Automotive locksmithing has entered a new, high-tech era. No longer are locksmiths making a living by purchasing a few basic tools, unlocking cars and duplicating keys. In today’s world of sophisticated electronics and pricey equipment, locksmiths need specialized training. Here are some options in the coming months. Please note that pre-registration (and often pre-payment) are required.
Check with your local distributor and the manufacturers of your equipment for additional opportunities.
May 14-18: IAAL 2025 Auto Lock Show
From the International Association of Automotive Locksmiths: Rev up your engines and zoom over to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on May 14-18, 2025, for the ultimate car locksmith and security shindig! Get ready to revamp your skills with a lineup of automotive locksmith classes from rookie to pro level.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, this event is your pit stop for growth. Rub shoulders with industry gurus, mingle with fellow locksmiths, and stay on the fast track in the world of car locksmithing.
Three full days of education will be taught by the best in the business. The show will also include a Friday evening Expo with Kickoff Party and Saturday Expo with lunch on the Expo Floor.
Educational sessions include:
Truck Lock Key Generation
Intro to Auto
High Security Automotive Locks
Automotive Locksmithing Troubleshooting Q&A
KR55
Building and Managing a Successful Retail Locksmith Store
Intermediate to Advanced BMW, MB and VAG
Auto Tips & Tricks
BMW, EWS and CAS
Revolutionize Your Auto Expertise
Asian Automotive Locks
What Happens When the Key Code Doesn’t Work?
Introduction to OEM Software for Key and Module Programming
Auto Tools & Programming 101
VW Ignition
Site Reading
Fundamentals of Soldering
Subaru, Not OBD
GM Six-Cut
Honda Lock Repairs and Service
Digital Marketing and Advertising
BMW Key Programming ACDP and Other Tools
VW Programming
Picking and Decoding with Lishi
Jaguar/Land Rover
Motorhome and Camper Locks
Free classes Saturday on the show floor will include:
Hands-on High Security Truck Lock Pinning
Intro to High Security Automotive
Class space is limited and pre-registration is required. Classes may be full at presstime. Call (214) 819-9733, email [email protected] or visit https://www.aloa.org/iaal/iaal-home.html for more information.
Southern Lock 2025 Education Expo
The Southern Lock/Silver Sales 2025 Education Expo is scheduled June 2-6 at the Hyatt Place, downtown St. Petersburg, Florida.
Visit www.southernlock.com for class listings and more information.
American Key Supply Locksmith Academy
American Key Supply’s Locksmith Academy has set 2025 dates for some its popular classes at its Las Vegas headquarters.
Automotive Locksmith Company Ownership Growth & Success, scheduled June 6-7 in Las Vegas, takes the sales and marketing side of the business. The following is the class description:
Are you ready to take your locksmith business to the next level? Join industry veteran Eric "The Beast" Lambert, who brings over 15 years of hands-on locksmithing experience, for this comprehensive workshop designed to empower new and seasoned locksmiths alike.
This class dives into the essential tools and strategies needed to thrive in the locksmith industry, with a special focus on automotive services. You'll explore everything from setting up an efficient van layout and choosing the right point-of-sale systems to navigating insurance options and optimizing your business for growth.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your operations, this class is packed with actionable insights and tips that will leave you inspired and equipped for success. Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the best in the business and walk away with the knowledge to level up your locksmith game!
Additional classes and dates include:
Hands-On Lishi Training, May 1, June 5, Sept. 25, Oct. 9 and Oct. 23.
Auto Locksmithing for Beginners, Sept. 27-27
Soldering & EEPROM, March 21-22
Auto Locksmith Training Blitz, Sept. 26-27
IM608/AutoProPAD/J2534, May 2-3
Jaguar/Land Rover Locksmithing, May 16-17
Automotive Locksmith Company Ownership Growth & Success, June 6-7
Mercedes & BMW Locksmithing, Aug. 22-23
Motorcycle Locksmithing, Oct. 10-11
VW/Audi Locksmithing, Oct. 24-25
Advanced Troubleshooting & J2534 Module Programming for Automotive Locksmiths, TBD
More info: americankeysupply.com/education
UHS Hardware On-Demand Courses
The following recorded, on-demand training sessions can be purchased from UHS Hardware. For more information, visit https://www.uhs-hardware.com/collections/online-education
Auto 101 - Complete Automotive Locksmith Course
This class is designed to give a detailed overview of the Automotive Locksmithing process from start to finish using a variety of key cutting and programming tools like the Xhorse Dolphin XP-005, Xhorse Key Tool Max and KeyTool Plus, Autel IM508, KEYDIY KD-X2, and more.
Automatic Edge-Cut and High-Security Lishi
This self-paced course is made up of a series of lessons designed to familiarize participants with the anatomy and use of edge-cut and high-security Lishi tools.
The course can be completed in 3-4 days but you will have unlimited access to the materials.
Toyota System 2019+ Key Programming With Autel, Lonsdor & Key Tool Plus Course
This class is designed to give a detailed overview of the 2019+ New Toyota System Key Programming on a variety of different models using a few different programming machines. You will be covering adding a key using a dealer code, another key or an emulator in all keys lost situation.
BMW Key Programming Using Xhorse Key Tool Plus
This class is designed to give a detailed overview of the BMW Key Programming on a wide variety of different models using VVDI Key Tool PLUS Tablet - All In One Key Tool. You will be covering a few different systems like EWS, CAS, ISN and FEM/BDC. Depending on the model and year BMW you are working on you will run one of these systems. Learning how read them, unlock them and add keys to them whether through soldering or the use of adapters will allow you work on a multitude of models starting from the first EWS System in 1993 to modern CAS 4/4+ today.
Automotive EEPROM And Advanced Key Programming
This EEPROM course teaches locksmiths key programming and immobilizer bypass for modern vehicles. Through video lectures and demonstrations, students learn to use a wide range of tools and software like the VVDI Key Tool PLUS Tablet, Xhorse VVDI PROG, TANGO, and VVDI Mini PROG to read immobilizer data from vehicle ECUs and program transponder keys.
Keyline TV & Keyline Academy
Keyline USA offers two great resources for training and tips on using their key machines: Keyline Academy and Keyline TV.
Keyline Academy offers in-depth training courses for all electronic machines, with videos on everything from unboxing and set-up, to calibrating and cutting. Academy courses can be accessed at courses.keylineacademy.com. You will need to create a free account to access the videos.
Keyline TV offers an extensive library of videos on more specific topics. For example, Keyline Gymkana videos include:
- Decode and cut Honda and Mazda keys
- Decode and cut Volkswagen keys
- Cut by code Audi keys
Keyline TV videos can be viewed at www.keyline-usa.com/en_US/keyline-tv, or on the Keyline YouTube channel.
