The Charles Stuart Locksmith School was definitely the place for our son. A small but inviting space, it was filled with warm and very patient teachers, who went out of their way to encourage, assist and teach basic Locksmithing skills. Angel became our son's mentor; Charles a great advocator. ​A very short time after ​graduation from the basic course, our son was offered a job! We couldn't recommend it more highly!! The Sorell Family read more

I enrolled in this school with hesitation! I had zero experience with locks except with installing them in my home. This school was a eye opener on the world of becoming a Locksmith. Charles is very experienced in the field of Locksmith. Staff is knowledgeable and his Wife Gail and Heather are very down to earth, and accommodating. After completing the course I attained the NYC Locksmith Liscense. My advice is study, take out a book from Library that Charles has , and read multiple sources to gain knowledge. That's what I did and you can have the same Liscense I hold. Thanks Charles .. read more

I went to this school when they had one in jersey and it changed my life for the better. I learned a lot.

Beyond a doubt this is the best choice for aspiring locksmith students. They are very patient and understanding, give them a try you won't regret it. Trevor H. read more

School is great very informative and has great instructors. The owner is very helpful and goes above and beyond for his students.

After graduating from Charles's school I got a job In a locksmith shop with no problem! 2 and a half years after that I got a job with the Dept. Of Corrections making more money then I ever did in my life. The school was 12 grand but Gail the secretary got me a Pell grant for half of my tuition. One of the best moves I made was going to Charles Stuart's School of Locksmithing. Jay W. read more

I wish I can give more than 5 stars for this wonderful school...! My name is Nadim, and I just graduated from this school finished the basic of locksmithing class which lasted for 10 months. You can learn a lot of stuff in this school. The teacher and his assistant are really patient and have a good knowledge about what they are teaching. This school has job placement assistance. They will help you to get a locksmith job before or after you finish the program. Charlie has a good amount of connections with other locksmiths and they call him from time to time in order to provide them his students to work for them. That what happened to me and I started working in a shop few weeks before graduation. A big plus you can buy key cutting machines from him if you want. I myself bought a new framon, keyline key duplicating machine and used hpc punch machine which is in very good condition. You can buy other tools from him if you want as well. He sells a great quality tools. I highly recommend this school. If you are serious about locksmith field, please do not hesitate to enroll into his program. He has also intermediate and advanced classes. It is better to start to learn in a school first before you work because in the shops they do not have time to teach you and be patient with you and secondly they are not knowledgable of everything. In a shop, they will teach only the things that want you to do for them. Locksmith is a wide field which requires you to always learn new things. All the training in this school are hands-on practices. P.S. if you see a bad review against this school please do not believe it. I have been there and I know. Wonderful school! read more

In just one day I learned enough to make a Key from scratch and open a lock that had no key. 11 months later I am able to install, make keys and open locks with lock pick or a blank key. I am more then confident that I can take the skills I learned here and build on with work experience. I have everything I need to walk out of here comfortable on day one of any career field in locksmithing I choose. read more

Amazed on what You can learn in a week. Great staff and knowledgeable instructors,just by learning the basic program you could go out and start working in the field. The school is like a second home for me.I enjoy going and learning something new each day. read more

