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Business & Cross-Cutting · course plan
⚠ Pending professional review
This course plan, its lessons and its assessments has not yet been verified by a credentialed professional in the field or by a certification or approval body. It is a study draft and may contain errors. Do not use it as instructions for work on a job site or on live equipment. Always follow your instructor, your supervising professional, and current official references and regulations.
VoTechWorks program approval and accreditation are still in progress. Credentials are issued only by the certifying bodies named in each program, after their own exams.
Locksmith & Security Systems
11 courses · 900 clock hours · 3–6 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.
11courses
54lessons
900hours
39assessments
Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons54 of 54 lesson pages writtenPractice432 practice questionsResources120 reference entries (study list)Review0 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional
Study now: 54 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).
BUS-LOCK72-01 Universal core
Universal Core: Safety, Math, Communication & Career for Locksmith & Security Systems
148 hr · $1,185 COMPLIMENTARY
This foundational course builds the safety habits, trade mathematics, technical literacy, digital skills, and professional conduct that underpin every subsequent course in the Locksmith & Security Systems program. Learners complete OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training and First Aid/CPR, apply measurement and calculation to real lock and hardware scenarios, and develop the career-readiness skills needed to enter and advance in the trade. All content is mapped to the knowledge domains assessed by the ALOA CRL and ESA CAT credential exams and to state licensing application requirements.
Outcomes- Demonstrate compliance with OSHA General Industry hazard-communication, lockout/tagout, PPE selection, and electrical-safety requirements as applied to locksmith and alarm-installation worksites.
- Apply arithmetic, fractions, decimals, unit conversion, and basic geometry to lock cylinder measurements, key blank selection charts, conduit sizing, and hardware installation layouts.
- Read and interpret manufacturer installation manuals, wiring diagrams, ANSI/BHMA hardware grade tables, and code-compliance documentation relevant to the trade.
- Use job-relevant digital tools—inventory software, customer work-order systems, and online code/cross-reference databases—to locate information and complete simulated business records.
- Demonstrate professional communication and ethical conduct with customers, employers, and inspectors, including written service reports and verbal explanation of security recommendations.
- Identify the credential pathways (ALOA CRL, ESA CAT, state locksmith/alarm license) and the eligibility, application, and examination requirements associated with each.
Course text
This foundational course builds the safety habits, trade mathematics, technical literacy, digital skills, and professional conduct that underpin every subsequent course in the Locksmith & Security Systems program. Learners complete OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training and First Aid/CPR, apply measurement and calculation to real lock and hardware scenarios, and develop the career-readiness skills needed to enter and advance in the trade. All content is mapped to the knowledge domains assessed by the ALOA CRL and ESA CAT credential exams and to state licensing application requirements.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Worksite Safety: OSHA 10, Hazard Communication, and PPE for the Locksmith Trade; Lockout/Tagout, Electrical Safety, and First Aid/CPR for Security Technicians; Trade Math and Measurement: Numbers, Fractions, Decimals, and Units for Locksmithing; Technical Reading: Manuals, Wiring Diagrams, ANSI/BHMA Tables, and Code Documents; Digital Tools for the Security Trade: Databases, Work Orders, and Online References; Professional Communication, Ethics, and Customer Service in the Security Trade; Credential Pathways, State Licensing, and Career Planning in Locksmith & Security.
What competent looks like. Demonstrate compliance with OSHA General Industry hazard-communication, lockout/tagout, PPE selection, and electrical-safety requirements as applied to locksmith and alarm-installation worksites. Apply arithmetic, fractions, decimals, unit conversion, and basic geometry to lock cylinder measurements, key blank selection charts, conduit sizing, and hardware installation layouts. Read and interpret manufacturer installation manuals, wiring diagrams, ANSI/BHMA hardware grade tables, and code-compliance documentation relevant to the trade. Use job-relevant digital tools—inventory software, customer work-order systems, and online code/cross-reference databases—to locate information and complete simulated business records. Demonstrate professional communication and ethical conduct with customers, employers, and inspectors, including written service reports and verbal explanation of security recommendations. Identify the credential pathways (ALOA CRL, ESA CAT, state locksmith/alarm license) and the eligibility, application, and examination requirements associated with each.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Worksite Safety: OSHA 10, Hazard Communication, and PPE for the Locksmith Trade | 24 | theory | Learners will identify OSHA General Industry hazard categories common to locksmith and security-installation work and select appropriate PPE and controls for each hazard. |
| OSHA 10-Hour General Industry student packet and card (authorized outreach trainer required); ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 eye-protection reference chart; ANSI/ISEA 105 glove selection guide; shop PPE inventory (safety glasses, face shield, N95 respirator, cut-resistant gloves, hearing protection rated NRR 25+); printed hazard-hunt checklist; camera or smartphone for documentation. | Learners must (1) receive the official OSHA 10-Hour General Industry completion card and (2) score 80% or higher on a 25-question written safety quiz covering GHS labeling, PPE selection, lockout/tagout, and electrical hazard recognition. OSHA card is mandatory regardless of quiz score. |
| 2 | Lockout/Tagout, Electrical Safety, and First Aid/CPR for Security Technicians | 20 | demo | Learners will perform a correct six-step lockout/tagout procedure on simulated alarm-panel and access-control power supplies and demonstrate hands-only CPR and AED operation to American Heart Association or American Red Cross standards. |
| LOTO demo panel (de-energized); OSHA-compliant lockout hasps, padlocks with individual keys, and tags; AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED student workbook; CPR manikins (one per two learners); AED trainer unit; first-aid kit; sample OSHA Form 300; NFPA 70E arc-flash awareness handout (informational). | Learners must (1) receive a valid AHA or Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED completion card and (2) complete the LOTO practical check-off with no critical errors (defined as failing to verify zero energy state or applying a tag without a personal lock); one retry allowed within the same class day. |
| 3 | Trade Math and Measurement: Numbers, Fractions, Decimals, and Units for Locksmithing | 28 | practice | Learners will accurately apply arithmetic operations, unit conversion, and geometric measurement to solve at least ten representative locksmith and security-installation problems without a calculator error rate exceeding 10%. |
| Instructor-prepared 40-problem math packet with answer key; digital calipers (one per learner); 6-inch steel rule; 25-foot tape measure; sample padlocks, door-edge plates, and mortise-lock bodies for measurement; scientific or trade calculator; ALOA Key Blank Cross-Reference Directory (print or online); blank job-estimate form. | Score 80% or higher on the 40-problem math packet; measurement data sheet must show no more than one out-of-tolerance reading out of the 11 measured items. Both thresholds must be met; learners below threshold receive targeted tutoring and one retake. |
| 4 | Technical Reading: Manuals, Wiring Diagrams, ANSI/BHMA Tables, and Code Documents | 22 | theory | Learners will extract correct installation specifications, hardware grades, and compliance requirements from four categories of trade reference documents with 80% accuracy on a comprehension assessment. |
| Current manufacturer installation sheets for a Grade 1 cylindrical lock and a basic alarm control panel (instructor-sourced from manufacturer websites, public domain); simplified alarm wiring diagram (instructor-prepared); ANSI/BHMA A156 series hardware standards summary (BHMA publishes free educational summaries); ALOA Key Blank Cross-Reference Directory; printed excerpts of a sample state egress-hardware code section (instructor-selected, state-specific); reading-circuit worksheet. | Reading-circuit worksheet must score 80% or higher (18 of 24 questions correct); wiring-diagram annotation is evaluated by instructor using a rubric—all five conductors correctly labeled and all five 'what-if' answers correct or one error allowed. Retake of worksheet is available within one week. |
| 5 | Digital Tools for the Security Trade: Databases, Work Orders, and Online References | 18 | lab | Learners will use three categories of digital tools—a key/lock cross-reference database, a simulated work-order management system, and manufacturer online support portals—to complete a simulated service call from intake to closeout. |
| Computers or tablets with internet access (one per learner or pair); Ilco key-blank reference app or equivalent free online tool; instructor-prepared 15-item database lookup worksheet; cloud-based CRM or instructor-prepared spreadsheet work-order template; printer or PDF export; peer-check invoice rubric; list of assigned manufacturer models for scavenger hunt. | Database worksheet must score 80% correct (12 of 15 items); work-order invoice must be arithmetically correct and contain all required fields (customer info, itemized parts, labor, subtotal, tax, total)—one arithmetic error permitted with correction before final submission. Scavenger hunt is complete/incomplete graded: all three documents located and version numbers recorded earns full credit. |
| 6 | Professional Communication, Ethics, and Customer Service in the Security Trade | 18 | practice | Learners will demonstrate professional verbal communication, written service-report completion, and ethical decision-making in three simulated locksmith customer scenarios, meeting a behavioral rubric standard of satisfactory or above on all criteria. |
| Sample service call report form (instructor-prepared, based on industry models); three scripted customer role-play scenario cards; behavioral communication rubric; ALOA Code of Ethics (available on ALOA's public website); four written ethics case studies (instructor-prepared); whiteboard for class debrief notes. | Service report second draft must score satisfactory (all required fields complete, no factual errors, professional language) on instructor rubric. Role-play rubric must show satisfactory or above on at least five of six behavioral criteria per scenario. Ethics discussion is participation-graded: each learner must contribute a substantive comment to at least two of the four cases as noted by instructor. |
| 7 | Credential Pathways, State Licensing, and Career Planning in Locksmith & Security | 18 | theory | Learners will correctly describe the eligibility requirements, application steps, and exam content domains for the ALOA CRL credential, the ESA CAT credential, and their state locksmith/alarm license, and produce a written personal credential and career plan. |
| Computers or tablets with internet access; ALOA CRL information page (ALOA.org); ESA CAT information page (ESAlarm.org); state licensing board website (instructor provides direct URL for the program's state); sample job postings (instructor-printed or learner-searched); career-plan writing template; credential comparison chart template. | Credential comparison chart must have all fields completed accurately (verified against official sources by instructor) with no more than two factual errors. State licensing research must correctly answer all five structured questions based on actual current law or a clearly noted 'no specific state law.' Career plan must include all required sections and set at least three measurable first-year goals—graded complete/incomplete; incomplete plans returned for revision before the course ends. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety and Regulatory Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% (40 of 50 questions correct); OSHA 10 card and First Aid/CPR card must be on file before exam is scored | A 50-question multiple-choice and short-answer written exam covering OSHA General Industry hazard recognition, GHS hazard-communication labeling, PPE selection for locksmith and alarm-installation tasks, the six-step lockout/tagout procedure, electrical-safety rules for low-voltage security work, and first-aid response priorities. Questions are drawn from the safety content covered in Lessons 1 and 2 and are aligned with the safety and regulatory knowledge domains assessed in the ALOA CRL and ESA CAT exams. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Trade Math, Technical Reading, and Digital Tools Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% (32 of 40 questions correct) | A 40-question combined written and applied exam: 20 questions require numeric calculation or measurement interpretation (fractions, decimals, unit conversion, area, job-estimate math); 10 questions require reading a supplied wiring diagram or ANSI/BHMA hardware table to extract specific data; 10 questions require interpreting a key-blank cross-reference entry or a manufacturer installation-sheet detail. This exam maps to the mathematical reasoning and technical-documentation reading skills tested in both the ALOA CRL and ESA CAT credential exams. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Professional Communication and Credential Pathway Portfolio | Project | 25% | All four required components rated satisfactory or above on the scoring rubric; no component may be incomplete | Learners submit a four-part portfolio: (1) the final revised service call written report from Lesson 6; (2) the completed credential comparison chart from Lesson 7; (3) the state licensing research document from Lesson 7; and (4) the personal credential and career plan from Lesson 7. Each component is scored on a three-level rubric (unsatisfactory / satisfactory / exemplary) for accuracy, completeness, and professional presentation. The portfolio demonstrates career-readiness skills relevant to state license application processes and professional association membership. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Safety and Professionalism Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 25% | Satisfactory rating on at least four of five rubric criteria; any unsatisfactory rating on the LOTO or ethics criterion triggers a mandatory retake of that criterion only | In a 15-minute one-on-one session with the instructor, each learner responds to five oral prompts drawn randomly from a bank covering: (1) walking through the LOTO procedure for a named piece of shop equipment, (2) selecting and justifying PPE for a described worksite scenario, (3) explaining what to do if a customer cannot prove ownership of a property during a lockout call, (4) describing the next step a learner will take toward obtaining their state license, and (5) explaining one ethical obligation from the ALOA Code of Ethics and why it matters to public trust in the trade. Responses are scored on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory rubric for accuracy, completeness, and professional language. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
BUS-LOCK72-02 Trade course
Lock Mechanisms
63 hr · $680 COMPLIMENTARY
Students disassemble, identify, and reassemble the principal lock families used in residential, commercial, and institutional settings, building a hands-on understanding of how each mechanism works and where it fails. Emphasis is placed on reading pin-stack geometry, understanding tolerances, and recognizing security grades so that later keying, access-control, and service work rests on accurate mechanical knowledge. Lessons align with the ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith exam domains covering lock anatomy, security levels, and mechanical operation.
