Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) Practice Test 2025 – Your Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Excellence!

In order to find the TMK (Top Master Key) values during the keying process, it is essential to eliminate any duplicate numbers from consideration. Duplicate numbers can lead to confusion and may result in incorrect keying solutions because they do not contribute uniquely to the pinning configuration.

When calculating TMK values, the goal is to establish a distinct set of values that will work efficiently together without overlap, ensuring proper operation of the locks involved. Each value must be unique to create a reliable and secure keying system, allowing different keys to control different locks while maintaining the integrity of the master key system.

The other components, such as master pin numbers, bottom pin sizes, and change key values, play significant roles in the functioning of locks and key systems. They are crucial for determining how the lock operates and does not need to be eliminated from consideration when deriving TMK values. These elements work in tandem with the master keying setup but do not impact the quest for uniqueness in identifying TMK values.