You can become a locksmith in California through an on-the-job training program or through a locksmith certification program, where you will learn automotive, residential, commercial and institutional locksmithing. You will also learn about key duplication, the different types of locks and detention lock systems in the certification program.

Instructions

Get a high school diploma or a GED. Take courses in physics, electronics, mathematics and mechanical drawing in high school which can help prepare you for locksmith training.

Go to a vocational school in California and enroll in a locksmith certification program, like The Locksmith School in Southern California or the Bay Area School of Locksmithing in Northern California, which combine classroom and hands-on teaching. Click on the link, California Locksmith Association: Locksmith Schools, located in the resources section below to view additional vocational schools in California that offer locksmith training.

Learn about combination locks, modern alarms, automotive locksmithing, high security locks and key duplicating machines during your training, which will prepare you to take your certification exam.

Go to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services website to take your exam. Passing the exam qualifies you to receive your certification in locksmithing in California.