Outcomes- Identify and name the functional components of pin-tumbler, wafer, disc-detainer, lever-tumbler, tubular, and warded lock mechanisms without reference materials.
- Disassemble and reassemble at least four distinct lock families to manufacturer specification within the allotted time and without losing parts or damaging the plug.
- Explain how each mechanism achieves the locked and unlocked state, including the role of springs, shear line, and tolerances, as tested by written and oral questioning.
- Classify a residential or commercial lock cylinder by ANSI/BHMA grade and match the grade to appropriate application environments.
- Diagnose at least three common mechanical failure modes (worn drivers, broken springs, seized plug) and select the correct corrective action.
- Apply safe handling procedures for lock tools and small parts, including control of springs and ball bearings, and observe shop housekeeping standards throughout all lab work.
Course text
Students disassemble, identify, and reassemble the principal lock families used in residential, commercial, and institutional settings, building a hands-on understanding of how each mechanism works and where it fails. Emphasis is placed on reading pin-stack geometry, understanding tolerances, and recognizing security grades so that later keying, access-control, and service work rests on accurate mechanical knowledge. Lessons align with the ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith exam domains covering lock anatomy, security levels, and mechanical operation.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Lock Families and Security Standards Overview; Pin-Tumbler Cylinder: Anatomy and Operation; Wafer, Tubular, and Warded Mechanisms; Lever-Tumbler and Disc-Detainer Mechanisms; Mechanical Failure Diagnosis and Security Evaluation.
What competent looks like. Identify and name the functional components of pin-tumbler, wafer, disc-detainer, lever-tumbler, tubular, and warded lock mechanisms without reference materials. Disassemble and reassemble at least four distinct lock families to manufacturer specification within the allotted time and without losing parts or damaging the plug. Explain how each mechanism achieves the locked and unlocked state, including the role of springs, shear line, and tolerances, as tested by written and oral questioning. Classify a residential or commercial lock cylinder by ANSI/BHMA grade and match the grade to appropriate application environments. Diagnose at least three common mechanical failure modes (worn drivers, broken springs, seized plug) and select the correct corrective action. Apply safe handling procedures for lock tools and small parts, including control of springs and ball bearings, and observe shop housekeeping standards throughout all lab work.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lock Families and Security Standards Overview | 10 | theory | Students classify the six primary lock families and explain ANSI/BHMA grading criteria so they can select the appropriate mechanism for a given application. |
| Cross-section diagrams (instructor-prepared), ANSI/BHMA A156 series summary documents, manufacturer catalogs (Schlage, Medeco, or equivalent), course notebook, card-sort sets, whiteboard | Completed worksheet scored against answer key; students must correctly identify lock family and grade for at least 8 of 10 items (80%) to demonstrate readiness to proceed. |
| 2 | Pin-Tumbler Cylinder: Anatomy and Operation | 18 | lab | Students disassemble, inspect, and reassemble a standard pin-tumbler cylinder, correctly identifying every component and articulating how key cuts control the shear line. |
| Assorted pin-tumbler cylinders (at least two per student), plug-follower blocks, follower tools, pinning trays, tweezers, digital calipers, key blanks, safety glasses, magnifying lamp, lab log forms, Locksmith Ledger or equivalent reference | Instructor observes reassembly using a skills checklist: plug rotates freely with correct key, binds with wrong key, no parts missing, no scratches on plug face; all three cylinders must pass and lab log must be complete with measurements — all items required to pass. |
| 3 | Wafer, Tubular, and Warded Mechanisms | 12 | demo | Students describe the operating principle of wafer, tubular, and warded lock mechanisms and demonstrate disassembly and reassembly of one example of each type. |
| Wafer-tumbler cylinders, tubular lock cylinders, warded padlocks, appropriate follower tools, pinning trays, printed job aids (instructor-prepared), observation checklist, safety glasses | Oral quiz observation checklist: student correctly names part, mechanism, and function for at least 4 of 5 randomly selected components; reassembly at each station confirmed operable by instructor before student moves on. |
| 4 | Lever-Tumbler and Disc-Detainer Mechanisms | 13 | lab | Students disassemble and reassemble a lever-tumbler lock and a disc-detainer lock, explaining how lever lift height and disc rotation control the bolt. |
| Three-lever padlocks (at least two per student), disc-detainer cylinders, appropriate keys, digital calipers, graph paper, lab log forms, reference text (e.g., Locksmith Training Program manual or equivalent), safety glasses | Lab log reviewed by instructor: measurements recorded for all levers and discs, graph-paper disc maps present and legible, comparison table complete; lock must operate correctly after reassembly — incomplete log or non-functioning lock requires repeat of that station before credit. |
| 5 | Mechanical Failure Diagnosis and Security Evaluation | 10 | practice | Students diagnose at least three pre-seeded mechanical faults in lock cylinders and recommend a documented corrective action for each, demonstrating readiness for real service calls. |
| Pre-faulted cylinders (instructor-prepared, four per student), service documentation forms, timer, residential and commercial cylinders of varying ANSI/BHMA grades, magnifying lamp, pinning tools, calipers, safety glasses | Student must correctly identify and document at least 3 of 4 pre-seeded faults with an appropriate corrective action recorded for each, and all corrected cylinders must function correctly — failure to meet either threshold requires a remediation session before the skills demo assessment. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lock Mechanisms Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% correct (30 of 40 questions) | A 40-question multiple-choice and short-answer written exam covering lock family identification, component names and functions, ANSI/BHMA grade criteria, shear-line principles, and common failure modes; mapped to the ALOA CRL exam domain on mechanical lock operation. Students have 60 minutes and may not use reference materials. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Cylinder Disassembly and Reassembly Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All six checklist criteria rated Satisfactory; any Unsatisfactory rating requires one remediation attempt | The instructor assigns the student one pin-tumbler and one lever-tumbler cylinder; the student must disassemble, identify all components aloud, reassemble, and verify correct operation within 20 minutes total, using only approved hand tools. The instructor scores a six-item checklist: correct component identification, safe spring/driver control, plug-follower technique, reassembly sequence, functional key test with correct key, and non-function confirmed with incorrect key. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio Review | Log | 15% | At least 12 of 15 entries rated Complete and Accurate on the rubric | The student submits the complete lab log maintained across all lab and practice lessons, containing measurement records, annotated sketches, comparison tables, fault-diagnosis forms, and service documentation forms. The instructor scores 15 entries against a rubric assessing completeness, dimensional accuracy, legibility, and correct use of trade terminology; any entry rated Incomplete may be revised once before final scoring. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Shop Safety Behavior Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical violations observed across all lab sessions; minor violations corrected within one prompt | The instructor uses a cumulative observation checklist throughout all lab and practice lessons to record safety behaviors: mandatory safety glasses worn at all benches, controlled capture of springs and ball bearings before disassembly, no unattended open pinning trays, proper tool storage, and immediate reporting of any dropped sharp tooling. A single unresolved critical violation (e.g., removing safety glasses during disassembly) results in removal from the lab until a safety conference is completed and documented. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BUS-LOCK72-03 Trade course
Keying Systems: Master Keying, Rekeying, and Key Control
63 hr · $680 COMPLIMENTARY
This course develops competency in the full range of keying operations performed by working locksmiths, from basic rekeying of pin-tumbler cylinders to designing and implementing master key systems for commercial and residential clients. Students learn key control principles, key cutting by code and by hand, and the documentation practices required for professional key management. Lessons map directly to ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith exam content on key systems and cylinder servicing.
Outcomes- Rekey pin-tumbler, wafer, and disc-detainer cylinders to a new key bitting, verifying function with a tension wrench and plug follower without damage to the cylinder
- Cut keys by code using a code machine and manually on a duplicator, achieving cuts within ±0.005 inch of specification
- Design a two-level master key system for a building with at least six keyways groups, documenting the key bitting list and change-key matrix
- Select and install a keyway family and key control system that limits unauthorized duplication and satisfies the client's access hierarchy
- Interpret and apply a manufacturer's key bitting specification chart and MACS (Maximum Adjacent Cut Specification) rules to verify key viability
- Maintain a keying record and key log that meets professional standards for audit and liability protection
Course text
This course develops competency in the full range of keying operations performed by working locksmiths, from basic rekeying of pin-tumbler cylinders to designing and implementing master key systems for commercial and residential clients. Students learn key control principles, key cutting by code and by hand, and the documentation practices required for professional key management. Lessons map directly to ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith exam content on key systems and cylinder servicing.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Pin-Tumbler Cylinder Anatomy and Rekeying Fundamentals; Key Cutting: Code Machines, Duplicators, and Bitting Specifications; Wafer, Disc-Detainer, and Tubular Cylinder Rekeying; Master Key System Design and Key Bitting Lists; Key Control Systems, Restricted Keyways, and Professional Keying Records.
