SIA Door Supervisor vs CCTV Operator — Which Licence Should You Get First?
Compare the SIA Door Supervisor and CCTV Operator licences — costs, careers, pay and which is the best first qualification for your situation.
The short answer
If you want maximum job options and the highest hourly rates, get the Door Supervisor licence first — it covers more roles, pays better and is the qualification employers in London ask for most.
If you specifically want a sit-down, control-room role with stable shift work and don't want any front-line confrontation, the CCTV Operator licence is a better starting point.
Cost & length
Door Supervisor: 6 days, £400 at our East London venues. CCTV Operator: 3–4 days, £250.
Door Supervisor includes the Emergency First Aid at Work certificate (a £100 qualification on its own) and a free Fire Marshal certificate — better value if you need both qualifications anyway.
Job market in London
Door Supervisor roles outnumber CCTV roles roughly 8:1 in London. Door Supervisors work in pubs, clubs, hotels, hospitals, retail, events, corporate and construction. CCTV Operators work in council control rooms, shopping centres, transport networks and casinos.
Many of our students take both — start with Door Supervisor for cashflow, then add the CCTV qualification 6–12 months later to move into permanent control-room work.
Pay rates
London Door Supervisor: £14–£25/hour (higher for nights and weekends). Permanent corporate roles: £32,000–£42,000/year.
London CCTV Operator: £13–£18/hour. Permanent council and transport CCTV roles typically £28,000–£36,000/year with overtime.
Ready to start your SIA training?
Weekly courses across Barking, Ilford, Whitechapel and Rainham. £400 all-inclusive on the SIA Door Supervisor course.