SIA CCTV Operator Public Surveillance

This CCTV Operator (Public Surveillance) course is designed for those learners wishing to apply for a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to work as a CCTV operator in public space surveillance.

It is based on the relevant SIA specification for learning and qualifications and is supported by Skills for Security, the standards setting body for the security industry and the SIA, who regulate the private security industry.

Obtaining the level 2 CCTV Training qualification is the first step towards getting an SIA Licence. If you are looking to work as a CCTV operator, this is the right qualification for you.

The Course is spread over two mandatory units:

Unit 1: Principles of working in the private security industry

• Know the main characteristics and purposes of the Private Security Industry
• Understand legislation as it applies to a security operative
• Understand arrest procedures relevant to security operatives
• Understand the importance of safe working practices
• Understand fire procedures in the workplace
• Understand emergencies and the importance of emergency procedures
• Understand how to communicate effectively as a security operative
• Understand record keeping relevant to the role of the security operative
• Understand terror threats and the role of the security operative in the event of a threat
• Understand how to keep vulnerable people safe
• Understand good practice for post incident management

Unit 2: Principles and Practices of Working as a CCTV Operator in the Private Security Industry

• Understand the purpose of surveillance (CCTV) systems and the roles and responsibilities of the control room team and other stakeholders
• Understand the different types of legislation and how they impact on Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) operations
• Understand the importance of operational procedures in public space surveillance (CCTV) operations
• Understand how public space surveillance (CCTV) systems equipment operates
• Understand surveillance techniques
• Understand different types of incidents and how to respond to them
• Understand health and safety in the CCTV environment
• Demonstrate operational use of CCTV equipment
• Produce evidential documentation

Our SIA CCTV Operator, Public Surveillance courses consist of four parts:

Part 1: Distance learning – self-study prior to the course start date

Part 2: Theoretical knowledge – classroom based

Part 3: Practical Assessment – classroom based

Part 4: Multiple choice examination – E-Assessment – classroom based

For Unit 1: Principles of working in the private security industry you will be expected to answer 72 multiple choice questions with a duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes and a pass mark of 51 questions.

For Unit 2: Principles and Practices of Working as a CCTV Operator in the Private Security Industry you will be expected to answer 40 multiple choice questions with a duration of 1 hour and a pass mark of 28 questions.

We have a policy of NO PASS – NO RETAKE FEE, so if you do not pass there is no charge for 2 exam re-takes. Our pass rate is over 95%.

Everything you need to know for the exams is covered in the CCTV Operator Course and our experienced trainers will fully prepare you for success in the tests.

Exam results will be made available on the day of the e-assessment. 

If you’re funding your studies yourself then we have three payment options available, detailed below:

Payment in Full: If your budget allows, you can make your payment in full and start your studies knowing the cost of your course is complete. The course fee £199 includes examination fees, full instruction, and exam resit.

Deposit Payment: To reserve and guarantee your place on the course you will need to pay a deposit fee of £100 and the remaining balance of £99.5.

You must get a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) if you work as an operative (or supply operatives under a contract for services) who uses closed circuit television CCTV equipment to:

•   monitor the activities of a member of the public in a public or private place
• Identify a particular person

This includes the use of CCTV to record images that are viewed on non-CCTV equipment, but excludes the use of CCTV solely to identify a trespasser or protect property.

There are 2 types of SIA licence:

• a front line licence for operatives carrying out surveillance
• a non-front line licence for managers, supervisors and other staff who do not carry out front line duties

To get your licence you:

• must be at least 18 years of age
• must pass an identity check
• must pass a criminal record check

For front line roles you must also hold the appropriate SIA-approved qualification.

How to apply

You can complete you SIA licence application online or through the post. You must supply the supporting relevant documentation and pay a fee. The licence application costs £190 and is non-refundable.

Granted licences last for 3 years. If you pay your own licence fee, you can claim tax relief – worth £49 for basic rate tax payers.

If you are an employer paying an employee’s licence fee, there will be no tax or National Insurance liability. If you need more than one licence for your activities, you may be eligible for a 50% discount for the second application fee.

Conditions

The SIA can attach to the licence any conditions they believe to be reasonable.

You must renew your licence before it expires to continue working. You can apply to renew your licence up to 4 months before your current licence expires.

The SIA may authorise a person to enter your place of business or place of work (where your licensed action is undertaken) to assess your compliance with any ongoing obligations. You may also have to provide any relevant documents or information to show your compliance with any licence obligations.

The SIA CCTV Operator course runs over 3 days and is divided into 3 units: Working within the Private Security Industry. Working as a CCTV Operator within the Private Security Industry.

Yes, this course involves hands-on experience working with CCTV systems.

Yes, the CCTV Operator course includes distance learning which you must complete before you attend the classroom training.

Certificates are usually sent to your email within 3 days after the examination Board have relieced your examination results.  It takes approximately 3 calendar weeks.

Please note, you don’t need a certificate to apply for your SIA Licence.