What ALOA does

ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. is a private, member-governed nonprofit professional association founded in 1955 (originally as the Associated Locksmiths of America) and headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It is the largest locksmith and physical security professional association in North America, serving thousands of members globally, and is structured around four specialty divisions: SAVTA (safe and vault technicians), AIL (institutional locksmiths), IAIL (investigative locksmiths, founded 1999), and IAAL (automotive locksmiths). The association's core product is the Proficiency Registration Program (PRP), which grants credentials in over 20 specialized disciplines (e.g., CML, CRL, CFDI, LSFDI) and is administered both at in-person events and online via WebAssessor with remote webcam proctoring.

The association delivers education through the Dallas Training Center, three annual conventions (ALOA Convention & Security Expo, SAFETECH, IAAL Auto Lock Expo), 200+ instructor-led ACE classes per year delivered in partnership with regional associations, and online webinars. Content and credentialing operations are supported by Keynotes magazine (monthly, 5,000 readers), the ALOA Tech Link mobile web app (archive of Keynotes articles back to 2010), the ALOA Store (books, study materials, supplies), and FindALocksmith.com (a consumer-facing directory of vetted members). A 501(c)(3) Scholarship Foundation (ASF, est. 1993) has supported more than 330 scholars pursuing locksmithing careers.

Revenue is generated from annual membership dues (Active, Probationary, Apprentice, Allied, Associate, Company tiers, plus division add-ons of $60-$275), training and certification fees (e.g., $1,589-$1,789 for 5-Day Fundamentals of Locksmithing, $650-$730 for AFDI webinars), convention and event registrations and booth sales, advertising in Keynotes, store product sales, and donations to the Scholarship Foundation. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, the association is not VC/PE-backed, and headcount is 1-10 employees. Technology is not a product surface for ALOA; the association is governed by an elected Board of Directors (with 2026-2028 International Directors now representing Europe and Asia) and holds a Texas PSB License.

Name

ALOA

Legal name

ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc.

Website

https://aloa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ALOA is a Dallas-based, member-governed nonprofit founded in 1955 that serves as the largest locksmith and physical security professional association in North America, providing memberships, the 20+ designation Proficiency Registration Program (PRP), three annual conventions, training, and Keynotes magazine to thousands of locksmiths globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Dallas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: ALOA generates primary revenue through annual membership dues at multiple tiers: Active Membership, Probationary Membership, Apprentice Membership, Allied Membership, Associate Membership (for companies), and Company Membership (with group discounts). Division add-on memberships are available for AIL ($60), IAIL ($70), and SAVTA ($275).
2. Education and Training Programs: Revenue from instructor-led classes including the 5-Day Fundamentals of Locksmithing ($1,589–$1,789 depending on membership), 5-Day Fundamentals of Automotive Locksmithing ($2,475–$2,695), AFDI Fire Door Inspector webinars ($650 members / $730 non-members), and Certified ACE Instructor (CAI) certification courses. Training is delivered at the Dallas Training Center, conventions, regional events, and via online webinars.
3. Certification and Testing Fees: Revenue from the Proficiency Registration Program (PRP) certification exams. Includes mandatory exams, elective exams, and recertification fees. Pen-and-paper exams at ALOA events and online exams via WebAssessor with remote webcam proctoring.
4. Convention and Event Registrations: Revenue from registrations to the annual ALOA Convention & Security Expo (Las Vegas), SAFETECH Convention (Wisconsin), and IAAL Auto Lock Expo (Cedar Rapids). Includes class packages, exhibit booth sales, sponsorships, and trade show fees.
5. ALOA Store: Revenue from the sale of books, publications, study packages for licensing and PRP certification, lapel pins, patches, decals, clothing, and supplies. Also available at on-site convention stores.
6. Keynotes Magazine Advertising: Revenue from advertising sold in Keynotes magazine and its companion advertising platform KeynotesAds.com. Advertising options include print ads (1/4, 1/2, 1/3, full pages), belly bands, inserts, emails, digital options (videos, custom links, icons), ALOA Tech Link web app sponsorships, and custom packages.
7. ALOA Scholarship Foundation Donations: Tax-deductible donations to the ASF 501(c)(3) are accepted via the ALOA Store. Corporate contributions and product donations for raffles at ALOA Conventions support scholarship funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

ALOA is a private, member-run professional association for locksmiths and physical security professionals. It delivers value through annual membership dues, the Proficiency Registration Program (PRP) granting designations in 20+ specialized disciplines, instructor-led training at its Dallas Training Center and conventions, three annual conventions/expos, the monthly Keynotes magazine, and the ALOA Tech Link mobile web app. It is organized into four divisions (SAVTA, AIL, IAAL, IAIL) and operates the ALOA Scholarship Foundation.

