Locksmiths who hold the CPL credential take the CML examination by completing 9 additional electives through ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. This page provides free practice questions to support your preparation across technical subjects. You can test your knowledge, review question mechanics, and inspect official testing policies covering pen-and-paper testing at ALOA events, online third-party sites, and remote webcam proctoring.
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 25–40 questions per elective exam[1] | ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. · Nov 2, 2026 |
| Number of questions (elective exam) | 25–40 questions per elective exam[1] | ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. · Nov 2, 2026 |
| Exam fee (CML (ALOA/SAVTA Member)) | $150 for up to 9 electives[2] | drive.google.com · Nov 2, 2026 |
| Exam fee (CML (Non-Member)) | $195 for up to 9 electives[2] | drive.google.com · Nov 2, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Individual Elective (ALOA/SAVTA Member)) | $25 each[2] | drive.google.com · Nov 2, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Individual Elective (Non-Member)) | $35 each[2] | drive.google.com · Nov 2, 2026 |
| Delivery | In-person pen-and-paper at ALOA events, online at third-party test sites, or online via remote webcam proctoring[1] | ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. · Nov 2, 2026 |
| Eligibility | CPL certification plus 9 additional electives[1] | ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. · Nov 2, 2026 |
| Registration opens (2027 ALOA Convention & Security Expo) | Spring 2027[3] | ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. · Nov 2, 2026 |
| Testing window (2027 ALOA Convention & Security Expo) | July 11, 2027 – July 17, 2027[3] | ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. · Nov 2, 2026 |
According to ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc., “Each elective contains between 25 and 40 questions, depending on the subject covered.”[1]
The CML credential, administered by ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc., validates advanced locksmithing knowledge across specialized disciplines. To qualify for CML status, candidates must hold CPL certification and pass 9 additional electives. Each elective exam contains between 25 and 40 questions, depending on the subject covered.
Candidates can complete elective exams through multiple testing formats. Testing is offered as pen-and-paper examinations at ALOA events, including the annual convention, local association meetings and classes, ALOA headquarters in Dallas, or anywhere a test sitting is requested and standards are met. Candidates may also test online at third-party test sites or online via remote webcam proctoring.
Testing fees depend on association membership and the number of electives taken. ALOA or SAVTA members pay $150 for up to 9 electives, while non-members pay $195 for up to 9 electives. For candidates taking less than 9 electives, individual electives cost $25 each for ALOA or SAVTA members and $35 each for non-members. In-person testing is scheduled during the 2027 ALOA Convention & Security Expo from July 11, 2027 to July 17, 2027, with registration opening in Spring 2027. Because scoring cutoffs and retake policies vary, candidates should consult ALOA directly for specific administrative rules.
Prepare for the CML - Certified Master Locksmith exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Question: What is the function of the control lug on a removable-core (BEST-type) cylinder?
Answer: B. It retracts when the control key is inserted, allowing the core to be removed from the housing
Explanation:
Option B is correct because the control lug retains the core inside the cylinder housing during everyday operation. Inserting and rotating the dedicated control key turns the control sleeve, which retracts this lug flush with the core body and permits extraction without dismantling hardware.
Option A is incorrect because regular operating keys turn the plug while the lug remains stationary in its locking groove. Option C is incorrect because plug rotation limits are determined by internal stops or tailpiece design rather than the lug restricting travel beyond 180 degrees. Option D is incorrect because the plug or throw member drives the cam to throw the bolt, not the retaining lug.
Remember that operating keys shear at the plug line to manipulate the bolt, whereas control keys shear at the control sleeve to retract the core retention lug.
Question: A Grade 1 commercial lockset, per ANSI/BHMA standards, is rated for a minimum of how many cycles?
Answer: C. 500,000 cycles
Explanation:
Option C is correct because ANSI/BHMA standards require a Grade 1 commercial lockset to withstand a minimum benchmark of 500,000 operational cycles under rigorous mechanical testing.
Option A is incorrect because 100,000 cycles corresponds to basic test parameters for lighter-duty hardware or residential requirements rather than heavy commercial installations. Option B is incorrect because 250,000 cycles represents standard performance thresholds for intermediate-duty commercial hardware. Option D is incorrect because 1,000,000 cycles exceeds the base 500,000 cycle certification requirement specified for this standard grade.
As a general rule, commercial hardware ratings establish clear durability expectations: Grade 1 locks must meet the rigorous 500,000 cycle baseline for high-frequency institutional and commercial openings.
Question: An access-controlled door reports 'Door Held Open Too Long' repeatedly during business hours. What is the most appropriate corrective action?
Answer: B. Adjust the door-held-open timer in the access control software to match operational needs
Explanation:
Option B is correct because repeated door-held-open notifications during regular business hours typically indicate that legitimate pedestrian traffic or deliveries require more time than the default system parameter allows. Modifying the software timer aligns system monitoring with operational realities while preserving essential breach supervision.
Option A is incorrect because mechanical hardware replacement does not address software-enforced duration settings when closers function normally. Option C is incorrect because permanently silencing alarms introduces severe security vulnerabilities by blinding operators to propped entrances. Option D is incorrect because credential records govern individual badge access permissions rather than portal duration monitoring.
Remember that nuisance alarms should be resolved through administrative timing parameters to maintain physical security integrity without causing alarm fatigue.
Preparing for the CML credential requires selecting and completing 9 electives beyond your CPL certification. Because each elective contains between 25 and 40 questions, you should structure your study around individual technical categories.
Candidates must hold active CPL certification and pass 9 additional electives to achieve CML status through ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. The CML represents an advanced tier within the credentialing structure, building directly on the technical competencies demonstrated during prior certification.
Each elective exam contains between 25 and 40 questions, depending on the subject covered. Candidates choose their electives to meet the 9 elective requirement for CML certification. The exact distribution of questions within each individual test focuses specifically on the technical demands of that specialized discipline.
Candidates can take exams in-person through pen-and-paper sessions or online. In-person testing occurs at ALOA-sponsored events such as the annual convention, local association meetings and classes, ALOA headquarters in Dallas, or anywhere a sitting is requested and standards are met. Online options include third-party testing sites and remote webcam proctoring.
ALOA or SAVTA members pay $150 when choosing up to 9 electives, while non-members pay $195 for up to 9 electives. For candidates taking less than 9 electives, individual electives cost $25 each for ALOA or SAVTA members and $35 each for non-members.
Candidates can test during the 2027 ALOA Convention & Security Expo test window from July 11, 2027 to July 17, 2027. Registration for this event opens in Spring 2027. Testing takes place alongside association classes and events, providing scheduled sittings for pen-and-paper elective examinations.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.