Page 1 of 115
Texas Locksmith Licensing Exam ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS
YEAR
– Texas Locksmith License
1. A technician has been working as a locksmith apprentice for 18 months. To qualify for an individual
locksmith license under Texas rules, what must this technician do to meet the minimum requirements?
A) Apply immediately because 18 months meets the experience requirement
B) Complete an additional 6 months of full-time locksmith experience to reach the required 2 years
C) Take a 6-hour online course instead of completing more experience
D) Become a licensed private investigator first
Answer: B – One qualification option requires two consecutive years of full-time locksmith-related
experience; 18 months does not satisfy this .
2. A new employee is hired by a licensed locksmith company in Texas. What must this individual obtain
before performing locksmith services independently?
A) A business license from the city
B) An individual locksmith license and be employed by a company license holder
C) Only a high school diploma
, Page 2 of 115
D) A private security manager registration
Answer: B – Texas law requires that an individual performing locksmith activities obtain the proper
individual license and be employed by a company license holder .
3. An applicant chooses the education route for locksmith licensure. What are the two specific
DPS-approved courses this applicant must complete?
A) A 12-hour safety course and a 200-hour business management course
B) A 48-hour basic locksmith course and a 600-hour fundamentals of locksmith course
C) A 20-hour key duplication course and a 40-hour safe servicing course
D) A 100-hour automotive locksmith course and a 50-hour access control course
Answer: B – Qualification option two requires successful completion of a DPS-approved 48-hour basic
locksmith course and a 600-hour fundamentals of locksmith course .
4. Before using a key duplicating machine on a customer’s original key, what is the first critical step a
locksmith must take to ensure accuracy?
A) Lubricate the key with oil
B) Identify the correct key blank by manufacturer, section, and profile
C) Grind down the original key to match a blank
, Page 3 of 115
D) Use code-cutting software to generate a random key
Answer: B – Correct key blank identification is foundational; using the wrong blank makes duplication
impossible .
5. A locksmith is setting up a master key system for a small office. What concept allows the locksmith to
create different individual keys that all open their own doors while a single master key opens all doors?
A) Key impressioning
B) Master-keying using step-up pins or a progression system
C) Code cutting from a bitting list
D) Automotive key programming
Answer: B – Basic master-keying is a core skill; it allows multiple levels of key access .
6. A property owner asks a locksmith to install a lock on a metal door frame. Which tool is most
appropriate for drilling the required holes for a cylindrical lockset?
A) A hand file
B) A hole saw of the correct diameter (usually 2⅛ inches for the latch bore, 1 inch for the edge bore)
C) A soldering iron
D) A glass cutter
, Page 4 of 115
Answer: B – Proper lock installation often requires drilling with a hole saw; installation is a required
curriculum topic .
7. Under Texas law, an individual who performs only access control system installations (no traditional
locksmithing) may still need what type of license?
A) No license because access control is not regulated
B) An electronic access control device installer license under Chapter 1702
C) A locksmith apprentice registration only
D) A private investigator license
Answer: B – Single door access control service and installation is part of the curriculum, and electronic
access control device installers require an individual license .
8. A customer is locked out of their car, and the locksmith uses a long-reach tool to manipulate the
inside door handle. What specialized automotive service is being performed?
A) Key impressioning
B) Automotive opening (lockout service)
C) Safe manipulation
D) Code cutting from a key code
Texas Locksmith Licensing Exam ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS
YEAR
– Texas Locksmith License
1. A technician has been working as a locksmith apprentice for 18 months. To qualify for an individual
locksmith license under Texas rules, what must this technician do to meet the minimum requirements?
A) Apply immediately because 18 months meets the experience requirement
B) Complete an additional 6 months of full-time locksmith experience to reach the required 2 years
C) Take a 6-hour online course instead of completing more experience
D) Become a licensed private investigator first
Answer: B – One qualification option requires two consecutive years of full-time locksmith-related
experience; 18 months does not satisfy this .
2. A new employee is hired by a licensed locksmith company in Texas. What must this individual obtain
before performing locksmith services independently?
A) A business license from the city
B) An individual locksmith license and be employed by a company license holder
C) Only a high school diploma
, Page 2 of 115
D) A private security manager registration
Answer: B – Texas law requires that an individual performing locksmith activities obtain the proper
individual license and be employed by a company license holder .
3. An applicant chooses the education route for locksmith licensure. What are the two specific
DPS-approved courses this applicant must complete?
A) A 12-hour safety course and a 200-hour business management course
B) A 48-hour basic locksmith course and a 600-hour fundamentals of locksmith course
C) A 20-hour key duplication course and a 40-hour safe servicing course
D) A 100-hour automotive locksmith course and a 50-hour access control course
Answer: B – Qualification option two requires successful completion of a DPS-approved 48-hour basic
locksmith course and a 600-hour fundamentals of locksmith course .
4. Before using a key duplicating machine on a customer’s original key, what is the first critical step a
locksmith must take to ensure accuracy?
A) Lubricate the key with oil
B) Identify the correct key blank by manufacturer, section, and profile
C) Grind down the original key to match a blank
, Page 3 of 115
D) Use code-cutting software to generate a random key
Answer: B – Correct key blank identification is foundational; using the wrong blank makes duplication
impossible .
5. A locksmith is setting up a master key system for a small office. What concept allows the locksmith to
create different individual keys that all open their own doors while a single master key opens all doors?
A) Key impressioning
B) Master-keying using step-up pins or a progression system
C) Code cutting from a bitting list
D) Automotive key programming
Answer: B – Basic master-keying is a core skill; it allows multiple levels of key access .
6. A property owner asks a locksmith to install a lock on a metal door frame. Which tool is most
appropriate for drilling the required holes for a cylindrical lockset?
A) A hand file
B) A hole saw of the correct diameter (usually 2⅛ inches for the latch bore, 1 inch for the edge bore)
C) A soldering iron
D) A glass cutter
, Page 4 of 115
Answer: B – Proper lock installation often requires drilling with a hole saw; installation is a required
curriculum topic .
7. Under Texas law, an individual who performs only access control system installations (no traditional
locksmithing) may still need what type of license?
A) No license because access control is not regulated
B) An electronic access control device installer license under Chapter 1702
C) A locksmith apprentice registration only
D) A private investigator license
Answer: B – Single door access control service and installation is part of the curriculum, and electronic
access control device installers require an individual license .
8. A customer is locked out of their car, and the locksmith uses a long-reach tool to manipulate the
inside door handle. What specialized automotive service is being performed?
A) Key impressioning
B) Automotive opening (lockout service)
C) Safe manipulation
D) Code cutting from a key code
