ALOA Business Practices and Locksmith Law

Question 1

What is the ALOA Code of Ethics requirement regarding servicing locks for customers?

Accepted Answer

Locksmiths must only provide services to authorized persons and must not use their skills for illegal purposes

Answer

Locksmiths must provide services to anyone who pays the service fee

Answer

Locksmiths must obtain a court order before re-keying any lock

Answer

Locksmiths must only service their registered customers

Question 2

Which states require locksmiths to hold a state-issued license to legally perform locksmith services?

Accepted Answer

Several states including Alabama, California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia have locksmith licensing laws

Answer

All 50 states require a federal locksmith license

Answer

No states have locksmith licensing requirements

Answer

Only states with populations over 10 million require locksmith licensing

Question 3

What is a 'surety bond' and why do locksmiths often carry one?

Accepted Answer

A financial guarantee that protects customers if the locksmith causes damage or fails to perform contracted work, providing recourse for losses

Answer

An insurance policy that covers locksmith tools

Answer

A bond required to purchase restricted key blanks

Answer

A performance guarantee from the locksmith's manufacturer

Question 4

What does 'general liability insurance' protect a locksmith business from?

Accepted Answer

Third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from the locksmith's business operations

Answer

Employee injuries on the job

Answer

Tool theft or damage

Answer

Vehicle accidents during service calls

Question 5

Which ALOA professional designation is the entry-level certification requiring passage of a written exam on basic locksmithing knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Registered Locksmith (RL)

Answer

Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL)

Answer

Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL)

Answer

Certified Master Locksmith (CML)

Question 6

What is the purpose of a 'work authorization form' used by professional locksmiths before performing services?

Accepted Answer

To document the customer's authorization, describe the work to be performed, and provide written consent protecting the locksmith from liability claims

Answer

To record the key codes cut for each lock

Answer

To document the customer's payment method before starting work

Answer

To register the job with the local locksmith licensing board