Top 11 Surveillance Operator Certifications

Certifications are important for surveillance operators in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has a high level of knowledge and experience in the field. They help employers distinguish between potential candidates and show that the operator has met certain standards and is well-qualified to perform their duties. Certifications also give employers confidence that the operator can handle any situation with skill and professionalism. Furthermore, certifications provide proof of an individual’s commitment to continuing education, which is attractive to many employers. Lastly, certifications can be used as a marketing tool for operators who wish to advertise their qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Surveillance Operators and explain how they can help further one's career.

What are Surveillance Operator Certifications?

Surveillance operator certification is a professional designation program designed to certify individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the skills and knowledge necessary to perform surveillance activities. This certification program is designed to provide employers with an assurance that individuals they hire or contract with have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively monitor their facilities, personnel, and operations.

The certification program helps employers by ensuring that only individuals who have met certain standards of performance are considered for employment or contract work. It also provides assurance that those hired are capable of carrying out surveillance activities in a safe, secure, and efficient manner. Surveillance operator certification can help employers maintain high levels of security within their organizations by providing them with qualified personnel to monitor their facilities and operations. Additionally, it can help employers ensure that any security breaches are quickly identified and addressed appropriately. Finally, it helps employers protect themselves from any potential liabilities associated with hiring untrained personnel for such important tasks.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various surveillance operator certifications available and find one that best suits your needs. Ensure that the certification you choose is up-to-date and relevant to your industry or country. Additionally, look into any additional training or experience requirements for the certification as these can help make you more competitive in the job market.

Related: What does a Surveillance Operator do?

Top 11 Surveillance Operator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Surveillance Operators today.

1. Certified Surveillance Professional (CSP)

Certified Surveillance Professional (CSP) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC). It is designed for security professionals who are working in the field of surveillance, such as CCTV operators, investigators, and other related roles. The CSP certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills to effectively perform their duties in a professional manner.

The CSP certification is comprised of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as surveillance principles, legal issues, ethical considerations, equipment operation, and report writing. The practical assessment involves completing various tasks related to surveillance operations.

In order to become certified, individuals must first meet certain prerequisites. These include having at least two years of experience in the security industry or one year of experience in the field of surveillance. Candidates must also pass both the written exam and practical assessment with a score of 75% or higher.

It typically takes around 6-8 months to complete the CSP certification process from start to finish. However, this can vary depending on an individual’s prior experience and availability for testing dates.

The cost for taking the CSP certification exam varies depending on where you take it; however it generally costs between $500-$700 USD.

2. Certified Surveillance Technician (CST)

Certified Surveillance Technician (CST) is an internationally recognized certification program for surveillance professionals. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of security and surveillance operations. The CST certification program is administered by ASIS International, a professional association for security practitioners worldwide.

The CST program consists of two components: the Certified Surveillance Technician Exam and the Certified Surveillance Technician Training Course. The exam tests a candidate’s knowledge in areas such as surveillance techniques, equipment operation, report writing, evidence collection, legal considerations, and more. The training course provides hands-on instruction on topics such as covert surveillance, counter-surveillance measures, interview techniques, and more.

It typically takes 6 to 12 months to complete the entire program depending on how much time a person can dedicate to studying and completing the requirements. To get certified as a Certified Surveillance Technician (CST), you must first register with ASIS International and pay the applicable fees. Once registered, you will need to take and pass both the exam and training course in order to receive your certification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which components you choose to complete; however, it typically costs around $1,000 USD for both the exam and training course combined.

3. Certified Video Surveillance Professional (CVSP)

Certified Video Surveillance Professional (CVSP) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professionals working in the video surveillance industry. The CVSP program was created by the Security Industry Association (SIA), a leading trade association for the security industry.

The CVSP certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on practical assessment. The online exam covers topics such as system design, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and more. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam. After passing the online exam, applicants must complete a hands-on practical assessment at an SIA-approved testing center. This assessment tests applicants’ ability to install, configure, and maintain video surveillance systems.

The cost of obtaining a CVSP certification varies depending on location and whether or not you are already an SIA member. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200 - $400 USD to obtain your CVSP certification.

In order to maintain your CVSP certification, you must recertify every three years by completing continuing education courses offered by SIA or attending approved conferences and workshops related to video surveillance technology.