Product overview

ALOA is a professional membership association, not a software product company. It operates a portfolio of member services, educational programs, certifications, events, and publications rather than a unified software platform. The core offerings include the Proficiency Registration Program (PRP) for professional certifications across locksmithing disciplines, four annual/specialized conventions (ALOA Convention & Security Expo, SAFETECH Convention, IAAL Auto Lock Expo, IAIL Conference), the Keynotes Magazine publication, the ALOA Tech Link mobile web app for technical article access, and the ALOA Store for educational materials. The association is structured into four divisions—SAVTA (Safe and Vault Technicians), AIL (Institutional Locksmiths), IAAL (Automotive Locksmiths), and IAIL (Investigative Locksmiths)—each with its own certifications, events, and resources. Financial assistance is provided through the ALOA Scholarship Foundation. The organization does not offer a software product, API, or technology platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ALOA Tech Link: A web app accessible from phones and tablets providing ALOA members with access to technical articles from Keynotes magazine dating back to 2010.
• ALOA Proficiency Registration Program (PRP)
• Keynotes Magazine
• ALOA Scholarship Foundation (ASF)

Products and services

• ALOA Convention & Security Expo The annual flagship event of ALOA featuring hands-on training, certification exams, an exhibition floor with industry vendors, and networking for locksmith and security professionals.
• SAFETECH Convention A specialized annual convention focused on safe and vault technicians, organized by the SAVTA division, featuring hands-on classes, trade show, and networking for safe industry professionals.
• IAAL Auto Lock Expo An annual expo dedicated to automotive locksmiths, organized by the International Association of Automotive Locksmiths (IAAL) division, featuring automotive-specific training classes, demonstrations, and networking.
• Keynotes Magazine The official monthly magazine of ALOA, available only to members, containing technical articles, association updates, convention information, education updates, and industry news. Ranked the No. 1 source of industry information.
• ALOA Tech Link A mobile web app providing ALOA members access to technical articles from Keynotes magazine going back to 2010, viewable by category or searchable by keyword.
• ALOA Training Center Physical training facility located in Dallas, Texas, providing hands-on instructor-led classes for locksmiths and security professionals throughout the year, including the 5-Day Fundamentals of Locksmithing and Certified ACE Instructor (CAI) courses.
• ALOA Store Online and on-site store for members to purchase books, study materials, study packages for licensing and PRP certification exams, lapel pins, patches, decals, and other locksmithing supplies and clothing.
• Proficiency Registration Program (PRP) ALOA's comprehensive certification program that grants designations in over 20 specialized locksmith, security technician, vehicle servicing, safe technician, forensic investigation, and fire door inspection disciplines, including CRL, CPL, CML, and other certifications.
• International Association of Investigative Locksmiths (IAIL) A division of ALOA established in 1999 for security professionals interested in forensic science in locksmith and fire door inspection investigations, offering the Certified Forensic Locksmith (CFL) certification and related forensic certifications.
• International Association of Automotive Locksmiths (IAAL) A division of ALOA addressing the specialized needs of automotive locksmiths, offering focused training, certification programs (CAL, CMAL), and the IAAL Auto Lock Expo event.
• ALOA Institutional Locksmiths (AIL) A division of ALOA dedicated to enhancing technical skills of institutional members through networking, education and certification, offering the Institutional Proficiency Registration Program (IPRP) with certifications like ICRL, ICPL, ICML.
• ALOA Scholarship Foundation A non-profit 501(c)(3) educational corporation established in 1993 that provides funding for locksmith educational programs and financial assistance to individuals pursuing careers in locksmithing or physical security. Has supported over 330 scholars since 2000.
• FindALocksmith.com A consumer-facing directory service allowing the public to find vetted, background-checked ALOA member locksmiths in their geographic area. Members become eligible for listing after 90 days of membership clearance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 330 scholars supported since 2000
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Lockmasters, Inc.minorOthers · 1 January 2026Lockmasters, Inc. is a sponsor of the SAFETECH Convention, specifically hosting the annual Friends of SAVTA Live Auction. The company logo is featured in event promotional materials as the auction sponsor.
• dormakabaminorOthers · 1 January 2026dormakaba serves as the Bar Sponsor for the SAFETECH 2026 Kick-Off Party. The company appears on the exhibitor list for SAFETECH 2027 trade show alongside other industry suppliers.
• AllegionminorOthers · 1 January 2026Allegion is a sponsor of the 2026 ALOA Convention & Security Expo, one of the flagship annual events of the association. Their logo appears on the sponsor acknowledgment section of the convention page.
• Medeco ASSA ABLOYminorOthers · 1 January 2026Medeco ASSA ABLOY is a sponsor of the 2026 ALOA Convention & Security Expo. The company's logo appears among the recognized sponsors of the flagship annual ALOA convention.
• Sargent & GreenleafminorOthers · 1 January 2026Sargent & Greenleaf appears as a sponsor of the 2026 ALOA Convention & Security Expo and is listed as an exhibitor at the SAFETECH 2027 trade show. The company is also represented on the ASF Board of Directors.
• PBB Professional Business ProductsminorOthers · 1 January 2026PBB Professional Business Products is a sponsor of the 2026 ALOA Convention & Security Expo, the 2026 SAFETECH Convention, and is a Supporting Partner of the ALOA Scholarship Foundation (ASF). The company is also represented on the ASF Board of Directors.
• Hudson LockminorOthers · 1 January 2026Hudson Lock is a sponsor of the 2026 ALOA Convention & Security Expo and an exhibitor at the SAFETECH 2027 trade show. The company's logo appears in both convention sponsor acknowledgments.
• Bullseye S.D. Locks LLCminorOthers · 1 January 2026Bullseye S.D. Locks LLC is a sponsor of the 2026 ALOA Convention & Security Expo and an exhibitor at the SAFETECH 2027 trade show. Their logo appears in sponsor and exhibitor listings.
• Your Car Key GuysminorOthers · 1 January 2026Your Car Key Guys is a sponsor of the 2026 ALOA Convention & Security Expo, gaining visibility with the broader ALOA membership attending the flagship annual event.
