What is the SIA CCTV Licence?
The CCTV Operator Licence is one of the most popular licences issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). It is also called the Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) Licence. The CCTV licence allows the holder to work as a CCTV Operator in the private security industry.
Do I Need an SIA CCTV Operator Licence?
Yes, you need a CCTV Licence if you want to work as a CCTV operator and your job involves carrying out any licensable activities, including:
- Actively watching what the public is doing.
- Using CCTV cameras to find or track a specific person.
- Checking recorded videos with CCTV cameras to find people or see what they did.
Eligibility Criteria for Getting a CCTV SIA Licence
To get a CCTV Licence, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be 18 years of age,
- Must possess the legal authorisation to work in the UK,
- Have passed a criminal check,
- and have completed the SIA CCTV Operator Training Course.
How to Apply for the CCTV Licence in the UK
Step 1: Pass the SIA CCTV Operator Training Course
The process of getting a CCTV licence begins with passing the CCTV licence course.
It’s a 3-day course, and you will be evaluated through two multiple-choice-questions (MCQ) tests and a practical assessment.
To prepare for the MCQ assessments, you can take our free SIA Licence Training Mock Exam.
Step 2: Complete the SIA Licence Application
Please visit the SIA website and fill out the online SIA CCTV licence application form. On the form, please provide your complete information, including personal details, qualifications, and employment history. SIA will contact you within 25 working days. In some cases, it may take up to 5 weeks.
Step 3: Complete Identity Checks
It’s mandatory to verify your identity to get an SIA licence. Please visit your nearest Post Office branch and bring your SIA application reference number and the original copies of the necessary documents. After they verify your documents, take a photograph, and collect an electronic signature, they will carry out identity checks. Then, they will send all the required materials to the SIA on your behalf.
Step 4: Wait for the SIA to Complete Identity and Criminal Background Checks
The SIA (Security Industry Authority) will need some time to check your identity and look into your criminal record. Sometimes, if you've lived in another country for over six months, you might have to give them additional documents.
Step 5: Receive Your CCTV Licence in the Post
After they approve your SIA licence application, they will send your SIA CCTV Licence in the post, valid for 3 years.
To learn more about applying for an SIA licence, read our blog, “A Step-By-Step Guide to Getting an SIA Licence.”
SIA CCTV Licence Requirements
- Original certificate of your qualification
- Recent DBS check
- 2 countersigned photographs
- Pay the £184 fee
- Disclosure of convictions form (if applicable)
How Much Does a SIA CCTV Licence Cost?
The SIA CCTV Licence application fee is £184, which is non-refundable.
How Long Does a CCTV Licence Last?
The SIA CCTV Operator Licence is valid for 3 years. Once it expires, you must renew your SIA licence to continue working in the security industry in the UK.
SIA CCTV Licence Renewal
Unlike other SIA Licences, renewing your SIA CCTV Licence requires no refresher training. You can simple apply for CCTV Licence renewal and pay for a fee of £184.
To learn about SIA licence renewal process in detail, read our blog “Stay SIA Licensed: Your Guide to SIA Licence Renewal.”
The best practice is to apply for licence renewal up to 4 months before the end of your current licence. However, the new licence will only become effective once your current licence has officially expired.
You can also check the details of your SIA licence with an SIA Licence Checker.
SIA Licence Integration
SIA enables specific licence holders from one area to engage in licensable activities in another. Specifically regarding CCTV-related tasks, a Door Supervisor is authorised to carry out all frontline responsibilities, including camera monitoring. Instances where a CCTV Licence is not required include the following:
- Cameras are employed exclusively for the identification and monitoring of intruders or trespassers on a site.
- To safeguard buildings and/or vehicles, preventing theft or damage to the physical premises or property.
Jobs for SIA CCTV Licence Holders
- CCTV Operator working for local council
- CCTV Operator working for retail store
- Mobile CCTV Operator
- CCTV Control Room Operator
- Camera Enforcement Operator
- Event Control Room Operator
- Loss Prevention Officer
- Surveillance Investigator
- Control Room Operator
- Retail Security Officer
- Corporate Security Officer
- and more
Read our blog, “A Comprehensive Guide to Top SIA Security Jobs” to learn more about security jobs in detail.
SIA CCTV Licence Course
You must complete formal training, including three units and pass the assessments to get the CCTV Operator Licence.
At Hurak Learning, the SIA CCTV Operator Training Course is a 3-day course for individuals looking for a career in the private security industry as a CCTV operator. The course complies with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) standards.
There are three units in the SIA licence CCTV course:
- Unit 1: Working in the Private Security Industry
- Unit 2: Working as a CCTV Operator
- Unit 3: Practical Use of CCTV Systems
Read our blog, “How to Get Free SIA Training Courses,” to get funding for free SIA training.
SIA CCTV Licence Mock Exam
As passing MCQ exams is mandatory for completing the CCTV Licence course, it’s a good idea to try this SIA mock exam for practice.
Other SIA Licences
SIA issues several SIA Licences for different security jobs. Check the most popular SIA licences below:
- SIA Door Supervisor Licence
- APLH Personal Licence
- Close Protection Licence
- SIA Security Guard Licence
- Key Holding Licence
Relevant SIA Security Courses for SIA Licences
Frequently Asked Questions
As your SIA licence expires after 3 years, you must initiate the renewal process 4 months before the expiry date. Your new SIA licence will only become effective once your current licence has expired.
With a CCTV Licence, you can work in roles involving operating and monitoring CCTV systems. This includes roles such as a CCTV operator or a surveillance professional.
No, you cannot work as a CCTV operator without a CCTV Licence because it’s a legal requirement.
You will get a 50% discount on the second SIA licence if you already have one.
You must complete the 3-day SIA CCTV Operator Training Course to get an SIA CCTV Licence.
The SIA CCTV Operator Training Course covers various topics to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge for operating CCTV systems. The course covers content about legal frameworks, surveillance techniques, equipment operation, emergency procedures, communication skills, health and safety, and professional conduct related to operating closed-circuit television systems.
A criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you from obtaining an SIA licence. However, its impact depends on the nature and severity of the offence. Each case is assessed individually, so you must check with the SIA directly or seek legal advice.
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