4. Certified Security Surveillance Specialist (CSSS)

Certified Security Surveillance Specialist (CSSS) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform security surveillance operations. The CSSS certification is awarded by the International Association of Professional Security Surveillance Specialists (IAPSS).

To become certified as a CSSS, applicants must meet certain requirements and complete an online application. Requirements include having at least two years of experience in security surveillance operations, completing an approved training course, and passing an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as surveillance techniques, legal issues, and ethics.

The cost of becoming certified as a CSSS varies depending on the provider offering the program. Generally, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD for the entire program including the exam fee.

The process typically takes several weeks to complete once all requirements have been met. After submitting an application, applicants will receive confirmation that they are eligible to take the exam within two weeks. Once they pass the exam, they will be issued their certification within four weeks.

5. Certified CCTV Operator (CCTVO)

Certified CCTV Operator (CCTVO) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems. The program is intended to provide an understanding of the principles of CCTV operation, including camera placement, lighting and image quality, video storage and retrieval, system maintenance, and security protocols.

The Certified CCTV Operator program typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete. The course consists of online modules that are self-paced and can be completed at any time. The cost for the program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$500.

To become a Certified CCTV Operator, applicants must first complete the online training modules. After successfully completing the coursework, applicants must pass an exam administered by a certified testing center in order to receive their certification. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive a certificate of completion which can be used to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in operating CCTV systems.

6. Certified Security Surveillance Manager (CSSM)

Certified Security Surveillance Manager (CSSM) is a certification program offered by the Security Industry Association (SIA). It is designed to provide security professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage security surveillance systems. The CSSM program covers topics such as system design, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and monitoring of video surveillance systems.

The CSSM program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and a proctored exam. The online course includes modules on system design, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and monitoring of video surveillance systems. The proctored exam tests the knowledge gained from the online course and is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CSSM program. To get started, individuals must first register for the self-study course through SIA's website. Once registered, they will receive access to the online course materials which include videos, quizzes, and practice exams. After completing the online coursework, individuals can schedule their proctored exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near them.

The cost of the CSSM certification program varies depending on whether or not you are an SIA member. For non-members it costs $595 USD while for members it costs $495 USD.

7. Certified Physical Security Professional (PSP)

Certified Physical Security Professional (PSP) is a professional certification program offered by ASIS International, the world's largest organization of security professionals. The PSP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in physical security principles, practices, and technologies. This certification is ideal for those looking to advance their careers in the security industry or gain recognition as a subject matter expert in physical security.

The PSP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as risk assessment, access control systems, CCTV systems, alarm systems, personnel security measures, and more. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of physical security or a related field.

To apply for the PSP certification exam, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of education and experience. Once approved, applicants will receive an authorization letter from ASIS International which will include instructions on how to register for the exam and pay the associated fees. The cost of the PSP certification exam is $550 USD.

Once registered for the exam, applicants will have 90 days to take it at one of Pearson VUE's testing centers located around the world. Applicants must pass both parts of the exam (150 multiple-choice questions) with a score of 70% or higher to become certified as a Physical Security Professional (PSP).

8. Certified Access Control Technician (CACT)

Certified Access Control Technician (CACT) is a certification program designed to ensure that technicians who install and maintain access control systems have the necessary knowledge and skills to do so safely and effectively. The CACT certification is administered by the Security Industry Association (SIA).

The CACT program consists of a two-day course, followed by an exam. The course covers topics such as access control system components, security principles, installation techniques, troubleshooting, and maintenance. After successful completion of the course and exam, candidates receive their CACT certification.

To get certified as a CACT technician, you must first enroll in the SIA’s two-day course. This course costs $1,295 and must be completed before taking the exam. Once you have completed the course, you can then register for the exam which costs $250. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and must be passed with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive your CACT certification.

9. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET Level IV)

National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level IV is a certification program developed by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). It is an advanced level of certification that demonstrates mastery of engineering technology principles and practices.

To obtain NICET Level IV certification, applicants must have at least 8 years of experience in engineering technology, including 4 years of experience in the specialty area for which they are applying. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive written exam covering topics such as safety, design, installation, testing and maintenance. The exam is offered twice a year and consists of 80 multiple-choice questions.

