North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The defined level immediately below the master key in a keying system is known as the Sub-Master Key. This key typically operates a specific subset of locks within a larger system that is controlled by the master key.

In master keying systems, the master key is designed to open all locks in the system, while the Sub-Master Key allows access to a specific group of locks, providing a more focused control mechanism. This configuration is particularly effective in organizations that require different levels of access, such as in hotels, office buildings, or schools, where certain personnel may need access to multiple rooms without having the master key privileges.

The other options refer to different types of keys that serve unique purposes within a keying system but do not represent the level immediately below the master key. For example, the Change Master Key is used to operate locks that are set to a specific change combination, while the Row Master Key could pertain to a grouping system within the larger hierarchy, and the Pin Master Key is typically linked with the specifics of pin tumbler lock configurations without being associated with the hierarchical level under the master key. Therefore, Sub-Master Key is the correct term for the level that directly follows the master key in this context.