Mixed Deck — All CRL Topics Flashcards
100 cards from real CRL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Mixed Deck — All CRL Topics flashcards as text
What safety equipment should be used when operating a key duplicator?
Answer: Safety goggles
When operating a key duplicator, safety goggles are essential safety equipment. The cutting process generates small metal shavings and dust, which can be propelled into the eyes. Safety goggles protect the eyes from these airborne particles, preventing potential injury and ensuring the operator's safety.
Rekeying a pin tumbler cylinder to a new key mainly involves changing what?
Answer: The bottom (key) pins
Different bottom pin lengths match the new key's cuts while drivers stay.
Under what circumstances is it ethical for a CRL to refuse a service request?
Answer: When the request appears intended to facilitate unauthorized access or illegal activity
The ALOA Code of Ethics obligates members to refuse work that could aid criminal activity, regardless of customer claims.
Biometric systems identify users based on:
Answer: Physical characteristics
Biometric systems are designed to identify individuals by analyzing unique biological or behavioral traits. These physical characteristics can include fingerprints, facial patterns, iris scans, or even voice recognition. This method provides a high level of security by verifying who a person is, rather than what they possess (like a card) or what they know (like a password).
A magnetic lock's holding force has dropped noticeably. What is a common maintenance cause?
Answer: A dirty or misaligned armature plate
Dirt, rust, or misalignment between the armature and magnet faces reduces surface contact and holding force.
Which of the following best describes the role of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) Code of Ethics for CRL holders?
Answer: It guides members to act honestly, protect client privacy, and refuse illegal requests
The ALOA Code of Ethics emphasizes honesty, confidentiality, and refusing requests that would facilitate illegal entry or fraud.
In master key system terminology, what is 'cross-keying'?
Answer: When a combination of bittings unintentionally creates a working key for an unintended lock
Cross-keying occurs when the combination of master key and change key bittings inadvertently creates a phantom key that operates an unintended lock in the system.
Locks on exit doors must allow:
Answer: Free egress from inside
Building codes, particularly life safety codes like NFPA 101, mandate that exit doors must always allow free and immediate egress from the inside without the need for a key, special knowledge, or excessive effort. This requirement is paramount for occupant safety, ensuring that people can quickly and easily exit a building during an emergency, such as a fire.
A CRL technician discovers that a customer's existing lock has been tampered with before their arrival. What is the best course of action?
Answer: Document the damage photographically and inform the customer before proceeding
Documenting pre-existing damage protects the technician from liability and keeps the customer informed so they can make decisions.
An electromagnetic lock used on an egress door must do which of the following?
Answer: Release upon loss of power
Maglocks on egress doors must be fail-safe, unlocking when power is lost and on fire alarm.
What does the term 'bitting' refer to in locksmithing?
Answer: Depth of key cuts
In locksmithing, 'bitting' refers specifically to the series of cuts or indentations on the blade of a key. These cuts correspond to the varying lengths of the pin tumblers inside a lock cylinder. The precise depth and spacing of these cuts are what allow the key to align the pins correctly and operate the lock.
A key blank that is aligned in the duplicator vise by the very end of its blade is called:
Answer: Tip-stop
Tip-stop blanks are positioned against the end of the blade rather than the shoulder.
On an outswinging door with exposed hinge pins, what is a recommended security repair?
Answer: Install non-removable pin (NRP) hinges or security studs
NRP hinges or hinge studs stop an intruder from pulling the pins and lifting the door off its hinges.
Which ANSI/BHMA grade rates the highest-security and durability for commercial locks?
Answer: Grade 1
Grade 1 is the top rating, with the strictest cycle and strength tests.
What is the primary function of a security survey report delivered to a customer after a CRL's assessment?
Answer: To document identified vulnerabilities, prioritized recommendations, and estimated costs so the customer can make informed decisions
A security survey report gives the customer a prioritized action plan with cost context so they can address vulnerabilities based on risk and budget.
What is the proper procedure for servicing a cylinder gummed up with old oil and dirt?
Answer: Disassemble, clean the parts with solvent, dry them, and apply a dry lubricant
Old residue has to be removed completely before relubricating, or the binding will come back.
In Certified Registered Locksmith, which factor MOST influences the selection of appropriate installation techniques & methods?
Answer: The specific requirements and constraints of the situation
The specific requirements and constraints of each situation should drive technique selection to ensure the most effective and appropriate approach.
How should unexpected results during installation techniques & methods be handled in Certified Registered Locksmith?
Answer: Document the findings, analyze potential causes, and consult protocols
Documenting unexpected findings, analyzing causes, and consulting established protocols ensures proper investigation and appropriate response.
A deadbolt doesn't fully extend when the door is closed, but it throws completely with the door open. What is the most likely fix?
Answer: Deepen or realign the strike pocket so the bolt can fully throw
A shallow or misaligned strike pocket stops the bolt from reaching full throw and deadlocking.
Which proximity card frequency is most commonly used by legacy 125 kHz prox credentials?
Answer: 125 kHz
Standard HID-style proximity cards operate at 125 kHz, whereas smart cards use 13.56 MHz.
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Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- aloa.org — Score release, test delivery, eligibility, exam format, test dates, exam information · verified Nov 2026
- aloamembers.org — Fees, retake fee, retake policy · verified Oct 2026