CCTV Operator Training Course

Want to start a career in surveillance and public safety? The CCTV Operator Training Course (Public Space Surveillance) is your gateway into a fast-growing field — and your first step toward getting an SIA CCTV Licence.

This is a 3-day course designed to give you the knowledge and skills to pass your exam and work legally as a qualified CCTV Operator.

🎥 What You’ll Learn

Over the course of three days, you’ll cover everything from CCTV regulations and incident recording to operating equipment in control rooms and understanding the law around public space surveillance.

💼 Where You Could Work

Qualified CCTV Operators are employed across a range of sectors, including:

• Local councils

• Retail centres and high streets

• Airports and transport hubs

• Business parks and corporate offices

• Events and festivals

• Private security firms

💰 How Much Can You Earn?

Working full-time as a CCTV Operator, salaries can range from £1,800 to £5,000 per month, depending on the role, sector, and shift pattern. Many operators work nights and weekends, which often pays more.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need?
You need to complete an SIA CCTV Operator Training Course and pass the exam to apply for a licence.

How long is the course?
The course runs for 3 days in total.

Can I take the course online?
Yes — we offer a blended learning option.
Join the first two days online, then attend in person for the final exam day. You’ll need a laptop or PC to join the online sessions.

How much does the licence cost?
The SIA CCTV Licence currently costs £184 (set by the Security Industry Authority).

🚨 Why Now?

With rising demand for surveillance professionals across the UK, there’s never been a better time to get licensed.
There are around 4 to 6 million CCTV cameras in the UK — and over 11,000 in the London Underground alone. Every one of them needs trained operators behind the scenes.

📋 Jobs You Can Apply For With a CCTV Licence:

• CCTV Operator (Retail, Local Council, Corporate)

• Mobile CCTV Operator

• Control Room Operative

• Camera Enforcement Officer

• Event Surveillance Staff

• Traffic Monitoring Operative
  …and more.

Ready to get started?
Book your course today and join thousands of professionals already working in this essential field.

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  🎓 What Will I Learn During the CCTV Operator Course?

  The CCTV Operator Training Course is approved by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and is designed to give you a complete understanding of your role as a licensed CCTV professional.

  You’ll learn how to monitor public spaces legally, handle incidents responsibly, and operate CCTV equipment confidently — all while maintaining professionalism and compliance with the law.

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  🧠 What the Course Covers

  The course blends theory and hands-on practice, including:

  • The legal responsibilities of a CCTV Operator

  • Data protection and privacy laws

  • CCTV codes of practice

  • Using CCTV equipment and control room procedures

  • Recording and reporting incidents

  • Emergency procedures and working with the police

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  🗓️ Course Structure

  This is a 3-day course split into the following three units:

  Unit 1: Working in the Private Security Industry

  Gain a broad understanding of the security sector, legal standards, communication, and emergency response.

  Unit 2: Working as a CCTV Operator

  Learn the specific duties of CCTV professionals, including monitoring, recording, evidence handling, and ethics.

  Unit 3: Practical Use of CCTV Systems

  Hands-on training with real equipment, focusing on operating CCTV systems, observing incidents, and reacting in real-time.

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  By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to operate in a control room and apply for your SIA CCTV Operator Licence.

👁️‍🗨️ CCTV Operator: More Than Just Watching Screens

What might seem like a routine or static job is actually one of the most dynamic and high-pressure roles in the security industry.

With the rising threats of crime and terrorism both globally and locally, CCTV surveillance has become a critical toolin protecting public spaces. As a result, there’s growing demand for trained and licensed CCTV Operators across almost every industry.

From housing complexes and shopping centres to schools, hospitals, airports, and council-run buildings, CCTV systems are now the norm — and essential.

Whether you’re just starting out in security or looking to build on existing experience, a career in CCTV offers real progression and long-term stability.

🔍 What Does a CCTV Operator Actually Do?

The main responsibility of a CCTV Operator is to help keep people safe by monitoring video feeds, identifying suspicious activity, and responding appropriately.

Here’s what the job typically involves:

• Monitoring multiple live camera feeds

• Reporting and recording incidents

• Communicating with emergency services when needed

• Tracking suspicious individuals or behaviour

• Logging footage for evidence in legal investigations

• Protecting personal data and ensuring compliance with GDPR and security regulations

🧠 Key Skills Required

To do this job well, you’ll need:

• Sharp observation and attention to detail

• Strong communication skills (especially under pressure)

• The ability to multitask and monitor several locations at once

• Confidence working alone and making decisions quickly

• A good understanding of behaviour, body language, and crowd movement

• High standards of professionalism and confidentiality

You must also act with integrity, accuracy, and discretion at all times — especially when handling sensitive footage or responding to serious incidents.

📈 Career Progression

CCTV isn’t just a job — it’s a career path. You could progress into:

• Control Room Supervisor

• Security Manager

• Surveillance Analyst

• Counter-Terror Strategy Roles

• Or move into broader security management roles

🛡️ How to Get Started in the Security Industry

If you want to work as a CCTV Operator, Door Supervisor, or Security Guard, you’ll need an SIA Licence.

To get your licence:

1. Complete the relevant SIA-accredited training course

2. Pass the required exams

3. Apply for your licence through the SIA website

4. Once approved, you’ll be legally allowed to work in the private security sector

Need help choosing the right course or getting licensed?
We’re here to guide you — just get in touch.

Is The Role Of A CCTV Operator?

👁️ Is a Career in CCTV Right for You?

Did you know the UK is estimated to have 4 to 6 million CCTV cameras? That’s about one camera for every 13 people — making the UK one of the most heavily monitored countries in the world.

While many of these cameras are only reviewed after incidents occur, CCTV Operators play a crucial role in real-time monitoring — especially in settings like shops, hospitals, offices, and transport hubs. Their job is to spot and report suspicious or criminal activity as it happens, helping to keep people and property safe.

🎯 What’s it Like to Be a CCTV Operator?

If you’re interested in public safety but prefer an indoor, focused, high-responsibility role, working as a CCTV Operator could be a perfect fit.

Let’s bust a myth: this is not a sit-back-and-relax kind of job. You may be responsible for monitoring 10 to 15 camera feeds at once, keeping your attention sharp and ready to act. It’s about skill, observation, and sound judgement.

You’ll work closely with security teams on the ground, giving them instructions from the control room, reporting threats, and in some cases, even liaising with the police or giving evidence in court.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Operating surveillance equipment professionally and legally

• Monitoring for criminal or suspicious behaviour

• Logging incidents clearly and securely

• Providing real-time updates to on-site teams

• Ensuring your actions meet all data protection and privacy laws

🛑 Important: You must only zoom in on individuals when there’s a valid reason — not for curiosity or personal interest. During training, you’ll learn exactly when and how to act within the law.

📈 Perks and Progression

• Work indoors in a tech-focused, secure setting

• Opportunities to move into supervisor, manager, or control room leadership roles

• Ideal for anyone looking to build a career in public safety or corporate security

✅ Step 1 — Are You Eligible?

You don’t need prior experience as a Door Supervisor or Security Guard (although it helps). Many people start their security career directly as a CCTV Operator.

To apply, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 or older

• Have proof of your right to work in the UK

• Pass a criminal background check

• Pass a mental health assessment (this is a standard part of the SIA process)

Ready to take the first step?
Explore our CCTV training courses and start your journey into a high-demand, high-impact role.

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