Training
4S Lock and Safety Academy
4S provides training for locksmiths and security professionals at every stage of their careers. As the industry evolves, we keep your skills up-to-date.
Who Is the Academy For?
Aspiring Locksmiths
New to the trade? Our foundational courses give you the hands-on knowledge and professional credentials to launch a career in locksmithing and security.
Working Technicians
Already in the field? Our intermediate and advanced courses help you expand your technical capabilities into electrified hardware, access control, and institutional consulting.
Facilities Professionals
Facilities managers, maintenance staff, and building operators who work with door hardware and access control systems daily can benefit from structured, professional-grade training.
Career Changers & Veterans
Locksmithing and security integration is a stable, growing skilled trade with real earning potential. If you’re making a career transition, the Academy provides a clear, structured pathway in.
Certificate Programs
A certificate is issued for each successfully completed course. Students who complete all ten courses earn the 4S Academy Certificate in Locksmithing and Security Integration.
Mechanical Mastery Certificate
LST-101: Foundations of Locksmithing: Tools, Techniques, and the Craft
An introduction to the locksmithing profession, its tools, and its fundamentals. Students learn lock anatomy, basic picking and impressioning techniques, key cutting, and the professional and ethical standards of the trade.
LST-102: Lock Hardware Identification, Selection, and Door Preparation
Students develop the ability to identify, specify, and install commercial and residential lock hardware. Topics include hardware grades, ANSI/BHMA standards, door preparation, and proper installation techniques.
LST-201: Master Key Systems: Design, Documentation, and Implementation
A deep dive into the theory and practice of master key system design. Students learn to build keying hierarchies, create keying records, and manage master key systems for commercial and institutional clients.
Electrified and Electronic Security Certificate
LST-202: Exit Devices, Fire Door Hardware, and Life Safety Compliance
Covers the installation, adjustment, and inspection of panic hardware and exit devices. Emphasis on NFPA 101 Life Safety Code compliance, fire door hardware requirements, and the relationship between egress hardware and building safety.
LST-203: Fundamentals of Electricity for Electrified Door Hardware
A foundational course in the electrical principles required to work safely and effectively with electrified door hardware. Topics include voltage, current, power supplies, low-voltage wiring, and basic circuit troubleshooting.
LST-301: Electric Strikes, Magnetic Locks, and Electrified Locksets
Hands-on training in the installation and commissioning of electrified door hardware, including electric strikes, maglocks, electrified lever and mortise locks. Students learn fail-safe vs. fail-secure configurations and code-compliant installation practices.
LST-302: Access Control Systems: Design, Installation, and Integration
A comprehensive course in physical access control systems (PACS) — from system design and credential selection to hardware installation, software commissioning, and integration with building systems.
Professional Practice and Consulting Certificate
LST-303: Door Closers, Automatic Operators, and ADA Accessibility Compliance
Covers the specification, installation, adjustment, and maintenance of door closers and automatic operators. Emphasis on ADA Standards for Accessible Design and the technical requirements for accessible door hardware in institutional environments.
LST-401: Institutional Security Consulting: Healthcare, Education, and Multifamily
A professional-level course in security consulting for complex institutional clients. Topics include Joint Commission Environment of Care standards, NFPA 101 surveys, ADA compliance auditing, security risk assessment, and written reporting.
LST-402: Locksmith Business, Professional Ethics, and Community Practice
Prepares students for the professional realities of running or working in a locksmithing business. Topics include licensing requirements, professional ethics, customer relations, pricing and estimating, and the locksmith’s role in community safety.
How to Enroll
Contact Us
Reach out through our contact form or by email to express your interest and tell us which course or certificate program you’re pursuing.
Placement Confirmation
We’ll confirm your starting course based on your background and goals, and provide current tuition rates and scheduling information.
Register & Get Started
Complete your registration, receive your course materials, and begin building the skills that will carry your career forward.
Interested in group or employer enrollment? Ask about our on-site and cohort training options. Apprenticeship program coming in 2026 — join our mailing list to be notified.
Contact Us to EnrollCustom On-Site Training
Does your team service locks, door hardware, or electrified openings — but lack structured, professional training to back it up? 4S Lock and Safety Academy offers fully customized, on-site training engagements designed around your staff, your equipment, and your customers.
No generic curriculum. No wasted seat time. Just targeted skill-building that translates directly to better work on the job. Every engagement starts with a free discovery call. We'll learn about your staff, your service scope, and your goals — and come back to you with a custom training proposal at no obligation.
Pricing for custom on-site engagements is scoped based on team size, training duration, and content requirements. Every engagement begins with a free discovery call — no obligation.
Invest in your growth.
Enroll in our training programs or schedule a free discovery call for custom on-site training.