Anyone working on guns that are left overnight needs to be FFL’d. Repairs/mods that stay with the smith need to be logged in the “bound book” Repairs that can be done while you wait are not required to be logged in. Ask for references ad where the smith apprenticed or was schooled at, what makers armorer schools he is certified by.
One of the volumes of Brownells Gunsmithing Kinks books has a cartoon, “Two days ago, I couldn’t even spell gunschmidt, now I are one!”
I was taught by a great old-fashioned gunsmith with no formal training. I have friends who graduated from gunsmithing school. They have learned from me and I have learned from them. We all know smith’s who will never catch on but talk a good line.
Ask around to get a feel for him. If he steals your gun, the locals and feds take a dim view of that and will be right there knocking on his door.
Depending on what sort of work you want to have done, there are a number of different options.
I’m not sure about rifles or shotguns, but for handguns, you might want to check with the American Pistolsmiths Guild. Ron Power and Jim Clark are charter members.
You might also check with local police departments, and check with local competitive shooters.
Thought it’s been many years since I’ve dealt with any gunsmiths, I’ve been very lucky to have had work done on some handguns by Ron Power (I had a Grandmaster 629, and have a 625-5), Leonard Baity for work done on a 1911, and Cylinder and Slide. I don’t know if Ron is still doing revolvers, but his S&W and Ruger revolvers are absolutely amazing. Leonard Baity built a 1911 “Pin Gun” for me, maybe 20 years ago, incredibly accurate, and his work was superb. Cylinder & Slide is also quite well known, doing very high quality work, but they were especially well known for Colt Pythons and Browning/FN High Power. Of course, for 1911s, there were Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, and Jim Clark.
You could also contact American Handgunner magazine, if they’re still in business. I seem to recall that they used to do regular features on gunsmiths. Or maybe Brownells or PowerCustom, as both sell gunsmithing tools.
Regarding certifications, I knew 2 local guys, both were terrific gunsmiths, both were tool & die makers by trade, but had no “official” training or certifications, though both knew and hung out with Ron Power, and I’m sure they picked up some great hints from him.
Good luck,
Mark
Word of mouth and talk with folks at gun shops. Just being certified doesn’t always mean quality - anecdotal info is useful.