TEXAS LOCKSMITH LICENSING EXAM TEST
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2025/2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of the Texas Department of Public Safety
(DPS) licensing locksmiths?
To protect public safety and security
Licensing ensures locksmiths meet standards of competency and ethics,
reducing risks of misuse of locksmith tools.
2. Which Texas law governs locksmith licensing?
Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702
This chapter regulates locksmiths, private security, and investigative
services in Texas.
3. Who must hold a locksmith license in Texas?
Anyone who installs, repairs, or rekeys locks for compensation
Performing locksmith services for pay requires a state license.
4. Which agency administers locksmith licenses in Texas?
Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program
, The DPS oversees applications, renewals, and enforcement of locksmith
licensing.
5. What is the minimum age to apply for a locksmith license in Texas?
18 years old
Applicants must be legal adults to qualify for licensure.
6. Which of the following is NOT required for a locksmith license?
College degree in criminal justice
Education is not mandatory; background checks, applications, and fees
are required.
7. A locksmith license in Texas must be renewed how often?
Every two years
Texas requires renewal biennially to keep licensing current.
8. Which background issue would disqualify an applicant?
Felony conviction involving theft
Crimes of dishonesty disqualify applicants because locksmiths handle
security systems.
9. Which of these is considered locksmith work?
Rekeying a residential lock
Rekeying alters the lock mechanism and is a regulated locksmith service.
10.Which of these does NOT require a locksmith license?
Installing a car stereo
This is an electronics task, not locksmithing.
,11.What tool is commonly used to measure key depth?
Key gauge
A key gauge provides precise measurements of cut depths for key
duplication.
12.What does a plug spinner do?
Rotates the lock plug after picking
It repositions the cylinder to the correct orientation after manipulation.
13.Which key machine is used for duplicating house keys?
Duplicator machine
This machine copies existing keys by tracing their cuts.
14.Which lock type uses a pin-tumbler mechanism?
Standard door lock
Pin-tumbler locks are the most common type in residential and
commercial use.
15.What is the purpose of master keying?
Allows different keys to open the same lock system
Master keying enables controlled access with multiple levels of authority.
16.Which lock type uses wafers instead of pins?
Automotive lock
Many car locks use wafer tumblers rather than pin tumblers.
17.What is the primary function of a mortise lock?
Installed inside a pocket cut in the door
Mortise locks provide durability and security in commercial applications.
, 18.Which part of a pin-tumbler lock interacts directly with the key?
Key pins
Key pins align with the cuts on the key to allow cylinder rotation.
19.What is “impressioning”?
Creating a key by marking a blank inside a lock
Impressioning is a non-destructive technique to generate a working key.
20.Which is an example of bypassing a lock?
Shimming a padlock
Bypassing avoids picking by manipulating lock parts directly.
21.Which federal law regulates locksmith use of lockpicks?
No federal law; regulated at the state level
Texas law regulates possession and use of locksmith tools.
22.Which is required to carry while performing locksmith work?
Company ID card issued by DPS
Licensed locksmiths must show proof of registration.
23.Which is an ethical responsibility of locksmiths?
Refusing service to unauthorized individuals
Locksmiths must confirm rightful ownership or authority before unlocking.
24.Which is a restricted key system?
Patented key blank requiring authorization
Restricted systems prevent unauthorized duplication.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2025/2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of the Texas Department of Public Safety
(DPS) licensing locksmiths?
To protect public safety and security
Licensing ensures locksmiths meet standards of competency and ethics,
reducing risks of misuse of locksmith tools.
2. Which Texas law governs locksmith licensing?
Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702
This chapter regulates locksmiths, private security, and investigative
services in Texas.
3. Who must hold a locksmith license in Texas?
Anyone who installs, repairs, or rekeys locks for compensation
Performing locksmith services for pay requires a state license.
4. Which agency administers locksmith licenses in Texas?
Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Program
, The DPS oversees applications, renewals, and enforcement of locksmith
licensing.
5. What is the minimum age to apply for a locksmith license in Texas?
18 years old
Applicants must be legal adults to qualify for licensure.
6. Which of the following is NOT required for a locksmith license?
College degree in criminal justice
Education is not mandatory; background checks, applications, and fees
are required.
7. A locksmith license in Texas must be renewed how often?
Every two years
Texas requires renewal biennially to keep licensing current.
8. Which background issue would disqualify an applicant?
Felony conviction involving theft
Crimes of dishonesty disqualify applicants because locksmiths handle
security systems.
9. Which of these is considered locksmith work?
Rekeying a residential lock
Rekeying alters the lock mechanism and is a regulated locksmith service.
10.Which of these does NOT require a locksmith license?
Installing a car stereo
This is an electronics task, not locksmithing.
,11.What tool is commonly used to measure key depth?
Key gauge
A key gauge provides precise measurements of cut depths for key
duplication.
12.What does a plug spinner do?
Rotates the lock plug after picking
It repositions the cylinder to the correct orientation after manipulation.
13.Which key machine is used for duplicating house keys?
Duplicator machine
This machine copies existing keys by tracing their cuts.
14.Which lock type uses a pin-tumbler mechanism?
Standard door lock
Pin-tumbler locks are the most common type in residential and
commercial use.
15.What is the purpose of master keying?
Allows different keys to open the same lock system
Master keying enables controlled access with multiple levels of authority.
16.Which lock type uses wafers instead of pins?
Automotive lock
Many car locks use wafer tumblers rather than pin tumblers.
17.What is the primary function of a mortise lock?
Installed inside a pocket cut in the door
Mortise locks provide durability and security in commercial applications.
, 18.Which part of a pin-tumbler lock interacts directly with the key?
Key pins
Key pins align with the cuts on the key to allow cylinder rotation.
19.What is “impressioning”?
Creating a key by marking a blank inside a lock
Impressioning is a non-destructive technique to generate a working key.
20.Which is an example of bypassing a lock?
Shimming a padlock
Bypassing avoids picking by manipulating lock parts directly.
21.Which federal law regulates locksmith use of lockpicks?
No federal law; regulated at the state level
Texas law regulates possession and use of locksmith tools.
22.Which is required to carry while performing locksmith work?
Company ID card issued by DPS
Licensed locksmiths must show proof of registration.
23.Which is an ethical responsibility of locksmiths?
Refusing service to unauthorized individuals
Locksmiths must confirm rightful ownership or authority before unlocking.
24.Which is a restricted key system?
Patented key blank requiring authorization
Restricted systems prevent unauthorized duplication.
