ALOA Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the ALOA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 ALOA Exam Format at a Glance

100

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

70.00%

Passing Score

Take a Full ALOA Exam Simulation →

📚 ALOA Topics to Study (23)

Key Identification and Machines · 11 cards Lock Types and Security Systems · 11 cards Door Hardware and Exit Devices · 7 cards Door Hardware and Exit Devices · 7 cards Door Hardware and Exit Devices · 7 cards Access Control Systems · 6 cards Access Control Systems · 6 cards Access Control Systems · 6 cards Automotive Locksmithing · 6 cards Automotive Locksmithing · 6 cards Automotive Locksmithing · 6 cards Business Practices and Locksmith Law · 6 cards Business Practices and Locksmith Law · 6 cards Business Practices and Locksmith Law · 6 cards Lock Picking and Bypass Techniques · 6 cards Lock Picking and Bypass Techniques · 6 cards Lock Picking and Bypass Techniques · 6 cards Master Key Systems and Keying · 6 cards Master Key Systems and Keying · 6 cards Master Key Systems and Keying · 6 cards Safe and Vault Services · 6 cards Safe and Vault Services · 6 cards Safe and Vault Services · 6 cards

✍️ Sample ALOA Questions & Answers

1. Which fire rating classification indicates a safe has been tested to protect paper documents (ignition point ~350°F) for 1 hour?

✓ UL Class 350-1 Hour

UL Class 350 fire safes are tested to keep the interior below 350°F (the ignition point of paper) for the rated duration (e.g., 1 hour) when exposed to external fire.

2. The 2 most common key stops are :

✓ Shoulder and tip

Explanation: In key cutting, the shoulder refers to the part of the key that stops against the lock face when fully inserted, while the tip is the end of the key that enters the lock mechanism. These two stops are crucial in determining the correct length and shape of the key, ensuring it fits and operates smoothly in the lock. The other options mentioned are not relevant in the context of key stops.

3. What is the key difference between a spring latch and a deadlatch regarding bypass vulnerability?

✓ A deadlatch has an auxiliary plunger that locks the bolt when the door is closed, preventing loiding

A deadlatch plunger depresses when the door closes, locking the latch bolt solid and making it immune to loiding or credit-card bypass.

4. What are 'master wafers' (also called top master pins or master pins) in a pin tumbler master key system?

✓ Additional small pins placed in chambers that allow the lock to be opened by both the change key and the master key

Master wafers are short pins added to a chamber, creating two shear lines — one for the change key and one for the master key — allowing both to operate the lock.

5. What is the 'maximum adjacent cut specification' (MACS) and why is it important in key cutting?

✓ The maximum allowable difference in depth between adjacent cuts on a key, ensuring the key can be inserted without breaking the lock or key

MACS defines the maximum depth difference between any two adjacent cuts; exceeding MACS creates a key that cannot be smoothly inserted or withdrawn and may damage the lock.

6. Which bypass tool is specifically designed to slide between a door and frame to retract a spring latch bolt?

✓ Loid / credit card tool

A loid (or shim/credit-card-style tool) slips between the door and strike to push back an unguarded spring latch bolt.

🎯 Free ALOA Practice Tests

Key Identification and Machines · 11 questions Lock Types and Security Systems · 11 questions Door Hardware and Exit Devices · 7 questions Door Hardware and Exit Devices · 7 questions Door Hardware and Exit Devices · 7 questions Lock Picking and Bypass Techniques · 6 questions Access Control Systems · 6 questions Access Control Systems · 6 questions Lock Picking and Bypass Techniques · 6 questions Lock Picking and Bypass Techniques · 6 questions

📖 ALOA Guides & Articles

Your ALOA Study Path

1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation

🃏 Flashcards (151)🏆 Exam Simulation