CCTV Licence

What is the SIA CCTV Licence?

Eligibility

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

How to apply for the SIA Licence

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.

As soon as your licence application is accepted you can start worki

For further information about how the application process works, follow our detailed guide SIA Licence Application Process

SIA CCTV Training Course

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.

Cost of CCTV Licence

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

SIA Licence Renewal

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.

SIA Licence Integration

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.