SIA CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) Level 2 Course

Our SIA CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) Level 2 course is the licence-linked qualification required to work legally as a CCTV operator in the UK's private security industry.

SIA CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) Level 2 Course | North Wales

The Level 2 Award for CCTV Operators (Public Space Surveillance) in the Private Security Industry is a prerequisite for those seeking to work as a CCTV operator in the private security industry. Delivered over three days at our training centre in North Wales, the Reaper 24/7 Academy programme is built around real-world control room standards and current SIA specifications, providing candidates with the knowledge, competence, and professional grounding to operate effectively from day one.

Is a CCTV Licence Required by Law?

Yes. 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 a valid SIA licence.

The scope of what requires a licence is broader than many candidates realise. In January 2026, the SIA updated its official guidance on when a CCTV/PSS licence is required, clarifying that public and private land is no longer distinguished separately, with all land now considered within scope. Organisations should ensure their CCTV personnel hold appropriate licences and that any uncertainty around whether activities are licensable is resolved with reference to the latest SIA guidance.

What the Course Covers

The three-day programme covers all units specified by the SIA, combining classroom instruction with practical system operation and scenario-based tasks:

  • Roles and responsibilities of a CCTV operator within the private security industry

  • Key legislation governing surveillance operations — including the Data Protection Act, GDPR, Human Rights Act 1998, and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA)

  • CCTV codes of practice, operational procedures, and professional standards

  • Incident identification, recording, and management

  • Monitoring, tracking, and reporting techniques

  • Effective communication with police, emergency services, and wider security teams

  • Practical operation of CCTV systems — cameras, control room equipment, and recording systems

  • Producing accurate written reports and evidential statements suitable for use in legal proceedings

  • Maintaining integrity, professionalism, and compliance within a control room environment

Duration 3 days
Level Level 2 Award (Public Space Surveillance)
Cost £250 per person
Location Network House, Mochdre, North Wales, LL28 5HN
Assessment Multiple-choice exams + practical assessment
On completion Level 2 CCTV (PSS) certificate
SIA licence fee £204 (paid directly to the SIA after qualifying)

Assessment

The qualification is assessed through a combination of methods designed to confirm both theoretical knowledge and practical capability:

  • Two multiple-choice written examinations covering legislative and operational knowledge

  • A practical CCTV system operation assessment conducted under assessment conditions

  • Scenario-based tasks reflecting real-world control room duties and incident response All assessments are conducted in accordance with the relevant awarding body requirements. The course runs over three days with 23 hours of guided learning.

Who Should Attend

This course is suitable for:

  • Individuals applying for their SIA CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) licence for the first time

  • Security professionals looking to add a CCTV qualification and expand their operational capability

  • Staff working in or moving into control room environments, including local authority monitoring centres, retail security, corporate premises, transport hubs, and event operations

  • Organisations that need to ensure their CCTV personnel are fully licensed and compliant

To be eligible for the SIA CCTV licence, candidates must be at least 18 years old and have the right to live and work in the UK. There are no specific prior qualifications required to attend the training course itself.

It is also worth noting that candidates who already hold a valid Door Supervisor, Security Officer, or Close Protection certificate may be eligible to complete a shorter two-day version of the course. Contact us to discuss your existing qualifications before booking.

Your CCTV Qualification and Licence

On successfully completing the course, candidates receive the Level 2 Award for CCTV Operators (Public Space Surveillance) in the Private Security Industry. This is the qualification required to apply to the SIA for a Public Space Surveillance licence. The SIA CCTV licence costs £204, is valid for three years, and renewal does not require any additional training, candidates simply submit a renewal application through the SIA online portal. Candidates who already hold another SIA licence can apply for their CCTV licence at a 50% discount, provided their existing licence has more than four months of validity remaining.

Book Your Place

To enquire about upcoming course dates, reserve a place, or discuss training for multiple members of staff, contact our team directly.

Available Courses

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