Thinking about a career monitoring security cameras and helping prevent crime? CCTV operators play a crucial role in keeping the public safe, and with demand for surveillance professionals growing across the UK, now is an excellent time to enter this field. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a CCTV operator in 2025, from training requirements to job prospects and salary expectations.
What does a CCTV operator actually do?
A CCTV operator, also known as a Public Space Surveillance operative, works in a central control room monitoring live video footage from security cameras. According to industry sources, operators may watch up to 15 screens simultaneously, using joysticks, keyboards, and other controls to change camera positions or zoom in on suspicious activity.
The role goes far beyond simply watching screens. CCTV operators are responsible for:
Monitoring public activities in real-time to identify suspicious or unusual behaviour, tracking individuals as they move through buildings or street networks, and liaising with on-site security staff or police to provide detailed intelligence about suspects. They ensure CCTV systems are functioning properly, record and store footage appropriately for potential use as evidence, and assist police investigations by providing access to recordings when required.
The work can be challenging and high-pressure. You might witness crimes in progress, medical emergencies, or accidents, and need to respond quickly and professionally. According to career advisors, operators must remain calm when viewing upsetting scenes whilst performing their duties satisfactorily.
Do you need an SIA licence to be a CCTV operator?
Yes, if you’re working as a CCTV operator in a professional capacity, you need an SIA Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence. According to the Security Industry Authority, a CCTV licence is required when you’re guarding premises, property, or people by using CCTV equipment to watch members of the public or identify particular individuals.
Specifically, you need a licence if your duties include actively monitoring public activities, using CCTV cameras to find or track specific people, or reviewing recorded footage to identify individuals or investigate their actions. It’s illegal to carry out these activities without an SIA licence unless your employer has received an exemption under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
However, there are some exceptions. If you already hold a Door Supervisor licence, you may be able to perform limited CCTV duties through licensing integration. Door supervisors can monitor basic camera systems that don’t involve pan-tilt-zoom cameras and are focused solely on property protection rather than public safety monitoring. But if your role involves using CCTV to prevent disorder or protect people from assault, you’ll need the specific CCTV operator licence.
CCTV operator eligibility requirements
Before starting your CCTV training course, you need to meet certain basic requirements set by the Security Industry Authority:
You must be at least 18 years old, have the legal right to work in the UK, and be able to provide documentation proving this. You’ll need to pass a criminal record check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), undergo identity verification with official documents such as a passport or driving licence, and potentially undergo mental health checks as part of the licensing process.
Don’t let a criminal record automatically discourage you. The SIA assesses each case individually, and minor historical offences won’t necessarily prevent you from obtaining a licence. However, convictions involving dishonesty, violence, or drugs will be scrutinised carefully. If you’re unsure whether your record will be an issue, the SIA offers a pre-application criminality advice service.
As of December 2025, if you’ve lived outside the UK for six months or more in the last ten years, you’ll need to provide overseas criminal record checks. This requirement changed from the previous five-year period.
The CCTV operator training course
To qualify for your SIA licence, you must complete an SIA-approved CCTV operator training course. The course results in a Level 2 Award in CCTV Operations (Public Space Surveillance), which is the mandatory qualification needed to apply for your licence.
The training typically takes three to four days to complete. According to approved training providers, the course covers three mandatory units including the role and responsibilities of CCTV operators, operating CCTV equipment and control room procedures, and understanding relevant laws including the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.
During the training, you’ll learn how to monitor security footage effectively, identify security risks and report incidents properly, work with police and emergency services, follow emergency procedures during incidents, and ensure compliance with privacy laws and regulations.
Many providers now offer flexible learning options. Some courses run over three consecutive days, whilst others spread the training across weekends to accommodate people in full-time employment. Virtual learning options are also available where you attend the first two days online from home and then take your exam in person at a nearby test centre.
The course concludes with assessments including a written multiple-choice exam and practical evaluations to ensure you can operate equipment safely and understand your legal responsibilities. Most reputable providers offer free retakes if you don’t pass first time, though you should verify this before booking.
How much does CCTV training cost?
CCTV operator course prices vary by provider and location, but typically range from £200 to £350 for the complete three-day programme. Be wary of suspiciously cheap courses, as they may not be properly SIA-approved or might include hidden fees.
Always verify that your chosen provider appears on the SIA’s database of approved trainers before booking. Using a non-approved provider means your qualification won’t be accepted when you apply for your licence, wasting your time and money.
Applying for your SIA CCTV licence
Once you’ve successfully completed your training course, you can apply for your SIA Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence. According to the SIA, you’ll need to apply online through their website and provide various documents as part of the application process.
The application requires two categories of documents for identity verification. Group A documents include items like your passport, UK photocard driving licence, or biometric residence permit. Group B documents include items such as recent utility bills, bank statements, or P60 statements. You’ll need to provide one Group A document and two Group B documents, or three Group B documents if you can’t provide a Group A item.
You’ll also need to provide details of all addresses you’ve lived at during recent years, as the SIA uses this information for identity and criminal record checks. If you’ve moved frequently, gather this information before starting your application.