In order to qualify to take the exam, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it along with their official transcripts and proof of work experience. Once the application has been approved, applicants will be sent an authorization letter allowing them to register for the exam.

The cost to take the NICET Level IV exam varies depending on the specialty area chosen. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 per specialty area. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their NICET Level IV certificate within 6-8 weeks.

10. Professional Certificate in Video Surveillance and Monitoring Systems

The Professional Certificate in Video Surveillance and Monitoring Systems is a comprehensive program designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot video surveillance systems. This program covers topics such as networked video systems, IP cameras, digital video recorders (DVRs), analytics software, and more. It also includes hands-on training in the installation of hardware components.

The Professional Certificate in Video Surveillance and Monitoring Systems typically takes about nine months to complete. During this time, students will learn about the fundamentals of video surveillance systems, including their components and features. They will also gain hands-on experience installing hardware components such as cameras, DVRs, and other equipment.

To get the Professional Certificate in Video Surveillance and Monitoring Systems, you must first complete an online application form. After submitting your application materials, you will be contacted by a representative from the program who will provide further instructions on how to proceed with your enrollment process.

The cost for the Professional Certificate in Video Surveillance and Monitoring Systems varies depending on the institution offering it; however it typically ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD for tuition fees alone. Additional costs may include books or materials required for coursework or any additional fees associated with enrollment or certification exams.

11. ASIS International Physical Security Professional Credentialing Program

The ASIS International Physical Security Professional Credentialing Program (PSP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical security principles and practices. This certification is intended for professionals with experience in the design, implementation, and management of physical security systems.

The PSP credential requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as access control, surveillance, alarms, locks and keys, lighting and signage, perimeter protection, personnel security, emergency response planning, risk assessment and analysis, business continuity planning, safety and health considerations, legal issues related to physical security measures and more.

It typically takes three months or more to prepare for the exam. Applicants are encouraged to use the study resources provided by ASIS International such as books on physical security principles and practices. Additionally there are online courses available that can help applicants prepare for the exam.

To obtain the PSP credential applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. The cost of taking the exam is $450 for members of ASIS International or $550 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Surveillance Operator Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Surveillance Operator Certificate to be employed as a surveillance operator.

However, obtaining a Surveillance Operator Certificate can provide many benefits and be beneficial in your career. Such certification will give employers assurance that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively perform the job. It also provides potential employers with evidence that you are committed to working in the field of surveillance, and have taken the initiative to gain additional qualifications beyond the basic education requirements.

In addition, having a Surveillance Operator Certificate demonstrates your commitment to keeping up with changing industry trends and technologies. This can help you stand out from other applicants when looking for new employment opportunities. The certificate also serves as an extra layer of protection against any legal or ethical issues that may arise from your work on behalf of an employer.

Overall, while it is not required for all surveillance operators, obtaining a Surveillance Operator Certificate can be beneficial for those interested in pursuing a long-term career in this field. It demonstrates a level of dedication and knowledge that can boost your chances of getting hired or promoted within the industry.

Related: Surveillance Operator Resume Examples

FAQs About Surveillance Operator Certifications

1. What is a Surveillance Operator Certification?

Answer: A Surveillance Operator Certification is a credential awarded by the Gaming Commission to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the operation of surveillance systems in gaming establishments. This certification is required for those wishing to work as a surveillance operator in casinos, racetracks, and other gaming venues.

2. How do I obtain a Surveillance Operator Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Surveillance Operator Certification, you must complete an approved course that covers topics such as game protection, security procedures and protocols, game rules and regulations, casino floor operations, camera system operations, and related topics. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants must pass an examination administered by the Gaming Commission to demonstrate their understanding of the material.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified varies depending on individual circumstances; however, most courses take between two and four weeks to complete. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, applicants typically receive their certificate within two weeks from the date they applied for certification.

4. How much does it cost to get certified?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Surveillance Operator Certification varies depending on which program you choose; however, most programs range between $500-$1000 USD. Additional costs may include books or materials needed for studying or taking exams.

5. Is there any continuing education required after obtaining my certification?

Answer: Yes - all Surveillance Operators are required to complete at least 8 hours of continuing education each year in order to maintain their certification status with the Gaming Commission.