What competent looks like. Rekey pin-tumbler, wafer, and disc-detainer cylinders to a new key bitting, verifying function with a tension wrench and plug follower without damage to the cylinder. Cut keys by code using a code machine and manually on a duplicator, achieving cuts within ±0.005 inch of specification. Design a two-level master key system for a building with at least six keyways groups, documenting the key bitting list and change-key matrix. Select and install a keyway family and key control system that limits unauthorized duplication and satisfies the client's access hierarchy. Interpret and apply a manufacturer's key bitting specification chart and MACS (Maximum Adjacent Cut Specification) rules to verify key viability. Maintain a keying record and key log that meets professional standards for audit and liability protection.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pin-Tumbler Cylinder Anatomy and Rekeying Fundamentals | 13 | lab | The student will disassemble, rekey to a specified bitting, and reassemble a pin-tumbler cylinder so that only the new key operates the plug without binding or false set. |
| Kwikset and Schlage cylinders (minimum two per student), plug follower set, follower rods, pinning trays, pin tweezers, pinning kit with full range of bottom and driver pins, plug and shell follower rods, tension wrenches, key gauge/micrometer, Kwikset and Schlage bitting specification sheets, ALOA Technical Reference Library excerpts on pin-tumbler operation | Student rekeyed cylinder operates smoothly on specified key and rejects two adjacent-bitting test keys; instructor inspects plug seating and spring tension; pass = cylinder functions correctly and student can name each pin-stack component; 100% of steps completed without damaging cylinder |
| 2 | Key Cutting: Code Machines, Duplicators, and Bitting Specifications | 13 | practice | The student will cut keys to code and by duplication using a manual duplicator and a semi-automatic code machine, with all cuts falling within the manufacturer's tolerance. |
| Semi-automatic code machine (e.g., Framon or Ilco) with calibration tools, manual key duplicator, assorted key blanks (Kwikset, Schlage, Medeco, Master padlock), key micrometer, key gauge, bitting specification charts, Ilco or Silca key code book or software, key deburring file and buffer wheel, tolerance worksheets | All cuts on five code-cut keys measured by instructor must fall within ±0.005 inch of the published depth specification; duplicate keys must operate the source cylinder without binding; pass = 90% of cuts in tolerance on first attempt, 100% after correction |
| 3 | Wafer, Disc-Detainer, and Tubular Cylinder Rekeying | 12 | lab | The student will rekey wafer-tumbler, disc-detainer, and tubular cylinders using the correct tools and technique for each mechanism type. |
| Assorted wafer-tumbler cylinders (filing cabinet, desk lock), disc-detainer lock (practice cutaway if available), tubular deadbolts (7-pin and 8-pin), tubular lock decoder/rekeying tool set, wafer assortment, disc-detainer decoder, plug followers for wafer locks, tubular key blanks, key micrometer, lab forms | Each cylinder type operates on the new key and rejects incorrect keys; lab form is fully completed with bitting recorded for each cylinder; pass = all three cylinder types successfully rekeyed and documented, zero cylinder damage |
| 4 | Master Key System Design and Key Bitting Lists | 15 | theory | The student will design a two-level master key system for a provided scenario, applying MACS rules and producing a complete key bitting list and access matrix free of cross-keying conflicts. |
| Blank master key system design worksheets, MACS reference tables for Schlage and Kwikset keyways, sample key bitting lists from ALOA training materials, whiteboard, graph paper, calculator, ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith study guide sections on master keying | Completed key bitting list for the scenario contains no MACS violations and no duplicate change-key bittings; access matrix correctly reflects the stated hierarchy; pass = bitting list reviewed by instructor with zero uncorrected MACS violations and correct matrix, scored on a rubric (pass ≥ 80%) |
| 5 | Key Control Systems, Restricted Keyways, and Professional Keying Records | 10 | field | The student will recommend an appropriate key control solution for a client scenario, install a restricted-keyway cylinder, and complete a professional keying record that could withstand audit. |
| Restricted-keyway cylinders (Schlage Everest, Medeco, or similar), practice door slab or door-prep board, key stamp set or electric engraver, restricted-key blanks, code machine, professional keying record forms, sample key control product literature (Mul-T-Lock, Medeco, BEST), ALOA reference on key control | Restricted-keyway cylinder installed, operable with cut key, and all hardware torqued correctly; keying record form complete with all 12 entries legible and logically consistent; recommendation memo addresses cost, security, and client need; pass = cylinder operates correctly, record has zero missing fields, memo scores ≥ 75% on a provided rubric |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keying Systems Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% correct (38 of 50 questions) | A 50-question multiple-choice and short-answer written exam covering pin-tumbler and wafer cylinder theory, key bitting terminology, MACS rules, master key hierarchy vocabulary, key control principles, and the function of restricted keyways; questions are drawn from ALOA CRL exam content domains related to keying and cylinder servicing. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Practical Rekeying and Key Cutting Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All five tasks rated Competent on the rubric; no cylinder damage; key cuts within tolerance | The student is given a random cylinder type (pin-tumbler, wafer, or tubular) and a written bitting specification; they must rekey the cylinder and cut a matching key to code within 20 minutes, demonstrating correct use of plug follower, pinning tray, and code machine; an instructor evaluates on a five-task rubric (setup, disassembly, pinning, key cutting, functional test). Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Master Key System Design Lab Log | Log | 15% | Log complete with no uncorrected MACS violations; matrix accurate; narrative entries present for all five lab sessions | Students maintain a running lab log throughout the course recording bitting calculations, rekeying results, and design decisions; the final entry is a complete master key system design for the scenario from Lesson 4, with the key bitting list, access matrix, and a short written rationale; the log is submitted for instructor review at course end. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Key Control and Documentation Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical errors; all PPE and tool-safety steps observed; keying record 100% complete | During the Lesson 5 practical session an instructor uses a binary safety checklist to verify that the student wears safety glasses while cutting and engraving keys, secures loose material before operating the code machine, stores sharp tools correctly between uses, and produces a keying record with no missing fields; any critical safety omission requires immediate remediation and recheck before the student may continue. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BUS-LOCK72-04 Trade course
Safes: Construction, Manipulation, and Service
63 hr · $680 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn safe construction ratings, lock mechanisms, and opening methods used in residential and commercial locksmithing. Topics cover UL ratings, relockers, combination locks, and electronic safe locks, with hands-on practice drilling, manipulation, and servicing safes. Lessons align with ALOA CRL exam content on safe mechanisms and opening techniques.
Outcomes- Identify safe construction types and interpret UL/RSC ratings to advise customers on appropriate safe selection.
- Disassemble, service, and reassemble Group 2 dial combination locks to manufacturer specification.
- Perform a controlled drill entry on a residential fire safe using proper tooling and personal protective equipment.
- Diagnose and replace a failed electronic safe lock module, including bypass procedures where permitted by the manufacturer.
- Explain relocker types and anti-manipulation features and describe how each affects an opening strategy.
- Complete a safe-service work order with accurate documentation of findings, methods used, and parts replaced.
Course text
Students learn safe construction ratings, lock mechanisms, and opening methods used in residential and commercial locksmithing. Topics cover UL ratings, relockers, combination locks, and electronic safe locks, with hands-on practice drilling, manipulation, and servicing safes. Lessons align with ALOA CRL exam content on safe mechanisms and opening techniques.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Safe Construction, Ratings, and Industry Standards; Combination Lock Mechanisms: Dial, Lever, and Group Classifications; Electronic Safe Locks: Installation, Programming, and Diagnosis; Safe Opening Techniques: Manipulation, Scoping, and Controlled Drilling; Relockers, Anti-Manipulation Features, and Safe Service Documentation.
What competent looks like. Identify safe construction types and interpret UL/RSC ratings to advise customers on appropriate safe selection. Disassemble, service, and reassemble Group 2 dial combination locks to manufacturer specification. Perform a controlled drill entry on a residential fire safe using proper tooling and personal protective equipment. Diagnose and replace a failed electronic safe lock module, including bypass procedures where permitted by the manufacturer. Explain relocker types and anti-manipulation features and describe how each affects an opening strategy. Complete a safe-service work order with accurate documentation of findings, methods used, and parts replaced.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Safe Construction, Ratings, and Industry Standards | 10 | theory | Students will correctly classify safes by construction type and UL/RSC rating and explain what each rating does and does not protect against. |
| Manufacturer cut-away safe samples or cross-section posters, UL White Book excerpts (safe category sections), ALOA Safe-Deposit Servicing reference, SAVTA industry guides, instructor slide deck | Ten-question multiple-choice quiz on ratings and classifications; 8/10 correct required to proceed. |
| 2 | Combination Lock Mechanisms: Dial, Lever, and Group Classifications | 15 | lab | Students will disassemble a Group 2 dial combination lock, identify every component by name and function, reassemble it, and dial it open successfully. |
| Group 2 combination locks (one per student), transparent combination lock training board, parts-identification diagram worksheets, procedure checklists, dial combination lock service manual (La Gard or Sargent & Greenleaf current edition), calipers, small-parts trays | Instructor observes reassembly and records pass/fail on procedure checklist; lock must open on first dial attempt after reassembly, and student must verbally name every major component with no more than one prompt. |
| 3 | Electronic Safe Locks: Installation, Programming, and Diagnosis | 12 | demo | Students will install an electronic safe lock module, program a user code, and perform a systematic diagnosis of a simulated lockout or low-battery fault. |
| Electronic safe lock kits (keypad, lock module, wiring harness), practice safe doors, manufacturer installation and programming manuals, multimeter, small Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, fault-report forms, AA batteries, connector crimpers | Installed lock must hold bolt engaged, accept a programmed code, and open on valid entry; student must correctly identify and document all three faults on the rotation stations with no instructor assistance; 100% of faults must be correctly diagnosed. |
| 4 | Safe Opening Techniques: Manipulation, Scoping, and Controlled Drilling | 18 | practice | Students will open a residential or light-commercial safe using at least two approved methods—combination manipulation and controlled drilling—while following all PPE and safety protocols. |
| Decommissioned residential safes (fire and RSC rated), carbide and cobalt drill bits, right-angle drill and standard drill, center punch, tungsten carbide-tipped punch, borescope, manipulation worksheets, graph paper, stethoscope or electronic contact microphone, PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy work gloves), work-order forms, drill-point repair plugs | Student must independently derive a Group 2 combination within the time frame specified in the manipulation worksheet rubric (no more than two instructor hints permitted); drilling must be performed at the correct attack point with no uncontrolled bit walking—verified by instructor sign-off before drilling proceeds; completed work order reviewed for accuracy. |
| 5 | Relockers, Anti-Manipulation Features, and Safe Service Documentation | 8 | theory | Students will identify glass-plate, thermal, and spring relockers on disassembled safe doors, explain how each activates, and produce a complete service work order for a combination change job. |
| Disassembled safe doors with visible relocker hardware, relocker diagram handouts, job-scenario cards, blank work-order templates, pen, ALOA Safe Technician reference materials | Students correctly label all three relocker types on a diagram quiz (3/3 correct); completed work order must include all required fields and contain no safety-critical omissions as defined on the rubric—a missing relocker notation counts as a critical omission and requires a redo. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Ratings and Mechanisms Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% correct (38/50 points) | A 50-question written exam covering UL/RSC ratings, combination lock group classifications, electronic lock components, and relocker types, aligned to ALOA CRL exam content areas on safe mechanisms and opening methods. Students must reach 75% to demonstrate foundational knowledge required for safe work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safe Opening Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical steps on the rubric marked Satisfactory; no unsatisfactory marks on safety items | Students are assigned a decommissioned safe and must select an appropriate opening method, state their rationale, and open the safe using correct technique while demonstiting proper PPE use and tool control throughout. The evaluator uses a criterion-referenced rubric; any unsafe act (unguarded drill, improper clamping) results in an immediate stop and an automatic fail of that attempt. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safe Service Lab Log | Log | 15% | Minimum of 4 of 5 lab entries complete and accurate; no missing safety notations | Students submit a log documenting their hands-on work across all five lessons, including labeled diagrams, manipulation worksheets, fault-report forms, and work orders. Each entry must include materials used, procedure followed, outcome, and any safety precaution observed; the instructor reviews each entry against a completeness checklist. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| PPE and Drilling Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% compliance on all six safety checkpoints; any single failure requires immediate remediation and recheck before student may continue drilling labs | Before any drilling activity, the instructor completes a six-point safety checklist verifying correct eye protection, hearing protection, glove use, workpiece clamping, correct drill-bit selection for the safe body type, and confirmed drill-point marking. This check is repeated at the start of every drilling session and the record is retained in the student's course file. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BUS-LOCK72-05 Trade course
Access Control Systems: Installation, Programming, and Service
62 hr · $670 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn how standalone and networked access control systems work, from basic card readers and keypads through multi-door controllers and credential management software. Lessons cover system design, cable routing, device mounting, programming, troubleshooting, and the integration points with alarms and electronic locks that appear on the ALOA CRL and ESA CAT credential exams. Safety, code compliance awareness, and customer documentation are embedded throughout.
