Locksmiths in Vancouver British Columbia are classified as security workers and are required to be licensed under the Security Program and Police Technologies Division of the British Columbia Ministry of the Attorney General. As such, locksmiths must maintain a high standard of security and a criminal charge or conviction may prevent you from becoming a locksmith or your license may be revoked if you are a licensed locksmith.

Formal locksmith training is not required to become a locksmith. Completing an approved training program will help you find employment with a trained locksmith or locksmith company. There are training programs available at training and vocational centers. The prerequisite to attend the training programs is a high school diploma or equal certificate.

To qualify for locksmith Vancouver licensure, the applicant must have 2 years, or 3,600 hours equaling full time locksmith employment and work under the direction of a licensed locksmith. Once you are hired by a licensed locksmith, you must make an application for a Locksmith under Supervision license for the two year training program.

The application can be found and downloaded at the Government of British Columbia website. After filling out the application, it must be mailed to the British Columbia of Public Safety. The application will include personal information, a passport size photo and a confirmation letter from your employer confirming your employment.

Once you have fulfilled the appropriate two years of experience, you will be able to apply for a locksmith license. The process and application is the same as the Locksmith under Supervision license. The application will also include a letter from the employer verifying you completed the two years of work.

Once the Division of the British Columbia Ministry of the Attorney General approves your application and you pay the appropriate fee, you will be awarded your locksmith Vancouver license. Your license is subject to renewal periodically for it to remain active.

Once licensed, you will be able to open your own locksmith shop if desired, or continue to work for a locksmith entity. It is important to always have your locksmith license with you, as some customers will want to see it before hiring you. If you own a truck used for your locksmith business, consider adding your license number along with company name and logo to the side of your truck.

As a licensed locksmith you will be able to perform all locksmithing functions without supervision. You may be required to attend training classes as new lock and security systems are introduced or existing methods upgraded.