Automotive Training Opportunities

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.

Wednesday, March 12 classes

Mercedes Made Simple for Advanced Users
Introduction to OEM Software, NASTF, Licensing and Ethics
Hollow Metal and Aluminum Storefront Door Servicing and Repair
Hands-On Soldering and Basic EEPROM

Thursday, March 13 classes

Jaguar/Land Rover JLV Key Programming
VW and Porsche Programming Using Odis Software
BMW Key Programming with ACDP
The Complete IM608

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.

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.

Stay tuned for more information at https://www.aloa.org/iaal/iaal-home.html

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.