Course information
Course Overview
This regulated qualification is designed for learners who want to apply for a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence to work as a CCTV operator in public space surveillance. It follows the relevant SIA specification for learning and qualifications and supports employment within the private security industry.
The course develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to operate CCTV equipment, follow surveillance procedures and produce evidence with a reliable audit trail.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is designed for people who want to work as CCTV operators within the private security industry, particularly in public space surveillance roles.
This qualification is available to learners aged 16 or over. However, learners must be at least 18 years old before they can apply for an SIA licence.
Skills Covered
The qualification comprises three mandatory units:
- Unit 1 – Working Within the Private Security Industry: The main characteristics of the private security industry, relevant legislation, safe working practices, fire and emergency procedures, communication skills and customer care.
- Unit 2 – Working as a CCTV Operator Within the Private Security Industry: CCTV operator roles and responsibilities, codes of practice, operational procedures, relevant legislation, communication, emergency procedures, CCTV system characteristics and workplace health and safety.
- Unit 3 – Practical Operation of CCTV Equipment Within the Private Security Industry: Equipment checks, fault reporting, camera operation, tracking suspects, searching areas, producing evidential images, recording footage and completing documentation with a reliable audit trail.
- Operating CCTV cameras and associated equipment
- Tracking people and activities across monitored areas
- Producing evidential images and recordings
- Reporting equipment faults
- Completing CCTV documentation accurately
- Responding to security incidents and emergencies
Entry Requirements
- Minimum course age: 16 years
- SIA licence age: Learners must be at least 18 years old to apply for an SIA licence
- Language: English or Welsh competence equivalent to B1 CEFR, ESOL Level 1, Functional Skills Level 1 in English or an equivalent standard is recommended
- Identification: Suitable identification must be provided before assessment in accordance with licence-linked qualification requirements
- Course duration: Three days
- Total Qualification Time: 32 hours
- Guided Learning Hours: 23 hours
- Minimum contact time: 23 hours
Delivery requirement: Training and assessment must take place over at least three days. Training, delivery and assessment must not exceed eight hours on any single day.
Assessment Method
The qualification is assessed through two multiple-choice examinations and one practical assessment:
- Unit 1 theory assessment: An externally set and assessed 40-question multiple-choice examination lasting one hour. The pass mark is 70%.
- Unit 2 theory assessment: An externally set and assessed 40-question multiple-choice examination lasting one hour. The pass mark is 70%.
- Unit 3 practical assessment: An externally set and internally assessed practical assessment covering the operation of CCTV equipment. Simulation is permitted, and learners must achieve 100%.
Pass requirements: Learners must successfully complete all three mandatory units and pass every assessment component to achieve the qualification.