Where to begin with this school? There are so many discrepancies; admissions, curriculum, teaching, transcript, job placement, trade shows and presentations from outside sources, and their obsession to market a high-security lock that they claim to be the best lock ever. Admissions: They let anyone in. Typical for-profit school behavior. Their only requirement is that you pass a mechanical test which requires you to re-assemble a mortise lock. Don't worry, they give you another assembled mortise lock to use as a reference. Curriculum: Introduces students to various types of commonly used locks as well as various applications a typical locksmith should be familiar with (i.e. re-pin a cylinder or impression a blank key into a working key). This part is good. It's something every locksmith trainee should know. You are also "encouraged" to be able to disassemble and re-assemble certain locks (i. e. mortise lock and key-in-knob lock). While there is nothing wrong with this in a classroom setting, I can tell you that working in the field is all about speed. You will almost never have time to dis-assemble and re-assemble something. Furthermore, the school wastes a lot of time (1-2 months) on one subject that could easily be explained in a matter of 10 minutes. Teaching: The person(s) who teach the material is/are not even locksmith field technicians. In order to save money this school does not hire highly skilled locksmith technicians from the field. They simply hire a student who has completed the program that way they can pay the student minimum wage. This is done in order for them to keep the school running without having to do much work while making large profits ($11,000 per student). Now, think about this for a minute. Why would you want to pay $11,000 to learn a trade from someone who has never even worked in said trade? If you don't believe me ask the people (usually young kids) who teach the classes. Ask them for references that you can call (locksmith references). Don't be afraid, $11,000 is nothing to sneeze at. Also, the owners could be using the profits they make to upgrade the school and offer a much better curriculum. Presentations/Trade Shows: From time to time, the school will arrange for "sales representatives" to visit the school and show off certain products to the class. There's nothing wrong with this, however it is nothing more than a sales-pitch. It is not training of any kind. I want to learn about how to install electronic locks not just watch a presentation about one. The same can also be said about trade shows. You won't learn anything there. It is just a method the school uses to market itself. Transcript: It looks like something you get from kindergarten. They don't even specify what you did on your transcript. It simply lists all of the exams you took, how you scored and your attendance. That's all. I guarantee that if you wave this in front of a college admissions office they will laugh at you and just say "I'm sorry" as if someone died. Job Placement: An even more disappointing truth is how this school "helps" people look for work. Finding work for students consists of going on to craigslist, writing down a name and number on a sheet of paper and handing it to a student in secret. You (the student) are then told to tell the potential employer that the school sent you. This is done to make it seem like the school has some sort of influence or even relevance within the locksmith community. Sadly, the school has neither. You would think that being licensed by the New York State Board of Education actually meant something and that this school might have some connections, but they do not. Furthermore, if the school "claims" to have any students who have actually landed jobs as locksmiths you should ask for proof. Ask where they work so that you can verify for yourself. Also, take into consideration that some students may come from other trades. A good locksmith is skilled in many trades. Obsession over a high-security lock: I'll keep this simple. The school is free to like whatever lock they want to. However, the lock they obsess over was made in Israel, their homeland. That's the only reason why they make such a big deal over it is because it was made in their homeland. That's like a Russian stressing over a russian-made lock. Ultimately, this school is just not worth the price. The owners will suck you in by constantly talking about how easy the work is and how much money you can make in just a few minutes. Don't believe a word they say. If you are really interested in learning the trade look for locksmith shops in your area and ask them if they are looking for apprentices. I promise you that you will know after two weeks of working for a legitimate shop if this trade is even for you and you won't have to spend $11,000 either. read more

I walked into this school not knowing a thing about locksmithing. One year later, I was able to repair locks, cut keys, create master key systems, handle installations, and perform forced entry techniques, among other things. I got my locksmith license within a few weeks of graduating and I was already working in a shop before graduating. Charlie and his staff treated me like family, from accommodating my hectic schedule to making sure I had a cup of coffee in the morning. I'd recommend this school to anyone looking to get a job in the field. The hands on approach is second to none. If I hadn't come here, I'd still be apprenticing without a license. Thanks Charles! read more

Great school and service's, highly recommend for those looking to pursue a career and get hands on training and becoming certified in Locksmith. They welcome you from the time you visit the school and start your training great profession and assistance. read more

