NC LOCKSMITH NEW EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS FOR TOP PERFORMANCE
1. Q: What is a locksmith? ANSWER A locksmith is a professional who
specializes in installing, repairing, and opening locks, as well as creating
and duplicating keys for security systems.
2. Q: What services do locksmiths in North Carolina provide?
ANSWER NC locksmiths provide lock installation, key duplication,
lockout assistance, rekeying, master key systems, safe services, and
security system installation.
3. Q: Do I need a license to work as a locksmith in North Carolina?
ANSWER North Carolina does not require a state-issued locksmith
license, but locksmiths may need local business licenses and should
follow local regulations.
4. Q: What is rekeying? ANSWER Rekeying is the process of changing
the internal pins of a lock so that a new key operates it while the old key
no longer works.
5. Q: How long does it take to become a locksmith? ANSWER Basic
locksmith training can take 6 months to 2 years, depending on whether
you pursue formal education, apprenticeship, or self-study.
6. Q: What tools does a locksmith use? ANSWER Locksmiths use key
cutters, lock picks, tension wrenches, plug spinners, key extractors,
drilling equipment, and specialized software for electronic locks.
7. Q: What is a master key system? ANSWER A master key system
allows one key (master key) to open multiple locks while each lock also
has its own unique key.
8. Q: Can a locksmith make a key without the original? ANSWER Yes,
locksmiths can create keys by decoding the lock, using a key code, or
impressioning a new key.
9. Q: What is lock bumping? ANSWER Lock bumping is a technique
using a specially cut key to manipulate pin tumbler locks, which
locksmiths use for legitimate lockout services.
,10.Q: What is a deadbolt? ANSWER A deadbolt is a locking mechanism
that extends a solid metal bolt into the door frame, providing superior
security compared to spring-loaded locks.
11.Q: What is the difference between a locksmith and a safe technician?
ANSWER While locksmiths work with various locks, safe technicians
specialize in safes and vaults, though many locksmiths also have safe
expertise.
12.Q: What is a cylinder lock? ANSWER A cylinder lock is a lock that
uses a cylindrical mechanism containing pins or wafers that must align
correctly for the key to turn.
13.Q: What does it mean to "pick" a lock? ANSWER Lock picking is
manipulating the lock's components without the original key using
specialized tools to align the pins and open the lock.
14.Q: What is a smart lock? ANSWER A smart lock is an electronic lock
that can be controlled remotely via smartphone, keypad, or other digital
devices, often with WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity.
15.Q: What is a mortise lock? ANSWER A mortise lock is installed
within a pocket (mortise) cut into the door, offering robust security with a
lock body that fits inside the door.
16.Q: How much does a locksmith service call cost in NC? ANSWER
Service calls typically range from $50-$150, with emergency after-hours
services costing more, plus additional fees for labor and parts.
17.Q: What is key duplication? ANSWER Key duplication is the process
of creating a copy of an existing key using a key cutting machine to
match the original's pattern.
18.Q: What is a keyway? ANSWER A keyway is the shaped channel in a
lock cylinder that accepts only keys with the matching profile, preventing
unauthorized key insertion.
19.Q: What is a pin tumbler lock? ANSWER A pin tumbler lock uses
pins of varying lengths that must be aligned at the shear line by the
correct key to allow the cylinder to turn.
20.Q: Can locksmiths open car doors? ANSWER Yes, automotive
locksmiths specialize in opening car doors, making car keys, and
programming transponder keys and key fobs.
, 21.Q: What is a high-security lock? ANSWER A high-security lock
features advanced protection against picking, drilling, and bumping, often
with patented keyways and pick-resistant pins.
22.Q: What is lock impressioning? ANSWER Impressioning is a
technique where a locksmith creates a working key by inserting a blank
into the lock and marking where the pins contact it.
23.Q: What is a wafer lock? ANSWER A wafer lock uses flat wafers
instead of pins, commonly found in filing cabinets, desk drawers, and
some automotive applications.
24.Q: What is an electronic lock? ANSWER An electronic lock uses
electronic components, often requiring a keypad code, card, or biometric
input instead of a traditional key.
25.Q: What is a padlock? ANSWER A padlock is a portable lock with a
shackle that can be removed from the body, used to secure gates, sheds,
lockers, and chains.
26.Q: What does "keyed alike" mean? ANSWER Keyed alike means
multiple locks can be opened with the same key, convenient for property
owners with multiple entry points.
27.Q: What is a tubular lock? ANSWER A tubular lock has pins arranged
in a circular pattern, commonly found on vending machines, bike locks,
and some high-security applications.
28.Q: What is lock drilling? ANSWER Lock drilling is a destructive entry
method where specific parts of the lock are drilled to disable the locking
mechanism.
29.Q: What is a jimmy-proof lock? ANSWER A jimmy-proof lock, or
surface-mounted deadbolt, has interlocking bolts that resist prying and are
commonly used on metal doors.
30.Q: What certification should a professional locksmith have?
ANSWER Professional locksmiths often pursue certification from the
Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), including Registered
Locksmith (RL) or Certified Locksmith (CL) credentials.
Residential Locksmith Services (31-60)
31.Q: What residential services do NC locksmiths offer? ANSWER
Residential services include lockouts, lock installation, rekeying, deadbolt
installation, smart lock setup, and security assessments.
