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Security systems installer

Alternative titles for this job include Alarm fitter, CCTV installer

Security systems installers fit and service electronic systems that detect intruders or manage access to buildings.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Security systems installer

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses

College

To become a security systems installer, you could take a college course like:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems
  • Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could complete a Fire Emergency and Security Systems Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You could also do a Smart Home Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. This apprenticeship teaches you how to install and set up 'smart' security systems in homes.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly to employers if you've got experience in electrical or electronics work.

Employers might expect you to have GCSEs or similar qualifications in English, maths, science and a technical subject.

Other Routes

You could study to become a security systems installer with a private training organisation.

The National Security Inspectorate and British Security Industry Association list private training providers.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in the security industry from the British Security Industry Association.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • practical skills for installing equipment
  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work on your own
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
  • problem-solving skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a security systems installer you could:

  • discuss security plans with customers
  • install security systems and equipment
  • test systems, find faults and fix them
  • show customers how to use their equipment
  • offer support for existing systems

Working environment

You could work at a client's home or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and at height.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • manage a team of installers and sales assistants
  • specialise in an area, such as designing new security systems
  • set up your own security systems company

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprenticeship - Fire And Security Systems Technician, Level: 3

  • Wage: £12,480 a year Annually
  • Location: Shaftesbury

Fire and Security Apprentice Level 3

  • Wage: £13,312 to £23,795.20 a year Annually
  • Location: BIRSTALL, BATLEY

Courses In England

EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN ELECTRONIC/ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

  • Provider: NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: NORTHAMPTON

Electrical & Electronic Engineering HNC Diploma

  • Provider: SOLIHULL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Smith's Wood

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