Outcomes- Identify and explain the operating principles of common access control technologies including proximity, smart card, PIN, and biometric credential systems.
- Plan and document a basic access control installation from site survey through as-built drawings using industry-standard symbols and terminology.
- Install, terminate, and test low-voltage wiring for readers, controllers, and power supplies following manufacturer specifications and applicable electrical safety practices.
- Program a single-door and a multi-door access control controller to assign user credentials, time zones, and door schedules using a current commercial software platform.
- Diagnose and correct common access control faults including wiring errors, credential mismatches, reader failures, and lock hardware malfunctions using a systematic troubleshooting process.
- Apply lockout/tagout procedures, PPE selection, and ladder safety whenever working on powered access control equipment or at elevation.
Course text
Students learn how standalone and networked access control systems work, from basic card readers and keypads through multi-door controllers and credential management software. Lessons cover system design, cable routing, device mounting, programming, troubleshooting, and the integration points with alarms and electronic locks that appear on the ALOA CRL and ESA CAT credential exams. Safety, code compliance awareness, and customer documentation are embedded throughout.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Access Control Fundamentals and System Architecture; Site Survey, System Design, and Low-Voltage Wiring; Hardware Installation: Readers, Electric Locks, and Door Position Devices; Controller Programming, Credential Management, and Time Zones; Troubleshooting, System Maintenance, and Customer Documentation.
What competent looks like. Identify and explain the operating principles of common access control technologies including proximity, smart card, PIN, and biometric credential systems. Plan and document a basic access control installation from site survey through as-built drawings using industry-standard symbols and terminology. Install, terminate, and test low-voltage wiring for readers, controllers, and power supplies following manufacturer specifications and applicable electrical safety practices. Program a single-door and a multi-door access control controller to assign user credentials, time zones, and door schedules using a current commercial software platform. Diagnose and correct common access control faults including wiring errors, credential mismatches, reader failures, and lock hardware malfunctions using a systematic troubleshooting process. Apply lockout/tagout procedures, PPE selection, and ladder safety whenever working on powered access control equipment or at elevation.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Access Control Fundamentals and System Architecture | 12 | theory | Students will correctly classify the components of an access control system, explain how credential data travels from reader to controller to locking device, and describe the difference between standalone, networked, and cloud-managed topologies. |
| Commercial access control block diagrams (manufacturer-supplied or instructor-drawn), spec sheets for at least three current product lines (e.g., HID, Schlage, Honeywell or equivalent), blank diagram worksheets, whiteboard, ALOA study materials covering electronic access control, ESA CAT candidate handbook | Students score at least 80% on a 20-question in-class quiz covering component identification, signal flow, topology trade-offs, and credential technology definitions; any score below 80% triggers a one-on-one review before the next lesson. |
| 2 | Site Survey, System Design, and Low-Voltage Wiring | 14 | demo | Students will conduct a structured site survey of a practice space, produce a scaled door schedule and basic riser diagram, select appropriate wire gauge and type for each device run, and demonstrate safe low-voltage wiring practices including proper termination and labeling. |
| Site survey forms, graph paper and drafting tools (or CAD/drawing tablet if available), wire calculator worksheet, 22 AWG shielded multi-conductor cable (Belden or equivalent), 18 AWG two-conductor power cable, wire stripper, crimping tool, punch-down tool, ring terminals, label maker or adhesive wire markers, multimeter, mock door frame with conduit, manufacturer wiring diagrams, NFPA 70 low-voltage article reference (Article 725), PPE (safety glasses, gloves) | Instructor inspects each student's wiring termination using a continuity tester: all conductors must show continuity with no shorts, all conductors must be labeled, and no insulation damage is acceptable; students who fail any point re-terminate before proceeding. Survey form and riser diagram graded on a rubric requiring correct component symbols, labeled wire runs, and accurate current draw calculation — minimum 80% rubric score. |
| 3 | Hardware Installation: Readers, Electric Locks, and Door Position Devices | 14 | lab | Students will mount and align a proximity card reader, an electric strike and a magnetic lock at a practice door station, wire each device to a controller, and verify correct mechanical operation of the door hardware before powering the system. |
| Proximity card readers (HID or equivalent), electric strike (ANSI-standard cutout), magnetic lock (600 lb or similar), door position switch (surface-mount), REX passive infrared or push-button, practice door frame assembly (hollow-metal or wood), drill and bits, hole saw, screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, feeler gauge, torque screwdriver, pre-power checklist form, ANSI/BHMA door hardware standards reference, manufacturer installation sheets, PPE (safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves) | Completed pre-power checklist must be signed by instructor before energizing; after power-on, instructor observes student demonstrate: valid credential grants access (lock releases), invalid credential is denied, REX releases lock from inside, door position switch shows correct open/closed state in controller software — all four functions must pass for lesson credit. |
| 4 | Controller Programming, Credential Management, and Time Zones | 14 | practice | Students will configure a commercial access control controller by adding users with proximity credentials, assigning access levels and time zones, setting door schedules, and generating a basic access report using the system's management software. |
| Access control management software (licensed training version or manufacturer-provided demo), desktop credential enrollment reader, proximity cards (HID or equivalent), networked or USB-connected controller, workstation computers, scenario instruction sheets, printer or PDF export for report, ESA CAT study guide (access control programming section), ALOA CRL study materials | Instructor runs a live test of each student's programmed system using pre-defined test cards; all five access rules from the scenario must function correctly (correct user granted, wrong time denied, auto-unlock at scheduled time, 24/7 manager access, door schedule relock) — all five must pass; students who fail one or more rules debug and retest within the class period. |
| 5 | Troubleshooting, System Maintenance, and Customer Documentation | 8 | field | Students will diagnose and resolve at least four seeded faults in a complete access control door station, document findings in a service report using industry-standard terminology, and explain their diagnostic process and corrective actions to the instructor as if presenting to a customer. |
| Pre-faulted practice door station (reader, controller, magloc, REX, door position switch), multimeter, magnetic lock pull-force gauge, screwdrivers, cleaning cloths (lint-free), fault log worksheet, PM checklist form, as-built documentation template, ALOA CRL exam blueprint (troubleshooting domain), ESA CAT exam blueprint (system service domain), PPE (safety glasses) | All four seeded faults must be correctly identified and repaired (verified by instructor re-test); PM checklist must be fully completed with recorded measurements; as-built document must contain all required fields and contain no factual errors; verbal customer presentation is evaluated on a three-criterion rubric (technical accuracy, completeness, clarity) — minimum 80% rubric score required for lesson credit. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Control Written Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% correct (38 of 50 questions) | A 50-question multiple-choice exam covering access control system architecture, credential technologies, low-voltage wiring principles, controller programming concepts, troubleshooting theory, and applicable code and safety references; questions are drawn from ALOA CRL and ESA CAT exam content domains related to electronic access control. Students who score below 75% complete a targeted review and take an alternate-form retake within one week. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Single-Door Installation and Programming Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All five performance criteria rated Satisfactory by evaluator; any Unsatisfactory rating requires a corrective action and re-demonstration of that criterion only | The student independently installs a proximity reader, electric strike or magnetic lock, REX device, and door position switch on a practice door station; terminates all wiring; programs three users with two different access levels and a time zone; and demonstrates correct system operation to an evaluator using a standardized rubric assessing mechanical installation quality, wiring termination correctness, programming accuracy, system function, and safe work practices throughout. This demonstration maps directly to the hands-on competency areas of the ALOA CRL and ESA CAT credentials. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log and Documentation Portfolio | Log | 15% | Minimum average score of 80% across all lab log entries; any entry below 70% must be revised and resubmitted | Students maintain a running lab log throughout the course recording site survey data, riser diagrams, wiring calculations, programming screenshots, fault log entries, PM checklists, and as-built service records from each lesson's lab activities; the completed portfolio is reviewed for technical accuracy, completeness, correct use of industry terminology, and legibility, demonstrating the documentation habits required for professional service work and supporting credential exam eligibility records. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Electrical Safety and Lockout/Tagout Compliance Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% compliance on all critical safety behaviors; any critical failure stops the check and requires immediate remediation before the student may return to powered lab work | An evaluator observes each student de-energize and apply a personal lockout device to the access control power supply before performing a simulated wiring repair, then re-energize safely; the checklist covers PPE selection (safety glasses, insulated tools), correct LOTO sequence (identify energy source, notify affected persons, isolate, lock, verify zero energy), and proper re-energization steps. This check directly supports OSHA general industry LOTO requirements introduced in the Universal Core and is a prerequisite for the externship. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BUS-LOCK72-06 Trade course
CCTV & Alarm System Installation
62 hr · $670 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to plan, wire, install, program, and commission residential and light-commercial CCTV and intrusion-alarm systems following industry wiring standards and National Electrical Code low-voltage requirements. Lessons cover camera optics and placement geometry, alarm control-panel zones, sensors, keypad programming, and system verification testing. This course maps directly to the ESA Certified Alarm Technician exam domains and supports the state alarm-installer license application.
Outcomes- Select and position CCTV cameras by applying field-of-view calculations and lighting principles to achieve specified coverage without blind spots.
- Terminate and test coaxial, CAT-structured, and two-conductor alarm wiring to manufacturer specifications with a pass on a wire-continuity and signal-loss test.