The SIA CCTV licence fee is £184, which is non-refundable once paid. This means if your application is unsuccessful, you won’t get your money back, so it’s crucial to ensure you meet all requirements before applying.
How long does the licence application take?
The SIA aims to process applications within 25 working days, though it can take up to six weeks in some cases. Factors that might delay your application include having lived at multiple addresses, common name variations that complicate identity checks, or overseas residence requiring additional criminality checks.
In total, you should budget 6-8 weeks from starting your training course to receiving your physical licence card and being able to work. Plan accordingly if you need to start earning quickly.
CCTV operator salary and pay rates in the UK
One of the most common questions about becoming a CCTV operator is: how much can I earn? Salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer, but let’s look at the current figures.
According to Glassdoor data for 2025, the average CCTV operator salary in the UK is £23,768 per year, which works out to approximately £11 per hour. However, there’s significant variation in the pay range. Entry-level positions typically start at around £20,734 per year (£10 per hour), whilst experienced operators can earn up to £30,809 annually at the 90th percentile.
Location makes a substantial difference. CCTV operators in London earn an average of £24,992 per year, with hourly rates ranging from £11 to £14. Some London positions, particularly in high-security environments like airports or corporate offices, can pay up to £16.62 per hour according to recent job postings.
Several factors influence how much you can earn as a CCTV operator. Experience matters significantly—entry-level operators start on modest salaries, but those with several years under their belt can negotiate considerably better pay. The industry you work in also affects earnings, with high-security environments like airports, government facilities, and large corporate offices typically offering higher salaries than retail or warehouse positions.
Shift patterns can boost your income too. Night shifts, weekend work, and bank holidays usually attract premium rates. According to industry analysis, companies recognise the challenge of unsocial hours and compensate accordingly with shift allowances that can add 20-30% to base pay.
Specialised skills and additional certifications can also increase your earning potential. Operators with knowledge of cyber security, proficiency with specific video management software, or additional SIA licences are more valuable to employers and can command higher wages.
Where do CCTV operators work?
CCTV operators are needed across numerous industries and sectors throughout the UK. The most common employers include local councils operating public space surveillance systems in town centres and high streets, shopping centres and retail complexes monitoring customer areas and car parks, transport hubs including airports, train stations, and bus terminals, corporate offices and business parks, educational establishments like universities and colleges, hospitals and healthcare facilities, construction sites and warehouses, and entertainment venues such as stadiums and concert halls.
Both public and private sector organisations employ CCTV operators. Government bodies, police forces, and councils offer stable employment with good benefits and pension schemes. Private security companies provide CCTV monitoring services to multiple clients, offering variety but sometimes less job security.
Work is generally available throughout the country, though opportunities are more plentiful in cities and large towns where surveillance infrastructure is more extensive.
What are the working conditions like?
CCTV operators work in control rooms, typically sitting in front of multiple screens for extended periods. According to industry information, operators usually work 12-hour shifts, often following a pattern of four days on followed by four days off.
Since CCTV systems operate 24/7, shift work is standard in this role. You’ll need to be flexible about working nights, weekends, and bank holidays. Whilst this can disrupt your social life, it also means you’ll have blocks of consecutive days off, and unsocial hours typically attract higher pay rates.
The work environment is climate-controlled and relatively comfortable, but the job is more demanding than it might appear. Maintaining concentration whilst monitoring multiple screens for hours requires significant mental stamina. You’ll need to stay alert during quiet periods when nothing is happening, yet be ready to respond immediately when incidents occur.
Some operators work alone, maintaining contact with colleagues via telephone and radio. Others work in teams within larger control rooms. When working alone, you may occasionally need to travel between sites to check equipment or respond to technical issues.
Essential skills for CCTV operators
Succeeding as a CCTV operator requires a specific set of skills and personal qualities. According to training providers, the most important skills include:
Excellent observation skills and attention to detail are fundamental—you need to spot unusual behaviour or potential threats amongst hours of routine footage. The ability to concentrate for extended periods whilst monitoring multiple screens simultaneously is essential. Quick thinking and logical decision-making under pressure enable you to respond appropriately to emergencies. Strong communication skills are needed when liaising with police, security staff, and other agencies. Technical proficiency with CCTV equipment and video management software is crucial for operating systems effectively.
You’ll also need emotional resilience. Career guidance notes that operators may witness upsetting or shocking scenes, from crimes in progress to accidents and medical emergencies. The ability to remain calm and professional whilst viewing disturbing footage is essential.
Discretion and confidentiality are also vital. You’ll see and record private moments in people’s lives, and professional ethics require that you don’t discuss what you’ve observed with anyone outside of official channels.
Career progression opportunities
Starting as a CCTV operator can lead to various career advancement opportunities within the security industry. With experience, you might progress to supervising other operators within a larger control room, overseeing shift patterns, training new staff, and ensuring operational standards are maintained.
Some operators move into management roles, taking responsibility for entire CCTV operations including equipment maintenance, budget management, and liaison with senior stakeholders. Others branch into related fields such as security management, facilities management, or even policing.
