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.
2025 Trade Shows
March 12-14: 2025 Locksmith Pro Expo
Sponsored by Key Innovations and UHS Hardware, the 2025 Locksmith Pro Expo will be held March 12-14 at the Sheraton Dallas-Fort Worth Airport in Dallas. The show will include two days of education on March 12 and 13, followed by the March 14 tradeshow.
Registration open at https://bit.ly/3YLEPH5
April 5: American Key Supply 3rd Annual Trade Show and Locksmith Swap Meet
This event, which is not exclusively for automotive but definitely will include auto prodcuts, is scheduled for April 5 in Las Vegas. More info: https://akslink.com/2568
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.
Southern Locksmithing Institute Hands-On Mercedes Training
March 7-8 in Memphis
Class description: Join us for an exclusive two-day automotive training event in Memphis! Dive into in-depth, hands-on sessions covering everything from keyed ignitions to FBS 3, steering locks, and transmission modules. Gain experience using multiple tools and enjoy special event-only promotions. Training includes access to all parts, modules, and demonstration cars.
The instructor is Jeremy Crocker. A bonus for students is a guided Memphis tour featuring historic sights, blues and barbecue.
Space is limited. Pre-register at www.southernlock.com/itemdetail/2025-CLASS-MERC.
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.
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.
Classes and dates include:
Hands-On Lishi Training, May 1, June 5, Sept. 25, Oct. 9 and Oct. 23.
Auto Locksmithing for Beginners, Feb. 28-March 1 and Sept. 27-27
Soldering & EEPROM, March 21-22
Auto Locksmith Training Blitz, April 3-5 and 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.
Texas Locksmiths Association NASTF Statement
Editor’s note: The following statement was released by the Texas Locksmiths Association (TLA) after a town hall National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) session during the TLA’s 60th annual convention. NASTF’s Scan Tool Validation Program has taken effect, making registration required to get key information from auto dealers via NASTF. Watch at https://fb.watch/v3c9KwFgsC/.
Following the NASTF Town Hall meeting at the 2024 Texas Locksmith Association (TLA) Convention, we feel it necessary to publicly address our position on several matters of concern. After careful deliberation, the Texas Locksmith Association has decided it can no longer support the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF).
The reasons for this decision are outlined below, but are not limited to only the following:
1. Antitrust Concerns. The TLA finds that the NASTF Scantool Validation Program is trade-restrictive and raises potential concerns regarding violations of antitrust laws. This program could stifle competition within the automotive Locksmithing industry by limiting access and imposing barriers to innovation.
2. Lack of Consideration for Industry Concerns. NASTF has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of alignment with the core concerns of our industry. Their focus appears to be driven more by revenue-generating initiatives than addressing the needs of Locksmiths and other professionals within the sector. This misalignment is troubling and counterproductive for the automotive Locksmithing community.
3. Retaliatory Regulation Tactics. The TLA has witnessed instances of retaliatory regulation tactics employed by NASTF in attempts to suppress opposition. This behavior is inconsistent with the cooperative and collaborative environment we expect from organizations that serve the Locksmithing community.
4. Unfair Representation in Board of Directors. The current NASTF board of directors’ election process does not provide fair representation. The original bylaws governing the board were created under NASTF's original mission and are not reflective of its current Service Data Release Model (SDRM) responsibilities. Since SDRM affects predominantly Locksmiths, the TLA believes it is essential that Locksmiths have greater representation in board decisions.
5. Failure to Design Access Levels. NASTF has failed to design a system that properly designates levels of access. This flaw allows individual groups like body shops, repossession companies, etc., in states that require licensing, such as Texas, to bypass the required training and licensing requirements while gaining access to key codes. Their access should only be limited to immobilizer authorization. This undermines state licensing regulations and devalues the certification process.
6. Detriment to Innovation. The NASTF Scantool Validation Program is likely to harm innovation in the automotive Locksmithing industry. By limiting the customer base and creating barriers for companies to recoup their research and development costs, the program may stifle technological advancement and hinder the growth of small businesses in our field.
7. Waiving of Legal Rights During Appeals. The NASTF bylaws include provisions that require participants to waive certain legal rights during the appeal process. We believe this is unfair and does not provide sufficient due process for those affected by their decisions.
In light of these concerns, the Texas Locksmith Association cannot in good conscience continue to support NASTF in its current state. We encourage the organization to reconsider its direction and policies to better align with the interests of Locksmiths and the broader automotive industry.