- Install and wire at least one complete intrusion-alarm panel including motion detectors, door/window contacts, glass-break sensors, keypad, and siren to a given zone plan.
- Program an alarm control panel to create user codes, define zone responses, and configure entry/exit delays according to a written specification.
- Verify a completed CCTV or alarm installation using a systematic commissioning checklist and correct any fault found before sign-off.
- Apply OSHA low-voltage electrical safety practices and lockout/tagout procedures throughout every installation task.
Course text
Students learn to plan, wire, install, program, and commission residential and light-commercial CCTV and intrusion-alarm systems following industry wiring standards and National Electrical Code low-voltage requirements. Lessons cover camera optics and placement geometry, alarm control-panel zones, sensors, keypad programming, and system verification testing. This course maps directly to the ESA Certified Alarm Technician exam domains and supports the state alarm-installer license application.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Systems Overview, Safety, and Low-Voltage Wiring Fundamentals; CCTV Camera Selection, Placement, and Analog/IP Signal Pathways; Intrusion-Alarm Sensors, Zones, and Panel Wiring; Alarm Panel Programming, Keypad Operation, and Peripheral Devices; System Commissioning, Documentation, and Customer Handover.
What competent looks like. Select and position CCTV cameras by applying field-of-view calculations and lighting principles to achieve specified coverage without blind spots. Terminate and test coaxial, CAT-structured, and two-conductor alarm wiring to manufacturer specifications with a pass on a wire-continuity and signal-loss test. Install and wire at least one complete intrusion-alarm panel including motion detectors, door/window contacts, glass-break sensors, keypad, and siren to a given zone plan. Program an alarm control panel to create user codes, define zone responses, and configure entry/exit delays according to a written specification. Verify a completed CCTV or alarm installation using a systematic commissioning checklist and correct any fault found before sign-off. Apply OSHA low-voltage electrical safety practices and lockout/tagout procedures throughout every installation task.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Systems Overview, Safety, and Low-Voltage Wiring Fundamentals | 12 | theory | Students will identify the major components of CCTV and intrusion-alarm systems, explain applicable low-voltage safety rules, and demonstrate correct personal protective equipment selection for installation work. |
| Component sample kit, OSHA 10 low-voltage safety handout, manufacturer data sheets for a representative alarm panel and IP/analog camera, wire sample board, PPE (safety glasses, insulated gloves), NEC Article 725 and 760 summary reference card, whiteboard | Written component-and-safety quiz: students must correctly identify all major components and answer all safety/PPE questions; passing score 80% or higher. |
| 2 | CCTV Camera Selection, Placement, and Analog/IP Signal Pathways | 14 | lab | Students will calculate camera field of view for a given room dimension, select the appropriate lens and camera type, run and terminate coaxial or CAT6 cable, and display a live image on a monitor or NVR/DVR. |
| Dome and bullet cameras (analog and IP), DVR and NVR units, monitors, RG-59 and CAT6 cable reels, BNC crimp tool and connectors, RJ-45 crimper, cable tester, drill and fish tape, framed wall mock-up, scaled floor-plan worksheets, lux meter, manufacturer installation guides | Instructor inspects each cable termination (no shield shorts, connector fully seated) and reviews commissioning checklist; live image must be clear with no signal artifacts; field-of-view layout must cover all required zones with no blind spot larger than specified — all three criteria must be met to pass. |
| 3 | Intrusion-Alarm Sensors, Zones, and Panel Wiring | 16 | lab | Students will wire a minimum of six alarm zones including passive infrared motion detectors, door/window contacts, and a glass-break sensor to a control panel, apply end-of-line resistor supervision, and verify each zone trips and restores correctly. |
| Alarm control panel (minimum 8-zone), PIR motion detectors, door/window magnetic contacts, glass-break sensor, 18/2 alarm wire, end-of-line resistors, backup battery, 12 VDC power supply, panel enclosure, multimeter, wire stripper, screwdrivers, mounting hardware, zone-plan worksheets, manufacturer programming manual | Each of the six or more zones must read within the supervised resistance window (instructor verifies with multimeter) and must trip and restore cleanly on panel LED and keypad display; all four injected faults must be correctly identified and corrected — passing standard requires zero unresolved faults. |
| 4 | Alarm Panel Programming, Keypad Operation, and Peripheral Devices | 12 | practice | Students will use installer-level programming on an alarm control panel to define zone types, set entry/exit delays, create user codes, configure a siren output, and enroll a wireless keyfob or wireless sensor. |
| Same alarm panel from Lesson 3, manufacturer programming manual and quick-reference card, wireless sensor or keyfob, interior and exterior sirens, laptop with programming software (if panel supports USB/serial upload), stopwatch, student programming log sheets | Instructor runs a standardized test script (arm, trip zone, verify alarm, disarm, check fault display, test each user code); all programmed parameters must match the written specification sheet and all codes must function as defined — passing requires 100% of test-script steps confirmed correct. |
| 5 | System Commissioning, Documentation, and Customer Handover | 8 | field | Students will conduct a complete system walk-test on a fully installed mock site, complete industry-standard commissioning documentation, and deliver a structured verbal handover briefing to a simulated customer. |
| Completed mock installation from Lessons 3–4, CCTV setup from Lesson 2, commissioning checklist templates (ESA-format), as-built zone list form, cable-run log form, panel programming summary form, pen, clipboard, stopwatch | All zones must pass walk-test (100% required); documentation package must have no blank required fields and no entry contradicted by the physical installation (instructor verifies three spot-checks); customer handover must cover all five required topics within the time limit — all three criteria must be met to pass. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Knowledge Exam — CCTV & Alarm Systems | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (38 of 50 questions correct) | A 50-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering camera types and optics, low-voltage wiring standards, zone supervision theory, alarm panel programming concepts, and system commissioning procedures. Questions are written to reflect the ESA Certified Alarm Technician exam content domains so that performance on this exam predicts readiness for the credential test. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Skills Demonstration — Alarm Panel Installation and Commissioning | Skills demonstration | 45% | All required steps performed correctly with no uncorrected safety violation; partial credit not awarded for safety steps | Working alone within a set time window, the student wires and programs a four-zone alarm panel from a provided zone plan, enrolls at least one wireless device, runs a walk-test, and completes the commissioning checklist. The instructor scores each step on a binary pass/fail rubric aligned to ESA Certified Alarm Technician hands-on competencies; any lockout/tagout or wiring-safety violation stops the assessment. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All five lesson lab logs submitted; each log must have no missing required entries and no factual error in recorded measurements | Students maintain a running lab log across all five lessons, recording wiring test results, programming parameter settings, walk-test outcomes, and as-built documentation from every lab and practice session. The complete portfolio is reviewed at course end for completeness, accuracy of recorded measurements, and evidence of corrective actions taken when faults were found. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safety Check — Low-Voltage Electrical and Ladder Safety | Safety audit | 15% | 100% on all safety-critical items; any critical item failure requires remediation and recheck before the student may continue lab work | The instructor observes each student during the Lesson 3 or 4 lab and scores a structured safety checklist covering PPE selection and use, correct lockout/tagout steps before opening an energized panel, proper ladder placement and three-point contact, and correct power-supply handling. This is a binary pass/fail check with no partial credit; safety-critical items are defined on the checklist in advance. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BUS-LOCK72-07 Trade course
Electronic Locks: Installation, Programming, and Servicing
62 hr · $670 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn the theory, installation, programming, troubleshooting, and servicing of electronic lock systems including keypads, card readers, biometric units, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-enabled locks, and electrified hardware. Emphasis is placed on integrating electronic locks with access control infrastructure, following manufacturer specifications, and applying safe work practices throughout. Lesson content maps to ALOA CRL exam areas covering electronic and electromechanical locking devices and to ESA Certified Alarm Technician competencies related to electrified door hardware and access control integration.
Outcomes- Identify and explain the operating principles of keypad, proximity card, smart credential, biometric, and wireless electronic lock types used in commercial and residential applications.
- Install and terminate electrified strikes, magnetic locks, electric knobs/levers, and electronic deadbolts to manufacturer specifications and applicable codes.
- Program user codes, master codes, and access schedules on standalone and networked electronic lock platforms using manufacturer software or keypad sequences.
- Diagnose and correct common electronic lock faults including power supply failures, credential read errors, wiring shorts, and mechanical misalignment using a systematic troubleshooting process.
- Integrate electronic locks with access control panels, request-to-exit devices, door position switches, and alarm systems, verifying correct operation of each interface.
- Complete and submit installation documentation including wiring diagrams, programming records, and customer handoff checklists in a format suitable for service records and compliance.
Course text
Students learn the theory, installation, programming, troubleshooting, and servicing of electronic lock systems including keypads, card readers, biometric units, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-enabled locks, and electrified hardware. Emphasis is placed on integrating electronic locks with access control infrastructure, following manufacturer specifications, and applying safe work practices throughout. Lesson content maps to ALOA CRL exam areas covering electronic and electromechanical locking devices and to ESA Certified Alarm Technician competencies related to electrified door hardware and access control integration.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Electronic Lock Technology: Types, Principles, and Power; Wiring, Low-Voltage Electrical Safety, and Hardware Installation; Programming Standalone and Networked Electronic Locks; Troubleshooting Electronic Lock Faults; System Integration, Documentation, and Customer Handoff.
