for the electronic locksmith and requires first becoming a CEL.
Certified Forensic Locksmith (CFL) – The most basic exam covers a broad array of topics in investigative locksmithing.
Certified Forensic Automotive Locksmith (CFAL) – This is the first level in automotive-focused investigative locksmithing.
Certified Forensic Master Automotive Locksmith (CFMAL) – This is the highest level in automotive-focused investigative locksmithing.
Certified Forensic Professional Safe Technician (CFPST) – This is the first level in safe and vault-focused investigative locksmithing.
Certified Forensic Master Safe Technician (CFMST) – This is the highest level in safe and vault-focused investigative locksmithing.
Certified Forensic Fire Door Inspector (CFFDI) – This credential is specific to fire door assembly forensic inspection.
Certified Forensic Life Safety & Fire Door Inspector (CFLSFDI) – This credential combines the forensic examination of fire doors and life safety in the means of egress.
Certified Forensic Architectural Door Locksmith (CFADL) – This certification focuses on the forensic examination of doors, frames, door hardware and related life safety codes.
ALOA Fire Door Inspector (AFDI) – This credential is the most essential fire door inspector credential and must be renewed every three years.
Certified Licensed Locksmith (CLL) – This exam is required for licensing in Louisiana and Alabama.
