The SIA CCTV Licence allows the holder to legally work as a CCTV Operative in the United Kingdom
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.
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.
For Licence Integrations for current SIA licence holders and how it relates to CCTV.
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).
SIA Criminal Record tool
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 cost of starting a licence application is £184. 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.
Watch this video on how to apply for your SIA licence
This video will take you step-by-step on how to apply for an SIA Licence. From setting up your SIA online account to the checks you will need to complete when applying for an SIA Licence.
For further information about how the application process works, follow our detailed guide SIA Licence Application Process
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.
For further information see SIA Licence Application Process.
Your SIA CCTV Licence is valid for 3 years and costs a fee of £184. This is to cover the cost of processing your application and is non-refundable.
You might be eligible for a 50% discount
Some SIA Licence holders require additional licences. If you currently hold an SIA Licence and need an additional one, you will receive a 50% discount on your application fee for the second licence. For further information, see the SIA's Licensing Discount
Renewing your CCTV Licence requires no refresher training. You can simply renew your licence for a fee of £184.
You can begin this process up to 4 months before the end of your current licence. Your new licence will not begin until your current one expires. For more information see the SIA Website on Licence Renewals.
The SIA allows certain licence holders of one area to perform licensable activties 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.
Learn more about SIA licensing integration.
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The SIA Public Surveillance (CCTV) Licence costs £190, this is non-refundable once paid. This is paid directly to SIA, who are the licensing authority for the security industry.
To be eligible for the SIA CCTV (or SIA Public Surveillance) Licence, you need to pass the CCTV Training Course, be at least 18 years old and have the right to live and work in the UK.
The CCTV Operator Course introduces you to the fundamentals of working in the security industry and operating camera equipment. It runs over three days and is a requirement for obtaining the SIA Public Surveillance (CCTV) Licence.
The SIA checks the criminal background of applicants through a DBS check, as well as verifying their identity.
Having a criminal record does not rule you out from applying for an SIA licence. The SIA will make a decision on whether your conviction is relevant to your licence application.
With a Door Supervisor Licence you can undertake CCTV-2 activities. These are classed as using CCTV only to identify a trespasser or to protect property. If you want to carry out any other activities using CCTV equipment such as tracking individuals, you will need the SIA Public Surveillance (CCTV) License.
If you already have an SIA License the cost of another licence is discounted by 50%.
According to the SIA website, it takes 25 working days to process a licence application. In some cases, this can take up to 6 weeks due to additional security checks.
The SIA Public Surveillance (CCTV) Licence enables you to work in the use surveillance in public spaces. This licence allows you to look for individuals using CCTV.
It is illegal to work in the private security industry without the necessary SIA Licence unless your employer qualifies for an exemption under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
Most identity checks can be completed online. If you are using a passport as your identity document this can be electronically checked. If electronic checks cannot be completed you will be asked to identify yourself at the post office.
To renew your SIA CCTV Licence, you do not need to take any further training and can simply start a renewal application on the SIA website.
It will cost £190 to renew your SIA licence. Your new licence will last for 3 years.
You can start renewing your SIA licence 4 months before your current licence is due to expire. Your new licence will only commence after your current licence expires.
Licence Integration is where an SIA licence can be applied to another area that relates to the licence. The SIA allows individuals who meet the licensing criteria for one licensable activity to carry out another licensable activities. For example, individuals with a SIA Close Protection Licence can work as Door Supervisors. In the same way, Door Supervisors are able to carry out some licensable activities (within limitations) of a CCTV Operative.
To read our full list of FAQ's, click here.
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