What competent looks like. Identify and explain the operating principles of keypad, proximity card, smart credential, biometric, and wireless electronic lock types used in commercial and residential applications. Install and terminate electrified strikes, magnetic locks, electric knobs/levers, and electronic deadbolts to manufacturer specifications and applicable codes. Program user codes, master codes, and access schedules on standalone and networked electronic lock platforms using manufacturer software or keypad sequences. Diagnose and correct common electronic lock faults including power supply failures, credential read errors, wiring shorts, and mechanical misalignment using a systematic troubleshooting process. Integrate electronic locks with access control panels, request-to-exit devices, door position switches, and alarm systems, verifying correct operation of each interface. Complete and submit installation documentation including wiring diagrams, programming records, and customer handoff checklists in a format suitable for service records and compliance.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electronic Lock Technology: Types, Principles, and Power | 12 | theory | Students will correctly classify at least eight electronic lock types by operating principle and specify the appropriate power supply configuration for each, scoring 80% or above on a written identification quiz. |
| Assorted electronic lock samples (keypad deadbolt, proximity reader/electric strike pair, maglock, biometric stand-alone unit, BLE-enabled knob), digital multimeters, manufacturer specification sheets, DC bench power supplies set to 12 V and 24 V, instructor slide deck, student reference sheets, ALOA study guide chapters on electromechanical hardware | Written 25-question identification and classification quiz; students must score 20/25 (80%) to pass. Items include selecting fail-safe vs. fail-secure for a given egress scenario and matching power supply requirements to lock types. |
| 2 | Wiring, Low-Voltage Electrical Safety, and Hardware Installation | 14 | lab | Students will safely wire and mechanically install an electrified strike and a maglock on a practice door frame to manufacturer specifications, passing an instructor inspection checklist with no safety violations and no more than two correctable wiring errors. |
| Practice door frame stations (one per pair), fail-secure electrified strike, fail-safe maglock with armature plate, 18 AWG two-conductor wire, wire strippers, insulated screwdrivers, cordless drill and bits, fish tape, cable staples, door position switches, push-button REX devices, DC power supplies, digital multimeters, manufacturer installation manuals, instructor wiring inspection checklist, safety glasses (provided), OSHA low-voltage electrical safety reference | Instructor completes a 15-point installation inspection checklist for each pair's finished work: zero safety violations (immediate fail and re-do required), wire terminations secure with correct polarity, lock operates on credential presentation, REX releases lock, door position switch signals correctly. Maximum two correctable wiring errors permitted before sign-off. |
| 3 | Programming Standalone and Networked Electronic Locks | 12 | demo | Students will program master codes, user PIN codes, and a time-based access schedule on both a standalone keypad lock and a networked electronic lock using manufacturer software, demonstrating correct procedure without reference to notes and verifying each function. |
| Standalone keypad deadbolt units (one per student), commercially available networked electronic lock with manufacturer programming software installed on student laptops, USB enrollment cables, proximity cards and fobs, biometric enrollment station, practice network switch, student programming flowchart worksheets, printed manufacturer programming guides, PDF-capable laptops | Instructor observes each student complete a five-step programming scenario on a standalone lock without notes: add two users, delete one, set a schedule, and restore defaults. All five steps must be completed correctly. Networked lock PDF programming report is reviewed for completeness. Pass requires all standalone steps correct and a complete, accurate report. |
| 4 | Troubleshooting Electronic Lock Faults | 14 | practice | Students will diagnose and correct at least four of five pre-seeded electronic lock faults using a systematic troubleshooting process within a 90-minute practical exercise, documenting each fault and repair in a service ticket. |
| Five electronic lock troubleshooting stations with pre-seeded faults (instructor-prepared), digital multimeters, continuity testers, proximity card test tool, low-voltage DC power supplies, replacement wire, wire strippers, insulated screwdrivers, manufacturer service documentation, student service ticket forms, timer | Student service tickets are reviewed against instructor fault key. Pass requires correct identification and documented repair of at least four of five faults (80%) within the 90-minute window. Tickets must include symptom, test performed, root cause, and corrective action for each fault. |
| 5 | System Integration, Documentation, and Customer Handoff | 10 | field | Students will integrate an electronic lock with an access control panel, door position switch, and alarm zone, then complete a full installation record and demonstrate system operation to an instructor acting as the customer, receiving a passing score on the handoff rubric. |
| Integration practice stations (access control panel, electronic lock, REX, door position switch, alarm zone module, power supply), wiring tools (strippers, crimpers, screwdrivers), laptops with diagramming software or graph paper, student documentation package templates, customer handoff checklist forms, instructor handoff scoring rubric, ALOA CRL exam reference on electromechanical systems, ESA Certified Alarm Technician reference on electrified hardware integration | Instructor scores the handoff using a 20-point rubric: 8 points for correct wiring and verified system operation, 6 points for complete and accurate documentation package, 6 points for customer communication quality. Pass requires 16/20 (80%). Any wiring error that creates a safety hazard is an automatic remediation requirement before the station is re-tested. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Locks Written Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% (40/50 questions correct) | A 50-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering electronic lock types and operating principles, power supply requirements, fail-safe vs. fail-secure selection, wiring practices, programming concepts, troubleshooting logic, and integration with alarm and access control systems. Items are mapped to ALOA CRL exam areas for electromechanical and electronic locking devices and to ESA Certified Alarm Technician competency areas for electrified hardware, ensuring students are practicing on content aligned with both credential exams. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Electronic Lock Installation and Programming Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Pass all four required tasks with no uncorrected safety violations | Each student independently installs an electrified strike or maglock on a practice door frame, wires it to an access control power supply with a REX and door position switch, programs a standalone keypad lock with a master code and two user codes with a time restriction, and retrieves an audit trail. An instructor evaluates each task against a structured checklist; any safety violation stops the demonstration and requires remediation before re-attempt, and all four tasks must be passed to receive course credit. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Course Lab Log | Log | 15% | Complete entries for all five lessons; average rubric score of 3/4 or higher across all entries | Students maintain a running lab log throughout the course, recording objectives, procedures, measurements, test results, faults found, repairs made, and reflections for every lab and practice session. Each entry is scored on a four-point rubric evaluating accuracy of technical content, completeness of measurements and results, quality of fault documentation, and professional formatting consistent with trade service records. Incomplete or inaccurate entries are returned for correction before the course grade is finalized. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Electrical and Low-Voltage Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% compliance on all safety behaviors; any critical violation requires immediate remediation and re-check | An instructor conducts an unannounced or end-of-course safety observation during a live wiring task, using a standardized checklist that evaluates: correct PPE in use, power de-energized or multimeter verified before termination work, no exposed conductors left uninsulated, tools appropriate for low-voltage work, and correct identification of fail-safe hardware on egress paths. This assessment mirrors the safety competency areas emphasized in OSHA 10 general industry training and is a non-negotiable gate for externship eligibility. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BUS-LOCK72-08 Trade course
Lock Codes, Key Origination & Decoding
62 hr · $670 COMPLIMENTARY
Students develop the ability to decode locks, originate keys by code, and use bitting-space mathematics and code books to cut keys accurately without a pattern key. Lessons cover mechanical decoding, code-cutting machines, software databases, automotive transponder codes, and the legal and ethical obligations that govern code work in the locksmith trade.
Outcomes- Decode a pin-tumbler, wafer, and tubular lock to determine the correct bitting without removing the lock from the door.
- Originate a key by code using a code book or electronic code database and cut it on a manual and semi-automatic code-cutting machine within manufacturer tolerance.
- Calculate bitting depth, spacing, and progression using MACS rules and depth-and-space specifications for at least three common keyways families.
- Use automotive key code lookup tools and cut and program a transponder key from a vehicle identification number (VIN) or door-lock code.
- Explain the legal, ethical, and business obligations of code work, including authorization verification, record-keeping requirements, and restrictions on code access.
- Demonstrate safe machine operation including eye protection, chip clearance, blade inspection, and lockout/tagout procedures on code-cutting equipment.
Course text
Students develop the ability to decode locks, originate keys by code, and use bitting-space mathematics and code books to cut keys accurately without a pattern key. Lessons cover mechanical decoding, code-cutting machines, software databases, automotive transponder codes, and the legal and ethical obligations that govern code work in the locksmith trade.
How the course runs. 5 blocks: Code Systems, Bitting Mathematics & MACS Rules; Mechanical Decoding — Pin-Tumbler, Wafer & Tubular Locks; Code-Cutting Machines — Manual & Semi-Automatic Operation; Automotive Key Codes, Transponder Origination & VIN Lookup; Code Work Law, Ethics, Authorization & Record-Keeping.
What competent looks like. Decode a pin-tumbler, wafer, and tubular lock to determine the correct bitting without removing the lock from the door. Originate a key by code using a code book or electronic code database and cut it on a manual and semi-automatic code-cutting machine within manufacturer tolerance. Calculate bitting depth, spacing, and progression using MACS rules and depth-and-space specifications for at least three common keyways families. Use automotive key code lookup tools and cut and program a transponder key from a vehicle identification number (VIN) or door-lock code. Explain the legal, ethical, and business obligations of code work, including authorization verification, record-keeping requirements, and restrictions on code access. Demonstrate safe machine operation including eye protection, chip clearance, blade inspection, and lockout/tagout procedures on code-cutting equipment.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Code Systems, Bitting Mathematics & MACS Rules | 12 | theory | Given a manufacturer's depth-and-space specification sheet, the student will calculate valid bitting combinations and identify cuts that violate Maximum Adjacent Cut Specification (MACS) with 100% accuracy on a written problem set. |
| Manufacturer depth-and-space specification sheets, current edition of a standard key code reference (e.g., Ilco Key Blank Reference or Kaba Ilco Key Code Manual), scientific calculators, graph paper, whiteboard | Completed worksheet graded by instructor; students must correctly solve at least 90% of bitting calculations and flag all MACS violations to pass. |
| 2 | Mechanical Decoding — Pin-Tumbler, Wafer & Tubular Locks | 15 | lab | The student will decode a pin-tumbler deadbolt, a wafer cam lock, and a tubular lock using appropriate decoding tools and record bitting data that, when cut, produces a working key on the first attempt for all three lock types. |
| Pin-tumbler training cylinders (clear and opaque), wafer cam locks, tubular padlocks, plug followers, depth gauges, tubular lock decoder set, decoding worksheets, impressioning light, magnifying loupe, PPE (safety glasses) | Each decoded bitting is cut on a blank and tested in the lock; key must operate the lock on the first insertion. All three lock types must pass; a missed decode requires one repeat attempt with instructor coaching before re-testing. |
| 3 | Code-Cutting Machines — Manual & Semi-Automatic Operation | 14 | practice | The student will safely set up, calibrate, and operate both a manual code cutter and a semi-automatic code cutter to originate keys that fall within ±0.003 inch of specified depth for every cut. |
| Manual code cutter (e.g., Ilco 045 or equivalent), semi-automatic code cutter, assorted key blanks (residential, commercial, padlock), coded key cards, micrometer, depth gauge, blade inspection checklist, PPE (safety glasses, machine guard), chip brush, lockout/tagout hasp and tags | Instructor measures five randomly selected finished keys per student with a micrometer; all cuts must be within ±0.003 inch of the code card specification. Students must also complete the pre-operation safety checklist with zero omissions before any machine is powered on. |
| 4 | Automotive Key Codes, Transponder Origination & VIN Lookup | 13 | demo | The student will look up a vehicle key code from a VIN using an automotive code database, cut a mechanical blade within tolerance, and program a transponder key so that the vehicle starts, demonstrating the complete lost-key origination process for at least two different vehicle makes. |
| Automotive code database subscription (workstation access), automotive code cutter or adapter for existing machine, automotive key blanks and transponder blanks for common domestic and import vehicles, key programmer tool, automotive key gauge, two training vehicles or donated donor vehicle locks/ignition assemblies, VIN lookup worksheet, PPE (safety glasses) | Each student must produce one complete, documented origination package per vehicle: code lookup printout, cut key within automotive tolerance, and a successful engine start (or ignition-turn verification on a bench assembly). Both vehicle makes must pass. |
| 5 | Code Work Law, Ethics, Authorization & Record-Keeping | 8 | theory | The student will correctly apply authorization verification procedures and applicable legal obligations to five scenario-based case studies and produce a compliant code work service record for each, with no legal or ethical errors. |
| State locksmith statute summary (provided by instructor, general provisions only), ALOA code of ethics handout, sample authorization/service record forms, five written case study packets, compliance review checklist | Each student's five case study responses are graded by instructor using an answer key; students must correctly identify the required authorization action and documentation step in all five scenarios (no errors permitted on legal classification). Service record forms must be complete with no blank required fields. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Code Systems & Law Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher | A closed-book written exam covering bitting mathematics, MACS rules, code book use, automotive VIN lookup procedures, and legal/ethical obligations of code work. Items include multiple-choice, short-answer bitting calculations, and scenario-based questions mapped to ALOA CRL exam content areas for key origination and professional conduct. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Live Code Origination Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All three lock types decoded and keys functional on first insertion; all cut depths within ±0.003 inch; transponder key starts vehicle or bench assembly; authorization form complete | The student decodes a pin-tumbler lock and a tubular lock selected by the instructor, originates keys by code on both a manual and semi-automatic cutter, and completes one automotive transponder origination from a VIN, producing a completed authorization and service record for each job. The demonstration is scored on a rubric aligned to ALOA CRL practical skill areas. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All required entries present; micrometer readings recorded for every key; no unauthorized blank entries; instructor-initialed corrections on any failed first attempts | Students submit the cumulative lab log maintained across all five lessons, including decoding worksheets, tolerance measurement tables, machine pre-operation checklists, automotive code lookup printouts, and service record forms. The log is reviewed for completeness, accuracy of recorded measurements, and evidence of corrective action when a key failed. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Machine Safety & PPE Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero omissions on the safety checklist; correct lockout/tagout demonstrated without prompting; safety glasses donned before any machine operation | Before the first unsupervised code-cutter session, the instructor observes each student performing a complete machine pre-operation inspection including blade condition check, guard positioning, clamp verification, lockout/tagout of power, chip clearance, and donning of safety glasses. Any omitted step results in an immediate stop and mandatory repeat of the full checklist before the student may proceed. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
BUS-LOCK72-09 Capstone
Capstone Project: Integrated Security System Installation and Defense
108 hr · $1,080 COMPLIMENTARY
Students design, install, document, and defend a complete, real-world security solution that integrates mechanical locksmithing, electronic access control, and alarm or CCTV components on a full-scale practice installation bay. The project replicates an actual commercial or residential job from initial site survey through final client handover, requiring students to apply every prior course in sequence. Successful completion demonstrates job-ready competence and produces a professional portfolio artifact suitable for employer review and credential applications.