According to career advisors, progression can be challenging in small organisations, so operators often seek roles at larger organisations to advance their careers. Local councils and major corporations typically offer better progression pathways than small private security firms.
Investing in additional qualifications can accelerate your career development. Consider obtaining other SIA licences such as Security Guarding or Door Supervision to broaden your employment options. Specialist training in areas like first aid, conflict resolution, or cyber security can also make you more valuable to employers.
Understanding the legal framework
CCTV operators must understand and comply with strict legal requirements governing surveillance and data protection. The Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR set out how personal data captured by CCTV must be processed, stored, and shared.
Key legal principles include ensuring cameras are only used for legitimate purposes such as crime prevention or public safety, informing people they’re being recorded through clear signage, storing footage securely with appropriate access controls, retaining recordings only as long as necessary (typically 30 days unless needed for investigations), and providing footage to police when legally requested whilst protecting individuals’ privacy rights.
Your training course will cover these legal requirements in detail, but it’s worth familiarising yourself with the Information Commissioner’s Office guidance on CCTV to understand your responsibilities.
Breaching data protection laws can result in serious consequences for both you and your employer, including substantial fines and criminal prosecution in severe cases. Professional CCTV operators take their legal obligations seriously.
Renewing your CCTV operator licence
Your SIA CCTV licence is valid for three years. Unlike some other SIA licences, renewing your CCTV licence requires no refresher training—you simply apply for renewal and pay the £184 fee.
The SIA sends renewal reminders, but ultimately it’s your responsibility to renew before your licence expires. If you let it lapse, you’ll need to go through the entire application process again, potentially including retaking your training if it’s been too long.
Best practice is to apply for renewal up to four months before your current licence expires. However, the new licence only becomes effective once your current one has officially expired, so you won’t lose any time.
The job market for CCTV operators in 2025
The outlook for CCTV operator employment remains positive. Crime prevention continues to be a priority for both public and private organisations, and recent data shows that CCTV operator vacancies in London have increased by 48.7% year-on-year, indicating strong demand for qualified professionals.
The introduction of Martyn’s Law in April 2025 has created additional demand for security professionals, including CCTV operators. This legislation requires venues and organisations to have appropriate security measures in place, including surveillance systems and trained personnel to operate them.
However, the security industry faces ongoing challenges with recruitment and retention. Many experienced operators are approaching retirement age, and fewer young people are entering the field. This creates opportunities for newcomers willing to commit to the profession and develop their skills.
Is becoming a CCTV operator right for you?
CCTV operation can be a rewarding career for people with the right skills and temperament. It suits individuals who are observant and detail-oriented, comfortable with technology and learning new systems, able to maintain concentration during quiet periods, calm under pressure and capable of making quick decisions, and comfortable working irregular hours including nights and weekends.
The role offers stable employment in a growing industry, opportunities for career progression, and the satisfaction of contributing to public safety and crime prevention. Pay rates are reasonable if not exceptional, particularly once you gain experience or move into specialised or supervisory roles.
However, it’s not for everyone. The shift patterns can be challenging for family life and social commitments. The work can be stressful and emotionally demanding when dealing with serious incidents. And spending 12 hours sitting in front of screens isn’t everyone’s idea of an ideal working environment.
Getting started: your next steps
If you’ve decided that becoming a CCTV operator is right for you, here’s your action plan:
First, verify you meet the basic eligibility requirements including age, right to work, and likely DBS check outcome. Research and choose an SIA-approved training provider—check their credentials carefully and read reviews from previous students. Budget for all costs including training course fees (£200-£350), SIA licence application (£184), and any travel or accommodation expenses if your nearest provider isn’t local.
Complete your three to four-day training course and pass the assessments. Gather all required documents for your SIA licence application including identity documents, address history, and your training certificate. Submit your online application and pay the £184 fee. Wait for your application to be processed, which typically takes 25 working days but can be longer. Once approved, you’ll receive your digital licence first, followed by your physical licence card in the post.
Start applying for CCTV operator positions—check job boards, security company websites, and local council recruitment pages. Many training providers also offer job placement assistance or have connections with employers looking for newly qualified operators.
Remember that the entire process from starting training to being able to work legally typically takes 6-8 weeks, so plan accordingly if you need to begin earning soon.
Final thoughts
Becoming a CCTV operator in the UK is a straightforward process if you meet the requirements and follow the proper steps. The role offers genuine opportunities for stable employment in a sector that continues to grow and evolve with advancing technology.
Whilst the work can be challenging and the hours unsocial, CCTV operators play a vital role in keeping communities safe. If you’re detail-oriented, technically capable, and committed to maintaining high professional standards, this could be an excellent career choice.
The key is to start with proper, SIA-approved training and understand what you’re committing to before you begin. The security industry needs dedicated professionals who take their responsibilities seriously and understand the important role they play in public safety.
Ready to start your journey to becoming a CCTV operator? Research approved training providers in your area, verify the costs involved, and take the first step towards a career in security surveillance. With the right preparation and commitment, you could be monitoring screens and helping prevent crime within just a couple of months.
