CML Business Practices & Professional Ethics 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A customer disputes a locksmith invoice claiming the work was not completed. The ethical first step is to:
- Threaten to re-lock the premises if payment is not received
- Review the work order and discuss the dispute directly with the customer (Correct answer)
- Immediately file a lien on the property
- Refer the dispute to collections without further contact
Correct answer: Review the work order and discuss the dispute directly with the customer
Direct communication and review of documentation is the ethical first step in resolving billing disputes.
Question 2: Which action constitutes an improper conflict of interest for a CML providing security consulting?
- Recommending a lock brand the business does not sell
- Receiving undisclosed commissions from a supplier for recommending their products (Correct answer)
- Advising a client to upgrade to a higher security rating
- Charging a consultation fee separate from installation costs
Correct answer: Receiving undisclosed commissions from a supplier for recommending their products
Undisclosed financial relationships with suppliers that influence recommendations constitute a conflict of interest and must be disclosed.
Question 3: A locksmith technician asks to take photographs of a client's safe for 'training purposes.' The ethical requirement is:
- Photographs are always acceptable if not shared publicly
- Obtain explicit written consent from the client before photographing their property (Correct answer)
- Photos of equipment are acceptable without consent
- The employer's judgment on photo use is sufficient authorization
Correct answer: Obtain explicit written consent from the client before photographing their property
Photographing a client's security equipment requires explicit written consent as it involves sensitive security information.
Question 4: When subcontracting locksmith work, a CML's ethical obligations to the end customer include:
- Keeping the subcontractor's identity secret to avoid loss of future business
- Disclosing the use of subcontractors and ensuring their qualifications (Correct answer)
- Using only the cheapest available subcontractor to maximize profit
- Allowing subcontractors to bill customers directly without oversight
Correct answer: Disclosing the use of subcontractors and ensuring their qualifications
CMLs remain responsible for subcontracted work quality and must ensure subcontractors are qualified and their use is disclosed.
Question 5: What is the MOST appropriate response when a locksmith is offered a gratuity by a government facility manager after a service call?
- Accept it as a sign of customer satisfaction
- Accept only if the amount is under $25
- Decline and follow company policy on gifts (Correct answer)
- Report the offer to law enforcement as attempted bribery
Correct answer: Decline and follow company policy on gifts
Locksmiths should follow their company's gift policy, which often prohibits accepting gratuities from government clients to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
Question 6: A locksmith business operating in multiple states must:
- Hold a license only in the state where the business is incorporated
- Obtain all required licenses and permits in each state where work is performed (Correct answer)
- Apply for a single national locksmith license to cover all states
- Use a licensed local subcontractor and claim no license is needed
Correct answer: Obtain all required licenses and permits in each state where work is performed
Locksmiths must comply with licensing requirements in each jurisdiction where they perform work.
Question 7: What professional responsibility does a CML have regarding continuing education after achieving certification?
- Continuing education is optional once the CML designation is earned
- Pursue ongoing training to maintain competency and meet recertification requirements (Correct answer)
- Only attend continuing education if a specific skill gap is identified
- Training is required only for employees, not for the certified master locksmith
Correct answer: Pursue ongoing training to maintain competency and meet recertification requirements
CML certification requires ongoing continuing education to maintain current knowledge and meet recertification standards.
CML Business Practices & Professional Ethics 4
A customer disputes a locksmith invoice claiming the work was not completed.
The ethical first step is to: