CCTV Training is Changing: What the SIA's Proposed Changes Mean

The security industry doesn't stand still, and neither should the standards expected from the people working in it. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is currently consulting on changes to the qualifications required for several front-line security licences, including Public Space Surveillance (CCTV). If you already hold a CCTV licence, or you're thinking about getting badged, you might understandably be wondering what this means for you. The first thing to know is simple:

Nothing has changed yet.

The consultation opened on 28 August 2026 and runs until 23 October 2026. Final qualification specifications are expected during winter 2026, with the new qualifications currently planned for introduction later in 2027. Until the SIA confirms those changes, the existing training and licensing requirements remain the ones to follow.

Why is CCTV training changing?

CCTV has come a long way from simply sitting in a control room watching a bank of screens. Today's operators can be responsible for identifying and following incidents, communicating with security teams, maintaining accurate records, preserving evidence and working with increasingly sophisticated surveillance technology.

The role has evolved. The training needs to evolve with it.

As part of its wider review of licence-linked qualifications, the SIA has produced a draft specification for Public Space Surveillance. It gives us our first proper indication of what future CCTV training could look like. It's important to remember that this is still a draft. The final requirements may change following the consultation.

What is the SIA proposing?

The proposed CCTV qualification covers much more than knowing how to operate surveillance equipment. The draft includes areas such as control-room roles and responsibilities, surveillance legislation, operational procedures, equipment and functional checks, surveillance techniques, incident response, communication, health and safety, evidence handling and maintaining an audit trail. And that's exactly the direction we'd expect the industry to be moving in.

Knowing how to use the equipment is only one part of being a good CCTV operator. You also need to know what you're looking for, what to do when you see it, who needs to know about it and how to accurately record what happened. Those are professional skills.

Spiking awareness could become part of CCTV training

Another proposed change is the introduction of spiking-awareness content into CCTV and Security Guard qualifications.

Spiking awareness already forms part of training in some other licence sectors, including Door Supervision. The SIA is now considering extending that knowledge further across the industry. That doesn't mean CCTV operators suddenly become medics or take over the role of venue welfare teams. It means recognising that security doesn't operate in isolation. A CCTV operator may be able to identify relevant footage, follow somebody's movements, communicate information to colleagues on the ground or help establish what happened before or after an incident.

Good security is a team effort. Everyone involved needs to understand their role.

Technology is changing too

The consultation also recognises something anyone working in modern security already knows: the technology around us is changing quickly. Emerging technology, including drones, is specifically mentioned within the SIA's proposals. CCTV systems themselves are becoming increasingly capable as well. But better technology doesn't remove the need for good operators. A system can highlight something for attention. It can't replace the judgement, communication and professionalism of a properly trained person who understands the situation in front of them.

Technology is a tool. The operator still matters.

Communication remains one of the most important skills in security

The SIA is also consulting on how English-language ability should be assessed for people entering the industry. For CCTV operators, clear communication is essential. If an incident is developing and you're passing information to colleagues, there's no room for vague descriptions or assumptions.

• Where is the person?
• What do they look like?
• Which direction are they traveling?
• What did you actually see?

Being able to communicate that information quickly and accurately can make a real difference to the people responding on the ground. That's why professional security training has to develop more than technical ability.

Already got your CCTV licence?

Don't panic and don't book another course because you've seen a headline saying the rules are changing.

These proposals are not currently in force.

If you already hold a CCTV licence, continue working to the existing requirements and your employer's procedures. The SIA hasn't introduced the proposed new qualification yet, and the final specification isn't expected until winter 2026. Once the SIA confirms exactly what is changing and when, we'll know what if anythingexisting licence holders need to do. Until then, treat proposals as proposals.

Thinking about getting badged?

There's no reason to put your plans on hold. The current CCTV qualification route remains in place, and anyone entering the industry should continue following the current SIA requirements.

At Guardian, we're committed to raising the standard of modern security, and that starts with the right training.

We don't believe security training should simply be about doing enough to pass an assessment. It should prepare you to step into the industry with the knowledge, skills and professional standards expected of someone responsible for the safety and security of others.

That's the standard we expect from our own people. And it's the standard we bring to our training.

^{Information correct as of September 2026. The SIA proposals discussed above are currently under consultation and may change before implementation. Always check the latest SIA guidance before making decisions about licensing or training.}

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