What is the SIA CCTV Licence?
One of the most popular SIA licences. The CCTV Licence, also known as the Public Space Surveillance (PPS) Licence, allows you to work in the private security industry as a CCTV Operator.
We make getting your SIA CCTV licence a simple, stress-free process ✅
What does a CCTV Operator do?
CCTV Operators usually work in control rooms where camera footage from offices, shops or public spaces are displayed. Using the equipment, it is the CCTV Operator’s responsibility to keep people and property safe by actively monitoring public areas, tracking individuals and identifying risk. Employers include security companies, local councils and corporations.
What does the role of a CCTV Operator involve?
Staying perceptive and not letting your focus fade away for long periods of time are what make a CCTV Operator great. Remember, your job is to notice and prevent crimes before they happen as much as possible.
If you’re the kind of person who notices the little things other people don’t, or can tell by someone’s body language what they’re thinking, a CCTV Operator job would suit you well. Businesses are investing in camera systems a lot, which means there’s a growing number of CCTV Operator jobs open to you
Do I need an SIA Licence?
Questions about when a CCTV Licence is required are very common. In short, if any licensable activities of a CCTV Operative, or Public Space Surveillance Operative, are carried out, then a licence is required.
These activities include:
✅ Actively monitoring the activities of a member of the public.
✅Using CCTV equipment (such as cameras) to identify (focus or track or look for) a particular individual.
✅Review recorded footage through CCTV equipment to identify individuals or to investigate the actions of individuals.
IMPORTANT: Unless your employer has been given an exemption under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, it is illegal to carry out any licensable activity of a CCTV Operative without the necessary SIA Licence.
For Licence Integrations for current SIA licence holders and how it relates to CCTV.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an SIA CCTV Licence, or Public Space Surveillance Licence, you need to have successfully completed the CCTV operator training course and obtained the linked qualification: Level 2 Qualification in CCTV Operations (PSS).
IMPORTANT: You must be over 18 years of age, have the right to work in the UK and have passed a criminal check.
How to apply for the SIA Licence
Getting your SIA Licence may seem like a complicated process, but it’s actually quite straightforward! All you need to do is follow the simple steps:
✅ Pass the CCTV Operator Training Course
The CCTV Course takes 3 days to complete and is assessed by 2 multiple choice exams and a practical assessment.
✅Complete the licence application on the SIA website
The SIA will get back to you within 25 working days. In rare cases, this can take up to 6 weeks. Note, if you are currently an SIA Licence Holder and are adding the CCTV Licence as an additional licence, you will be eligible for a 50% discount.
✅ Complete identity checks
You will need to verify your identity to satisfy parts of your SIA application, namely your photo ID. The easiest way to do this is at the Post Office. You can also have someone with a British passport, who is not related to you, to sign the back of your photo ID.
✅ Submit application and wait for the SIA to complete identity and criminal background checks
The SIA will verify your identity and run a background check on your criminal record. If you have lived abroad for 6 months or more, you may be required to provide some supporting evidence.
✅ Receive your 3 year licence in the post
You are finally licensed! Your SIA CCTV Licence is valid for 3 years.
SIA CCTV Training Course
To apply for the SIA CCTV Licence, you are required to carry out formal training and pass the necessary assessment.
The CCTV Training Course runs over 3 days and contains 3 Units:
✅ Working in the Private Security Industry.
✅ Working as a CCTV Operator.
✅ Practical Use of CCTV Systems
SIA Licence Integration
The SIA allows certain licence holders of one area to perform licensable activities in another.
For CCTV related activities in particular, a Door supervisor may conduct all frontline duties, including camera monitoring. Scenarios in which a CCTV Licence is not necessary are as follows:
✅ Where cameras are used to solely identify and monitor the activities of intruders/trespassers onto a site.
✅ For the protection of buildings and/or vehicles against theft or damage to the actual premises or property.
FACT: According to the SIA, organisations undertaking CCTV surveillance also need to ensure a minimum of 85% of their CCTV Operators hold a valid licence at all times.