Why You Should Always Hire A Certified Locksmith

6 November 2015
 Categories: , Blog


Anyone can come to your home and show you one or two papers as certification, but if you are not sure what to look for, you could end up with an under-qualified locksmith at best or a scammer at worst.

What should your locksmith be certified with?

Your locksmith must show proof of having gone through an Australian apprenticeship with a local locksmith company that is cleared by the Australian Apprenticeship Centre (AAC) to conduct the apprenticeship. In addition to work experience, your locksmith must have a professional certification in locksmithing, typically a Certificate III in locksmithing, along with an industry license to work.

He/she must also be registered with a professional organization such as the Locksmith Guild of Australia (LGA) or the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA). If you need work done on your safes or vaults, your locksmith must have an official security equipment installer license issued by the state. To get this license, they will have gone through a rigorous background check to ensure that they have no criminal record and will have their fingerprints taken as well. However, if you only need a key cut or a basic household lock installed, an industry license is sufficient.

Why should your locksmith be certified?

There are several reasons why you should only hire certified locksmiths:

Safety and security

Since locksmiths have a copy of your key, you need to be sure that they won't use it to rob your home. Certified locksmiths who are members of professional bodies are guaranteed to be honest and professional since they are taken through a rigorous entry process. In addition, a certified locksmith is registered with the local police so they can be located should anything happen.

Insurance

Certified locksmiths are required to be bonded and insured as part of their terms of practice. This is essential since accidents happen during repairs or installation of locks, and if they are bonded and insured, they will be liable for damage. You should make sure they have a public and products liability insurance that covers for damage or injury to you or your home, as well as faulty products that result in financial losses to you.

Getting the job done

Once a locksmith has been through the entire process of certification, they have the skills and experience to handle any kind of lock in an emergency situation and do an excellent job. Professional bodies also provide upgrades and refresher training that ensures certified locksmiths are always at the top of their game.

Keep these things in mind when looking for a 24 hour locksmith.


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