Online locksmith schools allow students to study in the convenience of their own homes. Because they can complete their courses online at their own pace, students can balance their schoolwork with other commitments, such as jobs and family. At schools such as Stratford Career Institute or Ashworth College, students get their textbooks, study guides and learning aids in the mail and complete exams and assignments online. This type of program typically takes up to six months and leads to a diploma in the field.
For an online locksmith school, students need access to a computer with high-speed Internet. In addition, they must be comfortable communicating with instructors and fellow classmates via e-mail or message boards. They can also contact their instructor via telephone. While in an online program, students can access their schoolwork 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Participating in online class discussions gives students ample time to think about questions or thoughts to share.
Courses in an online locksmith program cover topics such as locking devices, locksmithing tools, key cutting and master-keying. Students also learn how to install basic locksets, how to service vehicle locks and how to start up and operate a locksmithing business effectively. In addition, online courses cover emergency procedures such as dealing with broken keys as well as picking locks and dealing with deadbolts.
Through an online locksmithing school, students also practice identifying locks by key type, manufacturer, internal construction and installation method. In addition, students can watch videos to learn how to choose key blanks. They go over home security and learn how burglars enter, how to make a security survey and security measures required for specific doors and frames. Classes review common pushbutton combination locks and even electromagnetic locks. The maintenance of key duplicating machines is a class topic for aspiring locksmiths as well.