• Lock50minorOthers · 1 January 2026Lock50 is a sponsor of the 2026 ALOA Convention & Security Expo, with their logo featured among the recognized sponsors of the annual event.
• AMSEC American SecurityminorOthers · 1 January 2026AMSEC American Security is a sponsor of the 2026 SAFETECH Convention and a Supporting Partner of the ALOA Scholarship Foundation (ASF). The company is also represented on the ASF Board of Directors.
• Blue Dot SafesminorOthers · 1 January 2026Blue Dot Safes is listed as an exhibitor at the SAFETECH 2027 trade show, connecting with safe and vault professionals at the industry's premier event.
• Lock Defeat TechnologiesminorOthers · 1 January 2026Lock Defeat Technologies is listed as an exhibitor at the SAFETECH 2027 trade show, connecting with the targeted audience of safe and vault professionals.
• MBA USA Inc.minorOthers · 1 January 2026MBA USA Inc. appears as an exhibitor at the SAFETECH 2027 trade show and as a sponsor of the 2026 SAFETECH Convention, connecting with safe and vault professionals.
• QSecurity IndustriesminorOthers · 1 January 2026QSecurity Industries is listed as an exhibitor at the SAFETECH 2027 trade show, connecting with safe and vault technicians and locksmiths at the event.
• Scope Plus LabsminorOthers · 1 January 2026Scope Plus Labs is listed as an exhibitor at the SAFETECH 2027 trade show, targeting safe and vault professionals.
• Taylor TechnologiesminorOthers · 1 January 2026Taylor Technologies is listed as an exhibitor at the SAFETECH 2027 trade show.
• TMi CorporationminorOthers · 1 January 2026TMi Corporation (tmilock.com) is listed as an exhibitor at the SAFETECH 2027 trade show and a sponsor of the 2026 SAFETECH Convention.
• Zim KnivesminorOthers · 1 January 2026Zim Knives is listed as a new vendor exhibitor at the SAFETECH 2027 trade show, introduced as a new addition to the exhibitor lineup.
• banner solutionsminorOthers · 1 January 2026banner solutions is a sponsor of the 2026 ALOA Convention & Security Expo, appearing in the convention sponsor acknowledgment section.
• KSPminorOthers · 1 January 2026KSP (iCCore) is a sponsor of the 2026 ALOA Convention & Security Expo, with their logo featured among recognized sponsors.
• LSL (Locksmith Ledger)minorOthers · 1 January 2026LSL (Locksmith Ledger) is a sponsor of the 2026 ALOA Convention & Security Expo, appearing among the recognized sponsors on the convention page.
• StrongArm DrillsminorOthers · 1 January 2026StrongArm Drills is a sponsor of the 2026 SAFETECH Convention, appearing among recognized sponsors.
• Big Red LockminorOthers · 1 January 2026Big Red Lock is a sponsor of the 2026 SAFETECH Convention, appearing in the sponsor acknowledgment section.
• Starfleet LockminorOthers · 1 January 2026Starfleet Lock is a sponsor of the 2026 SAFETECH Convention.
• ClearStar Security NetworkminorOthers · 1 January 2026ClearStar Security Network is a sponsor of the 2026 SAFETECH Convention.
• Hamilton Products GroupminorOthers · 1 January 2026Hamilton Products Group is a sponsor of the 2026 SAFETECH Convention.
• Andrews Safe and LockminorOthers · 1 January 2026Andrews Safe and Lock is a sponsor of the 2026 SAFETECH Convention.
• VaultviewminorOthers · 1 January 2026Vaultview is a sponsor of the 2026 SAFETECH Convention.
• STRATTECminorOthers · 1 January 2025STRATTEC is a sponsor of the IAAL Auto Lock Expo, an annual event for automotive locksmiths. As a sponsor, STRATTEC gains visibility with a targeted automotive-only audience at the Expo and exposure in IAAL promotional materials.
• FindALocksmith.comcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025FindALocksmith.com is ALOA's consumer-facing directory that lists vetted, background-checked ALOA member locksmiths by location. Members become eligible for listing after 90 days of membership clearance. This is the primary consumer referral channel for ALOA members.
• FindALocksmith.com (Consumer Directory)minorOthers · 1 January 2025This consumer-facing directory allows members to be listed after 90 days of membership clearance. Provides consumers a way to find vetted, background-checked ALOA member locksmiths in their geographic area.
• Safe & Vault Technology MagazineminorOthers · 1 January 2025Safe & Vault Technology is the official publication of SAVTA (a division of ALOA). It is distributed to security professionals and features articles, industry news, and association updates. Reaches 5,000 security professionals monthly alongside Keynotes magazine.
• Keynotes Magazine / Madison Miles MediaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Keynotes magazine, the official monthly magazine of ALOA, is managed in partnership with Madison Miles Media for advertising sales ([email protected]) and classified ad management ([email protected]). The companion website KeynotesAds.com sells advertising packages.
• Dugmore & DuncanminorOthers · 1 January 2025Dugmore & Duncan is a Supporting Partner of the ALOA Scholarship Foundation (ASF) and is represented on the ASF Board of Directors. The company contributes to scholarship funding and ASF operations.
• IAAL Distributor Partners (Discount Program)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025IAAL has established distributor partner discount programs that provide IAAL members with reduced pricing on purchases ranging from educational events to inventory. Details available through IAAL membership materials.
• IAAL / AALB Recognition AgreementminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025IAAL (a division of ALOA) has a Recognition Agreement with AALB (possibly a locksmith licensing board or association). The agreement was formalized through outreach from AALB leadership and published to benefit both associations. Signed acknowledgment by IAAL President Stephen Hoffman, CMAL, CAI.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• ASIS International: ASIS International is the largest global membership association for security management professionals, offering certifications (CPP, PSP, PCI), publications, and a major annual tradeshow (GSX). It overlaps ALOA in serving physical security professionals but is broader in scope, encompassing enterprise security management rather than locksmith trade specialization.
• Security Industry Association (SIA): SIA is a US trade association representing electronic and physical security product manufacturers, integrators, and service providers. It complements ALOA by serving the vendor/integrator side of the same security ecosystem, with overlapping members in the physical security space.
• Electronic Security Association (ESA): ESA is a US trade association for the electronic life safety, security, and systems integration industry, offering training, certification (NTS), and member services. It parallels ALOA's trade association model for an adjacent but different security professional segment.

