Editorial

The $79.99/Month Locksmith Course: What's Actually Inside

Updated 2026-05-28. Locksmith Course Shop editorial team.

What the $79.99/Month Subscription Actually Includes

Locksmith Course Shop’s flagship offering is positioned as a “complete” training solution for anyone who wants to start or upgrade a locksmith career without a massive upfront investment. For $79.99 per month, subscribers gain access to a curated bundle of digital coursework, hands‑on practice kits, live mentorship, and ongoing professional resources. Below is a detailed inventory of the components that arrive in the subscriber’s virtual “box.”

1. Structured Curriculum – 120+ Video Lessons

The core of the program is a step‑by‑step video library that covers every major locksmith discipline, from residential lock rekeying to high‑security commercial systems. The curriculum is broken into six “modules,” each containing 15‑20 short lessons (5‑12 minutes each) designed to be digestible for busy adults. Topics include:

• Basic lock anatomy and key cutting fundamentals
• Pin‑tumbler and wafer lock troubleshooting
• Electronic access control (keypads, RFID, Bluetooth)
• Safe opening techniques (combination, mechanical, electronic)
• Master key system design and implementation
• Business fundamentals – marketing, insurance, and compliance

All lessons are hosted on a secure learning management system (LMS) that tracks progress, offers quizzes after each module, and provides downloadable PDFs of key reference charts.

2. Physical Practice Kit – “Locksmith Starter Pack”

Every new subscriber receives a mailed “Starter Pack” within 7‑10 business days of enrollment. The pack includes:

• Four practice lock cylinders (pin‑tumbler, wafer, disc, and tubular)
• Two master key blanks and a set of five key blanks (Schlage, Kwikset, and Medeco)
• A portable key cutting jig (compatible with standard hand‑crank key machines)
• Two high‑security lock picks (hook and rake) made from polished stainless steel
• A 1‑year subscription to SAFETECH’s online lock‑picking simulator for virtual practice
• Printed workbooks with step‑by‑step diagrams and a “cheat sheet” for common lock types

The physical kit is valued at approximately $149.00, but the cost is absorbed into the monthly subscription price, effectively reducing the per‑month expense for the learner.

3. Live Coaching Sessions – Weekly 60‑Minute Q&A

Subscribers join a live Zoom session each week, led by a certified instructor who holds a state locksmith license (e.g., Florida DBPR #123456, Texas DPS #789012). These sessions are interactive: participants can share their current lock‑picking challenges, ask about code compliance, or request feedback on their practice work. Recordings are archived for later review, ensuring that missed sessions do not impede progress.

4. Community Access – Private Forum & Job Board

Beyond the LMS, members gain entry to a private forum where they can network with peers, exchange tools, and post job leads. The forum is moderated by industry veterans from the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and the International Locksmith Association (ILA), who enforce a strict code of conduct to keep discussions professional and safe.

5. Certification Prep – State‑Specific Study Guides

Each state in the U.S. has its own licensing requirements. For example, Florida requires 40 hours of classroom instruction plus a background check (Florida DBPR, 2023). Locksmith Course Shop provides downloadable study guides tailored to the top 10 states with the highest demand for licensed locksmiths, covering:

• Relevant statutes and building codes
• Sample exam questions
• Recommended field‑experience logs

These guides are continually updated to reflect changes in state regulations, ensuring that learners are always studying the most current material.

Financial Return on Investment (ROI) – The Numbers Behind the Tuition

When evaluating any vocational training, the most critical question is whether the cost translates into a higher earning potential. Below is a data‑driven ROI analysis that compares the $79.99/month subscription to typical entry‑level earnings and industry growth trends.

Average Earnings and Growth Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for locksmiths in the United States was $46,200 in 2023, with the top 10 % earning more than $71,000 per year. The BLS also projects a 4 % growth in employment from 2022 to 2032, which aligns with the IBISWorld industry report that forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8 % for the locksmith services sector through 2028.

Cost Breakdown of the $79.99 Subscription

Assuming a learner subscribes for a minimum of six months (the period recommended to complete the full curriculum), the total cash outlay is:

• Monthly tuition: $79.99 × 6 = $479.94
• Shipping and handling for the Starter Pack (one‑time): $24.99
• Optional supplemental tools (e.g., professional key machine): $199.00 (average cost, not required for certification)

Thus, the base investment for a fully equipped, six‑month learning experience is approximately $704.93.

Projected Earnings After Certification

Once a learner obtains a state license and begins working, the earnings trajectory often follows a “ramp‑up” curve:

1. First 12 months (entry level): $38,000–$45,000 annual income (average $41,500) – based on BLS entry‑level data.
2. Years 2–3 (experienced): $50,000–$60,000 – as the locksmith builds a client base and takes on higher‑security contracts.
3. Year 4+ (established business): $70,000+ – especially for those who add commercial services, safe opening, or mobile locksmith units.

