To Join or Not To Join: A Locksmith's Soliloquy. Unlocking the Truth About Joining ALOA.

Posted by Ryan Barbin, AKS on Oct 19th 2026

What shall ye choose, the Guild or the Grind? Be it such a key decision…

Whether ‘tis nobler in the trade to suffer the trials and quiet toils of such an independent craft—Or to align with arms of the honored Guild, and by allegiance, to bind, to brand, to uphold its name, ALOA… That IS the question!

ALOA, formerly known as the Associated Locksmiths of America, was founded in the year 1955 as a membership-based organization of locksmiths and security professionals worldwide. It is a non-profit organization, that is the largest association of its kind in North America. ALOA’s aim is to promote professional ethics and knowledge exchange in the industry, and also to provide education, certification, networking, and advocacy to its members. It is thereby, in essence… a guild for the noblest of locksmiths.

So what, pray tell is thine answer? Dost thou join… or dost thou not? For such a query bears not a simple reply. Alas, this treasured token of decision holds but two sides—each demanding its own solemn consideration.

What Light Through Yonder Guild Breaks

A hearty alliance of nearly 10,000 tradesman, each with their own individual member ID number and verified certification to show that they indeed belong! Relevance, validation, and a powerful network from which to elevate one’s “net worth”—Who but dare choose otherwise?

But, what beyond that, is the benefit? What motivates so many to join the ranks, rather than taking the path less chosen and go it alone? Might it be a newsletter? Ah, yes! The treasured staple of any successful association, a sacred document reserved only for the eyes of its chosen flock. Moreso, not only might a member see and perhaps read such sacred artifact, but for lesser fee than other rogue locksmiths, members can receive publication within said letter of news, sometimes even free of charge! By my Troth! Tis truly a marvel to behold!

Tutelage of the Locksmithian Scholar

One of ALOA’s highest regarded benefits, is its access to educational resources, from its prestigious newsletter, to its hands-on classes, seminars, conventions, certification programs and more. Most of which are also discounted for its members, giving them more opportunities to learn, with less coin out of pocket. ALOA also has a scholarship program that offers financial assistance for locksmith education and training. Oh wondrous day! A feast of learning laid before mine eyes. What joy it brings to drink so deeply from the well of knowledge, and be tempted with the delightful intoxication of wisdom.

The Fellowship of the Key

Inside of ALOA, there are different orders that members can then join to further their membership in an epic battle to out-member their fellow members. Dare I ask—Who shall be the most memberly member of them all?

There is of course the IAAL, the IAIL, the AIL, the AOL, the LOL, and the LOMFL, just to name a few. These elite factions offer more in-depth concentration on specifics from automotive locksmithing, institutional locksmithing, investigative locksmithing, international locksmithing, so on and so forth, each with its own sublayer of exclusivity, and perceived valor.

There are but circles within these circles, and nested deep within are halls and chambers cloaked in craft, waiting to be explored. To join the outer ring is but to gather fruit; yet to pass within is to feast upon its heart.

Fie! What Fables Be These?

Alas, it seems that the reasons one would want to join ALOA are vast and many. Still, there are those of course, who oppose joining the association, each with their own reasons of course. Some shun the costs, others disregard the “outdated practices”, and yet others mock their ethics.

To join — perchance, be verified — aye, there’s the rub,
For in that joining, what dues may come, For who would bear the scorn of cynics,
The questions oft, “Art thou legit?”,
The sting of Yelp, The laws delayed, and trade school’s cost, for wince he paid,
When he himself might his title command
With but a card from Guild in hand?

These nay-sayers often smite ALOA, suggesting that it is run by “old fogies” who are resistant to change and new ideas, and unwillingness to accept modern locksmithing techniques and technologies. They also seem to get quite the nasty taste in their mouths when speaking of the organizations lobbying efforts and stance on issues such as those surrounding NASTF, (National Automotive Service Task Force) and its practices.

Some opposing locksmiths simply just do not think that the benefits outweigh the costs, citing that other state or regional locksmith associations offer cheaper and more relevant resources. Also, many find that sufficient training and education is accessible from other sources, such as American Key Supply’s LVLU (Las Vegas Locksmith University).

Still, others take it even further by conspiring against ALOA for their “culture of gatekeeping, secrecy, and exclusivity” that “limits open-knowledge sharing and creates barriers to entry for new locksmiths.”

Speak, thou fickle Truth! Art thou the light that blinds or the shade that soothes? Most oft thou comest in threes: one man’s tale, his foe’s rebuttal, and the poor, naked truth stuck gasping 'twixt them—rarely seen, and never without scorn.

Methinks the Guild Doth Charge Too Much

Most grumblings stem from the guild’s demand—not of loyalty, but of coin. No great mystery lies here—‘tis the purse that suffers, and thus, the locksmith doth complain.

However, with a little research, one would find that membership fees range from $90 for AIL (Institutional Locksmith) only, to $285 for regular membership, with training courses priced a bit higher at around $1500. But considering that’s $1500 for a 5-day training course, it seems that it would be a worthy spend.

Locksmiths spend ample coin on equipment, knowing that it will eventually pay itself off, and then some. Most successful locksmiths spend a pretty penny on marketing as well, knowing that you have to be willing to spend money to make money. So, what would be the difference in investing also in your knowledge and craftsmanship? We are essentially all works in progress—are we not?

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Alas, Poor Locksmith! I Knew Him, Guildly

And so, dear locksmith, the question yet remains: to join, or not to join? To pledge thy wrench and pick to the brotherhood’s banner, or to wander the trade as a lone wolf, howling free beneath the moon of independence. For in guildly halls, there is order and kinship (and paperwork, aye), yet in solitude, there is freedom (and far fewer dues). Choose as thou wilt—but choose thou must. For no man can turn a key with both hands in his pockets.

There is no right answer—only thine own. For as the ancient philosophers (probably) declared: guilding ain’t easy!

—Sir Ryan Barbin, AKS