Direct peers

• Master Locksmiths Association: The Master Locksmiths Association is the UK's premier trade association for locksmiths, offering vetted membership, certification examinations, and a public-facing find-a-locksmith directory. It is the most direct international peer to ALOA, operating an essentially identical business model of peer-vetted membership, certification, and consumer referral in a different geography.

Emerging players

• Door and Hardware Institute (DHI): DHI is an association for door and hardware specialists, providing certifications (AHC, CDC, EHC), education, and an annual convention. It directly intersects ALOA's institutional and fire door inspector segments, making it a meaningful peer in the door security and life safety compliance space.

Others

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): NFPA develops fire and life safety codes, including NFPA 80 (the standard underpinning ALOA's AFDI certification). It is an enabling/standards-body peer that defines the compliance framework ALOA's fire door inspector certification is built upon.
• CompTIA: CompTIA is a nonprofit trade association for the global IT industry, offering vendor-neutral certifications, member education, and industry advocacy. It is an operational peer in the trade association business model — multi-tier membership, certification revenue, training delivery, and community events — but in an unrelated industry vertical.

Regional players

• Associated Locksmiths of India (ALI): ALI is a regional professional association for locksmiths in India, offering training and certification analogous to ALOA's PRP program. It mirrors ALOA's association model in a distinct geography, with overlap in the international automotive and institutional locksmith segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ALOA.org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aloa-security-professionals-association-inc
• Xx.com/aloalocksmiths

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ALOA