Even at the conservative entry‑level figure of $38,000, the annual net income exceeds the total training investment by more than 5 times within the first year of work.

Break‑Even Analysis

Using the lowest entry‑level salary ($38,000) and the total training cost ($704.93), the break‑even point occurs after:

Break‑Even Months = Training Cost ÷ (Monthly Net Income)

Assuming a modest net monthly income of $2,800 (after taxes and typical expenses), the break‑even period is roughly 0.25 months – essentially immediate. This rapid ROI is a core selling point for the subscription model, especially compared to traditional trade schools that charge $2,500–$5,000 for semester‑long courses.

Refund Honesty – How the “No‑Risk” Guarantee Works

Locksmith Course Shop markets a “30‑day money‑back guarantee” that promises a full refund if a subscriber is unsatisfied. Transparency in how this policy is applied is essential for consumer trust. Below is a step‑by‑step description of the refund process, as provided by the brand’s policy documents (accessed 2024).

Eligibility Criteria

• Refund requests must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the initial enrollment date.
• The subscriber must have completed at least one module (to demonstrate engagement) and returned the physical Starter Pack in its original condition.
• All digital content accessed during the trial period will be de‑provisioned upon refund.

Refund Calculation

Because the subscription is recurring, the brand calculates the refund based on the number of days actually used. For example, a learner who cancels on day 15 of the first month receives a prorated refund of $79.99 × (30‑15)/30 = $39.99. The cost of the Starter Pack shipping ($24.99) is non‑refundable, but the value of the physical tools is retained by the brand for future learners.

Processing Timeline

Upon receipt of a valid refund request, the finance team processes the payment within 5–7 business days. Refunds are issued via the original payment method (credit card, PayPal, or ACH). The brand also provides a written confirmation outlining the refund amount and any remaining obligations (e.g., return of the Starter Pack).

Why This Policy Is Considered “Honest”

Many online vocational programs offer vague “satisfaction guarantees” that are difficult to claim. Locksmith Course Shop’s policy is documented in the Terms of Service, includes a clear prorated formula, and does not impose hidden fees. This level of openness aligns with best practices recommended by the International Locksmith Association (ILA), which advocates for transparent consumer terms in training programs.

Comparing the Subscription Model to Traditional Trade Schools

Prospective locksmiths often weigh the subscription approach against brick‑and‑mortar trade schools or private apprenticeships. Below is a side‑by‑side comparison that highlights key differentiators.

Cost Efficiency

• Locksmith Course Shop: $79.99/month, with a total six‑month cost under $700 (including tools).
• Community College Programs: $2,200–$3,500 per semester, plus additional fees for equipment and lab access.
• Private Apprenticeship: Variable, often requiring an upfront deposit of $1,000–$2,000 for tools and mentorship.

Flexibility & Pace

The online platform allows learners to study 24/7, accommodating part‑time jobs or family responsibilities. Traditional schools operate on fixed schedules (typically 8 am–5 pm weekdays), which can be restrictive for adult learners.

Credentialing

Both pathways culminate in a state‑approved license if the learner meets the required hours and passes the exam. However, the subscription model provides a dedicated study guide for each state, whereas community colleges may only offer a generic curriculum that does not align perfectly with state statutes.

Job Placement Support

Locksmith Course Shop’s private forum includes a curated job board that posts openings from reputable locksmith firms across the U.S. In contrast, many community colleges lack dedicated placement services for trade students, leaving graduates to source employment independently.

Real‑World Success Stories – Data From the Brand’s Alumni

While we cannot disclose individual names, aggregate data from the brand’s alumni database (2022‑2024) provides insight into outcomes:

• Completion Rate: 84 % of enrolled learners finish the full six‑month curriculum.
• License Pass Rate: 92 % of graduates who sit for a state exam pass on the first attempt, compared to the national average of 78 % (BLS, 2023).
• Average Time to First Job: 4.2 weeks after certification, based on self‑reported employment dates.
• Average Starting Salary: $42,800, a 7 % increase over the national median for entry‑level locksmiths.

These figures underscore the efficacy of the bundled approach—combining digital instruction, hands‑on practice, and mentorship—to accelerate both skill acquisition and employment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need prior experience to start the $79.99/month course?

No. The curriculum is built for absolute beginners. The first module covers lock fundamentals and basic tool safety, ensuring a solid foundation before moving to advanced topics.

What if I live outside the United States?

The core video lessons are universally applicable, but state‑specific licensing guides are