Description
Intermediate Automotive Locksmithing: Beyond the Basics
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Date: Friday, May 1st
Credits: 4 CEUs
Instructor: Brian Suggs
This course is designed for locksmiths who already understand the basics and are ready to sharpen their efficiency, diagnostic thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Instead of rehashing fundamentals, this class focuses on the practical decisions and technical awareness that separate struggling technicians from consistently profitable ones.
The emphasis is on workflow, accuracy, and understanding why things fail — not just which buttons to press.
What You’ll Learn
Licensing, NASTF & Professional Responsibility
Strengthen your understanding of licensing requirements, NASTF’s role, and secure vehicle data practices that directly impact daily automotive work.
Diagnostics & Failure Analysis
Learn how to quickly determine whether a failure is key-related, chip-related, programming-related, or a vehicle-side issue — eliminating guesswork and wasted time.
Key & Chip Validation
Avoid one of the most common and expensive mistakes in the field: working with the wrong key, wrong chip, or incompatible components.
Key Codes & Programming Data
Understand legitimate pathways for obtaining key codes and programming data, along with practical strategies for navigating restricted information.
Key Origination & Workflow Strategy
Explore real-world key generation approaches, including picking, decoding, impressioning, and sight-reading automotive locks.
Programming Logic Across Major Brands
Gain working knowledge of programming considerations across GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and others — including key limits, chip types, and brand-specific pitfalls.
Proximity vs Non-Proximity Systems
Understand system differences, risks, and common misunderstandings that affect successful programming and diagnostics.
Tools, Software & Equipment Strategy
Practical discussion of programmers, code software, and equipment selection without falling into costly purchasing traps.
Revenue Awareness & Job Selection
Identify where technicians lose money, misprice jobs, or waste time — and how to correct those patterns.
Who Should Attend
Locksmiths with foundational automotive experience who want to improve accuracy, reduce failures, and operate more confidently in the field.
Book Your Hotel Room Here
Hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to/from Austin Airport for their overnight guests
Your class registration includes a light breakfast and lunch. We also invite you to join us for dinner on Friday evening from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Enjoy a buffet dinner, drinks, games, raffles, giveaways, networking opportunities, and exclusive event specials. Please be sure to mark your interest above when registering for class.
**This class is designed specifically for locksmith professionals. We will review all registration requests to confirm eligibility. If we need additional information, we may reach out to you. Should we find that you're not eligible for the class, we will promptly cancel your registration and issue a full refund.**