I signed up for the Advanced Class at the school, as I attended the Basic Class previously. The Basic class was 11 months long, this Advanced class was only 7, however the tuition was still the same at $13,050. The first time around we received tools, even though they were the cheapest quality harbor freight type of tools, at least we were given something. This time around we were told to bring our own tools. The second Advanced class offers no certifications, no licenses, nothing at all. I still never even received my certification from Medeco which I took the exam in the first Basic course in 2015. They said they offer certification from Mul-T-Lock and Medeco, I still never received anything from Medeco. After attending the Advanced class for 3 weeks, all we did was sit around in the class, play with our phones, take extremely long breaks, and most of the time nobody even showed up. Most of the students enrolled never even took the Basic course nor did they have locksmith licenses. The man who owns and runs the school is not even a locksmith, he always bragged about how he charges whatever he wants, and his tuition is $13,050 x 55 students a cycle which = $717,750 and that pays for his condo in Miami on Intercostal Water way. I didn't feel like wasting my GI Bill benefits or my time, so I decided to pull out of the school......Then the guy Charles tells me they aren't refunding the money the VA paid him for tuition. That left me responsible to pay back $7,832 out of my pocket. He said something about a state calculation and from me attending 3 weeks of school, he keeps around $3,300. Because he did eventually refund $2,900. I am a disabled veteran, I urge any other veteran or person considering enrolling in this school, please reconsider, look at your options available as far as school and education. You will waste your time and money at this school. They are just taking advantage of Veterans for their education money. DON'T DO IT!!!! RECONSIDER!!!!!!! The equipment is from the 1980's.....the owner Charles is constantly trying to sell equipment and locksmith tools to the students for triple the price, they barely ever do anything to update the school or the tools and equipment used. He hires students to instruct the classes who have absolutely no field experience. I applied just one time for locksmithing jobs and I get calls still to this day, everyday. They offer $20 per hour to be an apprentice with no license or experience. I ended up working in the field with a friend who is a skilled locksmith, and in just 2 months with him, I knew more than anyone who was teaching or attending that school. And the school also took credit for the job I had with my friend, saying they placed me in that job, BUT THEY NEVER PLACED ME IN THAT JOB, THE PERSON WAS A FRIEND. THEY OFFERED TO HELP ME LEARN. This school is just a gimmick and the guy who owns it is just looking to make money off of the veterans who get guaranteed school money. STAY AWAY FIND A REAL SCHOOL. read more

Great school, great instructors, owner, and staff. I am a professional locksmith now!

Great school the staff is knowledgeable and excellent at teaching there students in the craft of lock smithing my time there was well spent and never a dull day. I highly recommend this school to everyone who wants to enter the profession of lock smithing. read more

8/18/2013" fter being displaced (laid off) from my corporate career, I wanted to look for something that would satisfy my desire to work with my hands. Being a former Marine, I was able to find The Charles Stuart School through a referral from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The school curriculum covers all basic aspects of locksmithing. If you're interested in knowing how locks work and can be repaired as well as how keys are made, this program can help you to understand it all. Other areas of the trade include, master keying, lock installation, electronic access, emergency services (lost keys), re-keying and high security locks. The instructors and the staff at the school are knowledgeable and responsive to student needs and requests. Classes are interesting, fun and informative. If you're into it, you can really do well. The school has placement services that can help you in finding a job. Through the school was able to work part-time at a well established company, upon graduation I was able to secure a full-time position!! What I learned at the school helped me to better understand my job and what I needed to accomplish. The training I received at The Charles Stuart School of Locksmithing enabled me to earn me a nod of approval from my boss, since I clearly demonstrated that I know what I am doing!! I am pleased with the results, and looking forward to my new careeer! Thanks Charles! read more

A great environment to learn the skills essential to becoming a qualified locksmith. Charles, his wife and his instructors were consummate professionals during my entire time at this school and were always more than accommodating. The instructors at Charles Stuart school will take the time necessary to ensure that you are learning the material, and are always willing to help you out. Job placement is available for any of the schools students that want to work in the field. I am glad that I made the decision to attend this school. If you are interested in becoming a locksmith with the knowledge relevant to todays industry, then apply here. You will not be disappointed. read more