ANSWERS FOR TOP PERFORMANCE
1. Q: What is a locksmith? ANSWER A locksmith is a professional who
specializes in installing, repairing, and opening locks, as well as creating
and duplicating keys for security systems.
2. Q: What services do locksmiths in North Carolina provide?
ANSWER NC locksmiths provide lock installation, key duplication,
lockout assistance, rekeying, master key systems, safe services, and
security system installation.
3. Q: Do I need a license to work as a locksmith in North Carolina?
ANSWER North Carolina does not require a state-issued locksmith
license, but locksmiths may need local business licenses and should
follow local regulations.
4. Q: What is rekeying? ANSWER Rekeying is the process of changing
the internal pins of a lock so that a new key operates it while the old key
no longer works.
5. Q: How long does it take to become a locksmith? ANSWER Basic
locksmith training can take 6 months to 2 years, depending on whether
you pursue formal education, apprenticeship, or self-study.
6. Q: What tools does a locksmith use? ANSWER Locksmiths use key
cutters, lock picks, tension wrenches, plug spinners, key extractors,
drilling equipment, and specialized software for electronic locks.
7. Q: What is a master key system? ANSWER A master key system
allows one key (master key) to open multiple locks while each lock also
has its own unique key.
8. Q: Can a locksmith make a key without the original? ANSWER Yes,
locksmiths can create keys by decoding the lock, using a key code, or
impressioning a new key.
9. Q: What is lock bumping? ANSWER Lock bumping is a technique
using a specially cut key to manipulate pin tumbler locks, which
locksmiths use for legitimate lockout services.
,10.Q: What is a deadbolt? ANSWER A deadbolt is a locking mechanism
that extends a solid metal bolt into the door frame, providing superior
security compared to spring-loaded locks.
11.Q: What is the difference between a locksmith and a safe technician?
ANSWER While locksmiths work with various locks, safe technicians
specialize in safes and vaults, though many locksmiths also have safe
expertise.
12.Q: What is a cylinder lock? ANSWER A cylinder lock is a lock that
uses a cylindrical mechanism containing pins or wafers that must align
correctly for the key to turn.
13.Q: What does it mean to "pick" a lock? ANSWER Lock picking is
manipulating the lock's components without the original key using
specialized tools to align the pins and open the lock.
14.Q: What is a smart lock? ANSWER A smart lock is an electronic lock
that can be controlled remotely via smartphone, keypad, or other digital
devices, often with WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity.
15.Q: What is a mortise lock? ANSWER A mortise lock is installed
within a pocket (mortise) cut into the door, offering robust security with a
lock body that fits inside the door.
16.Q: How much does a locksmith service call cost in NC? ANSWER
Service calls typically range from $50-$150, with emergency after-hours
services costing more, plus additional fees for labor and parts.
17.Q: What is key duplication? ANSWER Key duplication is the process
of creating a copy of an existing key using a key cutting machine to
match the original's pattern.
18.Q: What is a keyway? ANSWER A keyway is the shaped channel in a
lock cylinder that accepts only keys with the matching profile, preventing
unauthorized key insertion.
19.Q: What is a pin tumbler lock? ANSWER A pin tumbler lock uses
pins of varying lengths that must be aligned at the shear line by the
correct key to allow the cylinder to turn.
20.Q: Can locksmiths open car doors? ANSWER Yes, automotive
locksmiths specialize in opening car doors, making car keys, and
programming transponder keys and key fobs.
, 21.Q: What is a high-security lock? ANSWER A high-security lock
features advanced protection against picking, drilling, and bumping, often
with patented keyways and pick-resistant pins.
22.Q: What is lock impressioning? ANSWER Impressioning is a
technique where a locksmith creates a working key by inserting a blank
into the lock and marking where the pins contact it.
23.Q: What is a wafer lock? ANSWER A wafer lock uses flat wafers
instead of pins, commonly found in filing cabinets, desk drawers, and
some automotive applications.
24.Q: What is an electronic lock? ANSWER An electronic lock uses
electronic components, often requiring a keypad code, card, or biometric
input instead of a traditional key.
25.Q: What is a padlock? ANSWER A padlock is a portable lock with a
shackle that can be removed from the body, used to secure gates, sheds,
lockers, and chains.
26.Q: What does "keyed alike" mean? ANSWER Keyed alike means
multiple locks can be opened with the same key, convenient for property
owners with multiple entry points.
27.Q: What is a tubular lock? ANSWER A tubular lock has pins arranged
in a circular pattern, commonly found on vending machines, bike locks,
and some high-security applications.
28.Q: What is lock drilling? ANSWER Lock drilling is a destructive entry
method where specific parts of the lock are drilled to disable the locking
mechanism.
29.Q: What is a jimmy-proof lock? ANSWER A jimmy-proof lock, or
surface-mounted deadbolt, has interlocking bolts that resist prying and are
commonly used on metal doors.
30.Q: What certification should a professional locksmith have?
ANSWER Professional locksmiths often pursue certification from the
Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), including Registered
Locksmith (RL) or Certified Locksmith (CL) credentials.
Residential Locksmith Services (31-60)
31.Q: What residential services do NC locksmiths offer? ANSWER
Residential services include lockouts, lock installation, rekeying, deadbolt
installation, smart lock setup, and security assessments.
