Why should I take the CCTV (Public Space Subservience) Operators course?

The role of a CCTV operator is mainly involved with monitoring and tracking the activities of suspicious looking individuals or situations in public places. However, unless you are working ‘in house’, you will need to be granted a CCTV SIA licence before you can apply for a job within the industry.

Before you can apply to the SIA for a CCTV licence you will need to obtain a qualification called the Level 2 Award Working as a CCTV Operator (PSS) within the Private Security Industry (QCF). This qualification is achieved by attending a 3 day CCTV training course and passing two multiple choice exams together with a practical assessment. You will also need to provide suitable identification and pass a criminality check.There will be 9 hours of distance learning that need to be completed prior to attending the course.

(Please note – You MUST be 18 or over to both attend the training and apply for your SIA License.)

What will I learn on the CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) Operators course?

The course is separated into three Units:

Unit 1 – Working within the Private Security Industry

• The legislation that is relevant to people working in the private security industry
• Relevant aspects of health and safety in the workplace
• Application of fire safety principles
• Dealing with non-fire-related workplace emergencies
• The principles of effective communication and customer care in the private security industry

This module is primarily taught via distance learning before attending the 4 day course.  It is assessed by a multiple choice 40 question exam lasting 1 hour and you must get 28 or more correct to pass  (70%).

Unit 2 – Working as a CCTV Operator within the Private Security Industry

• Relevant Legislation and how it impacts on CCTV operations
• Roles and responsibilities of the CCTV Operator and other CCTV staff
• The characteristics of a CCTV system
• How to make effective use of CCTV equipment
• Emergency procedures in the CCTV control room

This module is assessed by a multiple choice 45 question exam lasting 1 hour and 15 mins and you must get 32 or more correct to pass (70%).

Unit 3 – Practical Operation of CCTV equipment

• Understand how to use CCTV equipment
• Carry out functional tests of the system
• Use keypads and joysticks to operate cameras, monitors and associated equipment
• Operate the system in a mock control room environment

How is the CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) Operators course assessed?

The Level 2 Award in CCTV Operations (Public Space Surveillance) is assessed by two straightforward multiple choice exam together with a practical assessment.

The vast majority of our candidates pass at their first attempt, but there is no limit to the number of times you can resit the exams. DSTO offer 2 free resits per candidate subject to our terms and conditions.

Applying for the SIA CCTV Operator licence

(Please note – You MUST be 18 or over to both attend the training and apply for your SIA License.)

On receipt of your exam results the information is uploaded by our awarding body within 48 hours. First time applicants must apply online for their licence.  Renewals can only apply by phone. Delays are often caused by:

• Not completing the form correctly(it does warn you of errors as you go along)
• Sending insufficient/incorrect identification(can be done at the post office)
• Failure to pay the £220 licence fee
• Criminality issues
• False declarations
• Address history not being concurrent or change of address without informing the SIA. (licenced people only)

You can track how your application is proceeding by going to the Application Status checker on the SIA Website