CCTV Operation Public Space Surveillance

What equipment will a training provider or employer require in order to undertake the practical assessment?

Physical resources:

Centres will need to demonstrate that they have access to a control room.

The operators need to be assessed on their skills in tracking, identifying and recording incidents onto some form of video storage equipment (analogue and/or digital), reviewing the information recorded and passing the information efficiently and effectively onto a third party ensuring that all data protection, and other legislative measures are considered.

This entails a measurable tracking target similar to the ROTAKIN which forms part of the British and European Standards in CCTV recognition and detection operational requirements (BSEN50132/7)

A radio transmitter/receiver package should also be made available to determine whether their communications skills are suitable for the role.

Back to top

How is the qualification assessed and what do we need to do to have in place to enable us to undertake the assessment?

In order to achieve a full qualification, learners must undertake an externally set multiple-choice test and complete an internally set practical assessment using equipment in a control centre.

  • Unit one is assessed by means of an externally set and marked multiple choice test which will be administered by the centre. The test will provide the only necessary assessment for unit one and will cover the whole of the assessment criteria for that unit. Tests are supplied upon request. Instructions on how to request tests is contained in the BTEC Security Qualifications Centre Management Handbook, which is sent upon approval.
  • Unit two is assessed by an internally set practical assessment using “live” equipment in a control centre in a realistic scenario and must cover all the assessment criteria for that unit. An external verifier (EV) will be appointed to quality monitor the delivery of this assessment. Sampling of centre assessor decisions will be carried out on a date arranged between the EV and your centre. Certificates will not be issued until your EV has given a “Release” to National Standards Sampling (NSS). This will be recorded on the front page of the NSS Report Form following external verification. Your EV will not issue a “Release” until the evidence reviewed is deemed to meet the requirements as defined within the Specification.
Back to top

What sources of information are available to help me in planning our training provision?

Sources of information and resources to support centre managers planning for the delivery of the BTEC Award in CCTV Operations Public Space Surveillance can be found in the Edexcel Guidance to Centres publication. This is available on our website http://security.edexcel.org.uk/home/qual-overview/

Additionally SAFE Ltd. has produced a CD-ROM with resources for trainers and learners. Please contact Laura Jackson on 0207 917 6239 for purchase details.

Back to top

Has the SIA definition of who requires a CCTV licence changed?

No. The current definitions still apply now that licencing has become a legal requirement  (since 20 March 2006). Please refer to the SIA website for the latest update
Back to top

Since 20th March 2006 CCTV PSS operators working under contract are required to hold a SIA CCTV Operators licence; will a trainer be allowed in a live control room without a SIA CCTV Operators licence?

Yes. Only operatives doing both of the following require a licence:

  • Supplying services under contract 
  • Performing the activity covered by the act

In a training situation this isn’t the case.

Back to top

The Edexcel Guidance to Centres for the BTEC Award in CCTV Operations (Public Space Surveillance) was updated in April 2007 and the unit hours amended. How will this affect the way I organise and plan for the training delivery at our centre?

Formerly both units within the BTEC Award in CCTV Operations (Public Space Surveillance) comprised 15 hours of guided learning. Late last year the SIA revised the core competency specification to take account of updated legislation and the inclusion of Scotland into the licensing process. We took this opportunity to undertake a mini-review of the qualification, with the result that the units have been revised as follows:

Unit One - 20 guided learning hours (to include a one hour multiple choice test set and marked by Edexcel)
Unit Two - 10 guided learning hours (to include an internally set and marked practical assessment).
As a guide only, we expect that most centres will run the course over 4 days. As with all BTEC qualifications, the units do not have to be delivered as a single block. It is quite acceptable to deliver each unit in smaller “chunks” which are distributed throughout the course.

This traditional BTEC approach of integrating assessment in learning could be appropriate for some circumstances. However it is important to track learner achievement of criteria to ensure that all of the criteria have been covered and the learners have achieved them. This approach would still be subject to external verification where appropriate.

Back to top