Outcomes- Conduct a site security survey, identify vulnerabilities, and produce a written scope of work and bill of materials for an integrated mechanical and electronic security installation.
- Install and key a master-key system, fit at least one electronic lock, connect a basic alarm or CCTV component, and verify correct operation of the complete integrated system.
- Prepare a complete job-close documentation package including as-built diagrams, key-bitting records, programming records, warranty information, and a client instruction sheet.
- Demonstrate compliance with applicable safety procedures—including PPE selection, lockout/tagout on powered components, and proper tool handling—throughout all phases of the project.
- Orally defend design decisions, troubleshoot a live fault introduced by the instructor, and explain how the installation meets relevant code and licensing requirements.
Course text
Students design, install, document, and defend a complete, real-world security solution that integrates mechanical locksmithing, electronic access control, and alarm or CCTV components on a full-scale practice installation bay. The project replicates an actual commercial or residential job from initial site survey through final client handover, requiring students to apply every prior course in sequence. Successful completion demonstrates job-ready competence and produces a professional portfolio artifact suitable for employer review and credential applications.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Site Survey, Security Assessment, and Project Design; Integrated Installation: Hardware, Keying, and Electronics; Job-Close Documentation Package; Project Defense and Live Troubleshooting.
What competent looks like. Conduct a site security survey, identify vulnerabilities, and produce a written scope of work and bill of materials for an integrated mechanical and electronic security installation. Install and key a master-key system, fit at least one electronic lock, connect a basic alarm or CCTV component, and verify correct operation of the complete integrated system. Prepare a complete job-close documentation package including as-built diagrams, key-bitting records, programming records, warranty information, and a client instruction sheet. Demonstrate compliance with applicable safety procedures—including PPE selection, lockout/tagout on powered components, and proper tool handling—throughout all phases of the project. Orally defend design decisions, troubleshoot a live fault introduced by the instructor, and explain how the installation meets relevant code and licensing requirements.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Site Survey, Security Assessment, and Project Design | 24 | practice | Given a mock commercial or residential scenario, students produce a written security assessment, a labeled site plan, a scope of work, and a complete bill of materials that specify compatible mechanical and electronic components. |
| Survey checklist forms, graph-paper site-plan templates, tape measure, digital camera or phone, manufacturer product catalogs (Schlage, Yale, Alarm Lock, or equivalent), access-control and alarm reference guides, course textbooks from prior units, personal protective equipment (PPE) kit | Instructor reviews completed survey form, site plan, scope of work, and bill of materials against a scoring rubric; all four documents must be present, the component selections must be technically compatible, and the written rationale must correctly identify at least three security vulnerabilities; minimum passing score 75 out of 100 rubric points. |
| 2 | Integrated Installation: Hardware, Keying, and Electronics | 54 | lab | Students install and operationally verify a complete integrated security system on the practice bay including a master-key cylinder set, at least one electronic lock or access-control reader, and at least one alarm contact or CCTV camera, following their approved project design. |
| Practice doors and frames (commercial and residential grades), cylindrical and mortise lock sets, pinning kits and master wafers, key machine, plug followers and pinning mats, electronic lock or access-control kit (keypad or card reader), low-voltage power supply, alarm door contacts, CCTV camera and DVR or NVR (or IP camera with NVR), fish tape, cable staples, screwdrivers, drill and bits, hole saws, multimeter, laptop with access-control and DVR software, lockout/tagout kit, safety glasses, gloves, knee pads | Instructor performs a live operational check at the end of each of the three sub-phases (mechanical, electronic lock, alarm or CCTV) using a standardized pass/fail checklist; all mechanical keys must operate correctly at their assigned master-key level, electronic credentials must accept and deny as programmed, and the alarm or camera zone must trigger and display correctly; any failed sub-phase must be corrected and re-checked before the student advances; overall installation rubric minimum 75 out of 100. |
| 3 | Job-Close Documentation Package | 18 | practice | Students produce a complete, professional job-close documentation package that a client or service technician could use to maintain, re-key, or troubleshoot the installed system. |
| As-built diagram templates, key-control record forms (ALOA-style or equivalent), electronic programming record template, word-processing software, hardware manufacturer warranty documents, course reference binder | Instructor reviews the full documentation package against a rubric covering completeness (all required documents present), accuracy (as-built matches installed hardware, bitting records match physical cylinders), and client clarity (instruction sheet uses plain language); minimum passing score 75 out of 100 rubric points; any bitting-record error that would produce an incorrect key is an automatic re-do. |
| 4 | Project Defense and Live Troubleshooting | 12 | theory | Students orally present their project design decisions to a panel, answer technical and code-related questions, and successfully diagnose and correct a live fault introduced by the instructor into their installed system. |
| Student's own installed system and documentation package, multimeter, key gauge, laptop with system software, pinning mat and plug follower (available if needed), ALOA reference materials, ESA Certified Alarm Technician study guide, state licensing requirement summary sheet | Panel scores the presentation on a three-part rubric: oral presentation and design justification (40 points), question-and-answer accuracy across credential exam content areas including ALOA CRL and ESA CAT domains (40 points), and troubleshooting diagnosis and correction (20 points); minimum passing total 75 out of 100; a student who cannot identify and correct the live fault within the allotted time may attempt one additional troubleshooting session before the final portfolio grade is closed. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated Security Installation Project | Project | 60% | Minimum 75 out of 100 points on the combined installation rubric, with all three sub-phase operational checks passed (no uncorrected failures remaining at project close) | The student completes the full four-lesson capstone sequence—survey, installation, documentation, and defense—on a single continuous project scenario evaluated by the instructor against a master rubric that encompasses technical accuracy, safety compliance, documentation quality, and oral defense performance. This project grade is the primary summative measure of job-ready competence and maps to task areas tested in the ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith and ESA Certified Alarm Technician credentialing exams. Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation |
| Professional Portfolio | Portfolio | 20% | All six required artifacts present and each individually scored at 75 out of 100 or above on the portfolio rubric | The student assembles a professional portfolio containing: the completed site survey form, the annotated as-built site diagram, the key-bitting control record, the electronic programming record, the client instruction sheet, and a one-page personal reflection on how the project connected to their credential and licensing goals. The portfolio is reviewed by the instructor for completeness, technical accuracy, and professional presentation quality, and the student retains it as a job-search and credential-application artifact. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality |
| Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 20% | Minimum 75 out of 100 on the three-part panel rubric (presentation, Q&A, troubleshooting), with the live fault correctly diagnosed and corrected | In a structured oral session before an instructor panel, the student presents and justifies the project design, answers questions spanning all program content areas and the competency domains of the ALOA CRL and ESA CAT credentials, and diagnoses a live fault introduced into the installed system. The oral defense demonstrates that the student can integrate knowledge under realistic job-site pressure and communicate professionally with clients and colleagues. Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication |
BUS-LOCK72-10 Externship / clinical
Externship / Worksite Placement
162 hr · $650 COMPLIMENTARY
Students complete 162 supervised hours with a licensed locksmith or alarm company employer, applying classroom skills to real customer work orders under journeyman-level oversight. The placement integrates all prior coursework—mechanical locksmithing, keying, safes, access control, CCTV, electronic locks, and code compliance—in a live business environment. Employer evaluations and a reflective log document growth toward the ALOA CRL and ESA CAT credential domains and state licensing standards.
Outcomes- Perform service calls for residential and commercial lock installation, re-keying, and safe opening under journeyman supervision, meeting employer quality and time-on-task standards.
- Install or service at least one access control or alarm system component in a real worksite setting, following the applicable code and manufacturer instructions.
- Demonstrate professional conduct—punctuality, customer communication, and tool accountability—as rated satisfactory or above on the employer mid-term and final evaluation forms.
- Document every worksite task in a daily log that records job type, tools used, problem encountered, solution applied, and credential domain addressed.
- Identify and respond correctly to worksite safety hazards, including electrical lockout/tagout, PPE selection, and ladder safety, with zero recordable incidents during the placement.
- Articulate, in a final reflection, how each credential exam domain (ALOA CRL, ESA CAT, state license) was practiced or observed during the externship.
Course text
Students complete 162 supervised hours with a licensed locksmith or alarm company employer, applying classroom skills to real customer work orders under journeyman-level oversight. The placement integrates all prior coursework—mechanical locksmithing, keying, safes, access control, CCTV, electronic locks, and code compliance—in a live business environment. Employer evaluations and a reflective log document growth toward the ALOA CRL and ESA CAT credential domains and state licensing standards.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Externship Orientation and Worksite Safety Briefing; Supervised Service Work — Mechanical and Keying Tasks; Supervised Service Work — Electronic Systems and Access Control; Final Employer Evaluation and Externship Reflection.
