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The Security Industry Act 2001 (security licensing law) has made it compulsory for all those who work in the security industry to undergo training and possess a valid SIA licence. To get an SIA licence a candidate will have to show that they have successfully completed one or more of these courses.
Since 1st April 2021 new regulations came into effect that saw the number of hours for each unit increase. Each training course (competency requirement) has now been updated by the SIA. For example, anyone undergoing a training course for CCTV Operators will now complete a 2 unit course. To become a CCTV Operator one must have completed the following units:
- Unit 1 – Principles of Working in the Private Security Industry
- Unit 2 – Principles and Practices of Working as a CCTV Operator in the Private Security Industry
Pre-requisites
Identification
In line with the Security Industry Authority's documentation requirements, approved Highfield centres may accept the following forms of identification:
One identity document from the Group A list and two documents from the Group B list.
- At least one document must show the learner's current address.
- At least one document must show their date of birth.
Group A Documents
- A passport that is signed, current, and valid
- A driving licence photocard issued by the DVLA in the UK
- A driving licence photocard and its paper counterpart issued by the DVA in Northern Ireland
- A UK original birth certificate issued within 12 months of birth
- A UK biometric residence permit card
Group B Documents
Documents that confirm your identity and your address unless stated otherwise. Two forms of the same type of document will not be accepted.
- A bank or building society statement from the last 3 months
- A utility bill from the last 3 months
- A credit card statement from the last 3 months
- A council tax statement from the last 12 months
- A mortgage statement from the last 12 months
- A letter from the last 3 months from HMRC, DWP, Jobcentre Plus or a local authority
- A P45 or P60 tax statement from the last 12 months
- A paper version of a current UK driving licence
- A driving licence photocard issued by the DVA in Northern Ireland
- A pension, endowment or ISA statement from the last 12 months
- A valid UK firearms licence with photo
English Functionality
All learners wishing to undertake a SIA licence-linked qualification should, as a minimum, have language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening equivalent to:
- B2 Level qualification on the Home Office’s recognised list
- B2 CEFR
- ESOL Level 1 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland
- ESOL SCQF Level 5 in Scotland
- Functional Skills Level 1 in English
- SQA Core Skills in Communication SCQF Level 5
Award for CCTV Operators (Public Space Surveillance) in the Private Security Industry (Scotland) at SCQF Level 6
Unit 1 - Principles of Working in the Private Security Industry (17 hours - 8 hours distance learning)
- Main characteristics and purposes of the Private Security Industry
- Legislation as it applies to a security operative
- Arrest procedures relevant to security operatives
- Safe working practices
- Fire procedures in the workplace
- Emergencies and emergency procedures
- Communicating effectively
- Record keeping
- Terror threats and the role of security operatives
- Keeping vulnerable people safe
- Good practice for post incident management
Unit 2 - Principles and Practices of Working as a CCTV Operator (13 hours)
- Purpose of CCTV systems and roles of control room team
- Legislation and impact on CCTV operations
- Operational procedures
- CCTV equipment operation
- Surveillance techniques
- Incident types and responses
- Health and safety in the CCTV environment
- Operational use of CCTV equipment
- Produce evidential documentation
HOW IS MY QUALIFICATION ACHIEVED?
This qualification is usually achieved by taking a 3-day classroom-based course with blended and/or distance learning.
Please note: results take 2–3 weeks to process, in addition to SIA processing time.
Assessments
Principles of Working in the Private Security Industry
- MCQ exam: 72 questions, 110 minutes, 70% pass mark
- Practical assessment: evidential statement, 100% pass mark
Principles and Practices of Working as a CCTV Operator
- MCQ exam: 40 questions, 60 minutes, 70% pass mark
- Practical CCTV scenario with portfolio and observation, 100% pass mark
- Workbook (short answer): 80% pass mark
Course Cost
£220 + VAT per person
Group discounts available on request.
Contact us:
Aberdeen 01224 51 61 71
Dundee 01382 60 40 60
Edinburgh 0131 610 9112
Glasgow 0141 432 2018
Email: claire@f1train.co.uk, lisa@f1train.co.uk
Upcoming Dates
- Aberdeen: 24th - 26th November 2025
- Dundee: 29th – 31st October 2025
- Glasgow: 1st - 3rd December 2025