If you are interested in learning the trade of locksmithing the Charles Stuart School of Locksmithing is an excellent start. You can attend a morning, afternoon, or an evening class (whatever is most convenient or in some cases available) in which you will receive comprehensive hands on instruction by a teacher who is a licensed locksmith. Areas of study cover a wide range of locksmithing topics however with focus on the residential and commercial niches. At the completion of the school you will have a 900 hour certificate that meets the requirements to obtain a locksmithing license in New York City and Charles personally will find job opportunities for students including following up after graduation. I am an army veteran who chose this school to reintegrate and train for the private sector and I am satisfied with the results. For those that enroll or are currently attending my advice to you is that you only get what you put into it. If you are the kind of person that puts up little to no effort in life's endeavors and expects amazing things to happen you might need a reality check. Garbage in, garbage out. read more

As a current student I would recommend Charles' school to prospective candidates. Though it is a business it is not a scam. My only grievance in the beginning was the course length and I was a little frustrated with the pace at which the class was taught; as the instructors teach to the slowest student. However, no one is left behind and by understanding that I challenged myself to attain perfection with my spare time. The most important take away, in any endeavor, is you'll get out exactly what you put in. Don't expect the information burrow itself into the crevasses of your brain with little to no effort on your part. Repetition facilitates learning so if you catch things faster than your peers, test your knowledge and help them out because in so doing you'll gain a better understanding of the fundamental concepts. With that being said the instructors are solid and the lessons are applicable to real world scenarios. Don't be afraid to ask questions read more

I've been attending this school over a year and what a GREAT experience I've had so far. The instructors are TERRIFIC and show interest in teaching all there is to know about lock smith and is very knowledgeable about what he teaches. The owers are GREAT themselves. Everyone shows interest in what they do. I would continue to attend as long as I can. GREAT PEOPLE GREAT PLACE! read more

Graduated in 1995, I learned all the basics I needed to start me on the road to making money. Charles and staff are wonderful helpful people, I couldn't recommend a better school. read more

I attended this basic locksmith school back in 2017, I also was one of the first,. to attended advance school. I have never had any training with locks but after attending this school, I gained the Knowledge of locks and how they work,.. thru class instruction and hands on training. I now have a legal NYS license for locksmiting and it was all because of this school,... I was a student and right after receiving my Lock smith school certificate,. I then received my NYC license thru the NY state. Many in my (2nd) advanced lock smith coarse were in the military and the police department. I can continue my 3rd job trade and retirement and work way after and onto the future, because of my career and this school. I'm a retired NYPD officer and retired USARMY vet, if you are in the military I say take this coarse. Because this coarse is hand on and with your job trade in the military and this school,. it can help you in many fields in the civilian work force and life. It did for me,.. I'm proof. read more

I am a current student of the charles stuart school of locksmithing and I highly recommend this school. Since I have been attending the school I can not believe how much locksmithing I have learned. The instructors are knowledgeable and caring. I was able to get financial aid for the school and most important I can recieve my new york city locksmith license with the certificate I will recieve from the school. read more

I'm a former student and graduate of charles stuart school Locksmithing. this school taught me to foundation and knowledge in the field of locksmith me which enabled me to be gainfuly empolyed to support me and my family. My fellow classmates and I whom have graduated from charles stuart school. Have fond memories and have high regard for the instructors Who Took there time to guide us the right way. I would highly recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn the locksmith trade. In regards to all the negative post on here must have not paid attention to the instructors. read more

i took classes here a few years ago i would go back and forth from nj and took the train every day back and forth 3 hrs it was wort all the time traveling.i loved my fellow students and i loved charlie and his staff this school taught me how to be the handy locksmith i am today before i went to charles stuart school i was not handy at all the teachers do not let you start the next project until you have the first one on lock ;) and the teaching is amazing i had a teacher named ashley at the time and he was one of the best teachers any school can ask for after the program was over the staff helped me get manny jobs all over my town in n.j im so happy for this school i am also so thankful and would recommend anyone who wants to learn how to become a professional locksmith go here. read more

Great Training in Locksmithing. Hands On , Great equipment , The school is Licensed and accredited. Financial aid as well as obtaining a New York City Locksmith licence with the schools certificate of completion. I received Job Placement as wellBest school Best Training. read more