What competent looks like. Perform service calls for residential and commercial lock installation, re-keying, and safe opening under journeyman supervision, meeting employer quality and time-on-task standards. Install or service at least one access control or alarm system component in a real worksite setting, following the applicable code and manufacturer instructions. Demonstrate professional conduct—punctuality, customer communication, and tool accountability—as rated satisfactory or above on the employer mid-term and final evaluation forms. Document every worksite task in a daily log that records job type, tools used, problem encountered, solution applied, and credential domain addressed. Identify and respond correctly to worksite safety hazards, including electrical lockout/tagout, PPE selection, and ladder safety, with zero recordable incidents during the placement. Articulate, in a final reflection, how each credential exam domain (ALOA CRL, ESA CAT, state license) was practiced or observed during the externship.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Externship Orientation and Worksite Safety Briefing | 6 | theory | Students will identify employer expectations, site-specific safety rules, daily log procedures, and evaluation criteria before beginning live customer work. |
| Externship agreement packet, employer safety orientation checklist, OSHA 10 pocket card (from Course 1), daily log template (paper or digital), PPE kit (safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, steel-toe boots) | Supervisor confirms signed agreement and completed safety checklist; student demonstrates correct PPE selection for two scenario hazards with no errors before proceeding to field hours. |
| 2 | Supervised Service Work — Mechanical and Keying Tasks | 60 | field | Students will perform residential and commercial lock installation, re-keying, master-key pinning, and basic safe service under direct journeyman supervision, completing each job to employer quality standards. |
| Service vehicle, full field kit (plug followers, pinning tray, picks, tension bars, key machine or manual cutter, pin kit, mortise and cylindrical lock sets, key blanks), key gauge, depth and space charts (manufacturer reference), daily log, ALOA CRL exam content outline | Supervisor rates each observed task on the employer evaluation rubric (1–4 scale); student must average 3 of 4 or better across all mechanical/keying tasks logged during this phase to pass the lesson. |
| 3 | Supervised Service Work — Electronic Systems and Access Control | 72 | field | Students will install, program, or service at least one electronic lock, access control reader, or alarm/CCTV component on a live job, documenting work to ESA CAT and state licensing exam domains. |
| Non-contact voltage tester, personal lockout device and hasp, conduit fish tape, low-voltage cable (18/2, 22/4 as required), access control reader and controller (employer-supplied), alarm panel (employer-supplied), laptop or tablet with manufacturer programming software, ESA CAT exam content outline, state alarm license regulatory reference | Supervisor verifies correct lockout/tagout on every powered task with no omissions; student's one-page job summary is reviewed by the instructor and must accurately describe the installation steps and correctly map the task to at least one ESA CAT domain to pass. |
| 4 | Final Employer Evaluation and Externship Reflection | 24 | field | Students will compile and present a complete externship portfolio—including the full daily log, employer evaluation scores, and a written reflection—demonstrating growth across all credential exam domains. |
| Employer evaluation rubric (standardized program form), complete daily log, credential exam content outlines (ALOA CRL, ESA CAT, state license), portfolio binder or digital folder, reflection guide worksheet | Employer final evaluation must score 3 of 4 or better in all five rubric categories; portfolio must contain a log entry for every worksite day with no gaps; instructor confirms all three credential domains are addressed in the written reflection before awarding a passing grade for the lesson. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Worksite Skills Demonstration Evaluation | Skills demonstration | 70% | Average rating of 3 out of 4 or better across all five rubric categories (technical skill, safety compliance, professionalism, customer interaction, and tool care) on the employer's final signed evaluation form, with no category rated below 2. | The supervising locksmith or alarm technician completes a standardized rating rubric at mid-point and at the end of the placement, observing the student on actual service calls. The final evaluation score is the primary skills_demo assessment and must be submitted to the program before a passing grade is awarded for the course. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative |
| Externship Daily Log and Portfolio | Log | 30% | Log contains a complete, dated entry for every worksite day (no missing days); the portfolio summary correctly maps documented tasks to at least two ALOA CRL exam domains, at least one ESA CAT exam domain, and at least one state licensing category; instructor portfolio conference results in a rating of satisfactory on the reflection rubric. | Students maintain a chronological daily log throughout all 162 hours, recording job type, tools used, problem encountered, solution applied, and credential domain for each task. The compiled log is submitted as a portfolio with domain-organized summaries and a written reflection, serving as the lab_log assessment and a study resource for Course 11 exam preparation. Complete · Verified |
BUS-LOCK72-11 Exam prep
Certification Exam Preparation: CRL, ESA CAT, and State License
45 hr · $450 COMPLIMENTARY
This course systematically reviews every knowledge domain tested on the ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL) exam, the ESA Certified Alarm Technician (CAT) exam, and the applicable state locksmith/alarm license examination, using structured review sessions, timed practice questions, and full-length mock exams. Learners identify personal weak areas through diagnostic work and target those areas with focused study before sitting for-credit credentialing exams. The course also covers exam registration logistics, professional ethics requirements, and post-credential license application steps.
Outcomes- Score at or above the passing threshold on a full-length CRL practice exam covering lock mechanisms, keying, safe service, access control, and professional standards.
- Score at or above the passing threshold on a full-length ESA CAT practice exam covering alarm system installation, electronic security theory, and applicable codes.
- Demonstrate accurate recall of state-specific licensing requirements, including background check procedures, continuing education obligations, and application steps.
- Identify personal knowledge gaps through diagnostic assessment and apply a targeted self-study plan to bring weak domains to passing level.
- Apply professional ethics standards and legal compliance requirements as tested on credentialing exams to realistic scenario questions.
- Complete exam registration for at least one of the three credentials during the course, submitting a verified application packet.
Course text
This course systematically reviews every knowledge domain tested on the ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL) exam, the ESA Certified Alarm Technician (CAT) exam, and the applicable state locksmith/alarm license examination, using structured review sessions, timed practice questions, and full-length mock exams. Learners identify personal weak areas through diagnostic work and target those areas with focused study before sitting for-credit credentialing exams. The course also covers exam registration logistics, professional ethics requirements, and post-credential license application steps.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Diagnostic Assessment and Exam Domain Mapping; Targeted Domain Review: Mechanical Locksmithing and Safe Service; Targeted Domain Review: Electronic Security, Alarm Systems, Codes, and State Licensing; Full-Length Mock Credentialing Exams and Exam Registration.
What competent looks like. Score at or above the passing threshold on a full-length CRL practice exam covering lock mechanisms, keying, safe service, access control, and professional standards. Score at or above the passing threshold on a full-length ESA CAT practice exam covering alarm system installation, electronic security theory, and applicable codes. Demonstrate accurate recall of state-specific licensing requirements, including background check procedures, continuing education obligations, and application steps. Identify personal knowledge gaps through diagnostic assessment and apply a targeted self-study plan to bring weak domains to passing level. Apply professional ethics standards and legal compliance requirements as tested on credentialing exams to realistic scenario questions. Complete exam registration for at least one of the three credentials during the course, submitting a verified application packet.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diagnostic Assessment and Exam Domain Mapping | 8 | theory | The learner will complete a timed diagnostic practice test for both the CRL and ESA CAT exam domains and produce a written gap analysis that ranks knowledge areas from strongest to weakest. |
| Diagnostic practice question banks drawn from ALOA study guide and ESA CAT prep materials; answer key rubrics; gap-analysis worksheet; timer; pencils; learner exam-domain reference chart showing the official content outline for each credential | Learner submits a completed gap-analysis worksheet with every missed item categorized by domain and a written study schedule; competence is confirmed when the worksheet is accurate and the schedule addresses all domains scoring below 70%—pass requires submission of both documents with correct domain labeling on at least 90% of items. |
| 2 | Targeted Domain Review: Mechanical Locksmithing and Safe Service | 12 | lab | The learner will answer CRL-format questions on lock mechanisms, key cutting, master-key theory, safe mechanisms, and manipulation concepts at or above 75% accuracy on a domain quiz by the end of the session. |
| Cutaway pin-tumbler, wafer, and lever locks; key machines (for reference, not full cutting exercise); master-key matrix worksheets; safe practice locks and specification cards; GSA/UL rating reference charts; ALOA study guide; printed CRL-format question sets; answer keys | Learner completes a 40-question domain quiz covering lock mechanisms, keying math, and safe service under timed conditions; pass requires 75% or higher (30 of 40 correct); any domain sub-score below 70% triggers a mandatory instructor review session before Lesson 3. |
| 3 | Targeted Domain Review: Electronic Security, Alarm Systems, Codes, and State Licensing | 13 | lab | The learner will answer ESA CAT-format questions on alarm detection, panel wiring, access control electronics, and applicable electrical and fire codes at or above 75% accuracy, and correctly explain at least five state-specific licensing requirements relevant to their jurisdiction. |
| Alarm panel trainer board; motion and contact sensors; low-voltage wiring samples; NFPA 72 current edition (reference copy); NEC reference (relevant low-voltage articles); ESA CAT study guide; official state licensing board website access; licensing checklist worksheet; printed ESA CAT and state-license-format question sets; answer keys | Learner completes a 50-question domain quiz covering ESA CAT topics and state licensing requirements under timed conditions; pass requires 75% or higher (38 of 50 correct); learner also submits the completed licensing checklist with accurate information for their jurisdiction—incomplete or inaccurate checklists require correction before Lesson 4. |
| 4 | Full-Length Mock Credentialing Exams and Exam Registration | 12 | practice | The learner will complete full-length, timed mock exams for both the CRL and ESA CAT credentials under authentic test conditions and submit a verified exam registration application for at least one credential before the session ends. |
| Full-length CRL mock exam printed packet with answer key; full-length ESA CAT mock exam printed packet with answer key; post-exam reflection form; official ALOA CRL exam registration form or portal access; official ESA CAT exam registration form or portal access; state licensing board exam scheduling information; learner identification documents checklist; timer; pencils | Learner achieves 75% or higher on both the CRL mock exam and the ESA CAT mock exam; learner submits a completed post-exam reflection form for each exam with accurate domain-level error analysis; learner submits evidence of exam registration (confirmation number, submitted application, or instructor-verified completion of the application packet)—any mock-exam score below 75% results in an instructor-prescribed targeted review plan and a second mock sitting before the course closes. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Length Mock Credentialing Exam Battery | Mock certification exam | 100% | 75% or higher on both the CRL mock exam and the ESA CAT mock exam, plus submission of a verified exam registration application for at least one credential | Learners sit back-to-back full-length practice versions of the ALOA CRL and ESA CAT exams under timed, closed-book, test-center-simulated conditions, then complete a written domain-level error analysis for each. This mock exam battery serves as the course's single summative assessment and directly predicts readiness for the live credentialing exams; scores below 75% on either exam require documented instructor remediation and a second sitting before a satisfactory grade is recorded. Score · Time management |
Program completion
External credential: ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith; ESA Certified Alarm Technician; State Locksmith/Alarm License
Students prepare for and sit the ALOA Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL) exam administered by the ALOA Security Professionals Association, and the ESA Certified Alarm Technician exam administered by the Electronic Security Association; students also complete the application and any required testing for their state locksmith and/or alarm technician license through the applicable state licensing board. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.
Back to Locksmith & Security Systems · How the school gets authority to award these credentials
