CCTV Installer Course

Lesson 1 • Core System Components

Identifies cameras, recorders, monitors, and cabling as the building blocks of any CCTV system. Prepares students to recognize and name hardware encountered on job sites.

Lesson 2 • Overview of CCTV Systems

Introduces analog, IP, and hybrid CCTV architectures and their real-world applications. Grounds students in system categories before component-level study begins.

Lesson 3 • Tools and Test Equipment

Introduces hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic meters used daily by CCTV installers. Students learn correct selection and safe handling before field tasks begin.

Lesson 1 • Camera Housing and Environmental Ratings

Explains IP and IK ratings, vandal-resistant housings, and weatherproofing requirements for outdoor installations. Ensures correct housing selection for each deployment environment.

Lesson 2 • Matching Cameras to Surveillance Goals

Applies sensor, lens, and housing knowledge to real-world scenarios such as retail, perimeter, and traffic monitoring. Students practice specification-based camera selection.

Lesson 3 • Low-Light and Specialty Imaging

Examines infrared, starlight, and thermal imaging technologies for challenging lighting conditions. Connects imaging mode selection to site assessment outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Image Sensors and Resolution

Explains CCD and CMOS sensor technology, resolution standards, and their effect on image quality. Links sensor choice to recording storage and bandwidth requirements.

Lesson 1 • Cable Routing and Containment

Teaches conduit, cable tray, and surface raceway installation methods for professional cable management. Emphasizes fire-rated penetration sealing and code-compliant routing.

Lesson 2 • Traditional Power Supply Systems

Covers 12V DC and 24V AC power supplies, distribution boxes, and cable sizing for analog and hybrid systems. Students wire multi-camera power distribution safely.

Lesson 3 • Power over Ethernet Fundamentals

Explains PoE standards, power budgets, and switch selection for IP camera networks. Students calculate total power loads and identify compatible PoE injectors and switches.

Lesson 4 • Structured Network Cabling

Introduces Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A cabling standards for IP camera installations. Students terminate RJ45 connectors and verify continuity using cable testers.

Lesson 1 • Bandwidth and QoS Management

Calculates total camera bandwidth demand and applies QoS policies to prioritize video traffic. Prevents network congestion from degrading recording and live-view performance.

Lesson 2 • Network Security for CCTV Systems

Addresses default credential risks, firmware updates, and firewall rules specific to CCTV deployments. Students harden a camera network against common cyber threats.

Lesson 3 • IP Addressing and Subnetting

Covers IPv4 addressing, subnet masks, and CIDR notation as applied to CCTV network design. Students assign static IPs and plan subnets for camera and recorder segments.

Lesson 4 • Remote Access and Port Forwarding

Configures router port forwarding, DDNS, and VPN tunnels for secure remote viewing. Students access live and recorded footage from mobile devices and desktop clients.

Lesson 1 • Storage Media and RAID

Examines HDD selection for surveillance duty, RAID levels, and hot-swap drive replacement. Students calculate drive requirements based on camera count and retention period.

Lesson 2 • NVR Architecture and Configuration

Covers NVR operation, IP camera onboarding, and bandwidth management for network-based recording. Students add cameras, assign channels, and configure stream settings.

Lesson 3 • DVR Architecture and Configuration

Explains DVR channel capacity, compression formats, and initial setup procedures for analog systems. Students configure recording schedules, motion detection, and user accounts.

Lesson 4 • Storage Capacity Planning

Applies bitrate, frame rate, and retention variables to calculate total storage requirements. Students use industry formulas and online calculators to size systems accurately.

Lesson 1 • Concealed and Surface Cable Runs

Demonstrates in-wall, ceiling void, and surface-mounted cable routing from camera to head-end equipment. Students complete a full cable run with neat, professional terminations.

Lesson 2 • Camera Positioning and Aiming

Applies field-of-view calculations to set camera height, angle, and pan/tilt position for maximum coverage. Students adjust cameras to eliminate blind spots and minimize glare.

Lesson 3 • Site Survey and Coverage Planning

Teaches systematic site walkthroughs, threat assessment, and camera placement mapping. Students produce a scaled coverage plan before any physical installation begins.

Lesson 4 • PTZ Camera Installation

Covers PTZ camera mounting, RS-485 control wiring, and preset programming for automated patrol routes. Students configure presets and tours on a live PTZ unit.

Lesson 1 • Image Quality Optimization

Adjusts brightness, contrast, sharpness, and compression settings to achieve optimal recorded image quality. Students compare before-and-after results using live and playback footage.

Lesson 2 • Client Handover and Documentation

Prepares as-built drawings, user manuals, and handover checklists for professional system delivery. Students conduct a simulated client walkthrough and training session.

Lesson 3 • Recorder and Camera Integration

Connects cameras to recorders, verifies video feeds, and resolves common onboarding issues. Students complete a multi-camera integration on both DVR and NVR platforms.

Lesson 4 • Motion Detection and Alerts

Configures motion detection zones, sensitivity thresholds, and email or push notification alerts. Students test alert delivery and reduce false triggers from environmental factors.

Lesson 1 • Wireless and LTE Transmission

Covers point-to-point wireless bridges, mesh networks, and LTE routers for camera connectivity without cabling. Students configure a wireless link and verify throughput and latency.

Lesson 2 • Advanced Fault Diagnosis

Applies systematic diagnostic frameworks to complex faults including intermittent video loss, network drops, and storage failures. Students work through real-world fault scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Integration with Access Control

Links CCTV cameras to access control events for synchronized video verification of door activity. Students configure event-triggered recording and alarm-to-camera mapping.

Lesson 4 • Video Analytics and AI Features

Configures line crossing, intrusion detection, facial recognition, and object classification analytics. Students evaluate analytics accuracy and tune parameters to reduce false positives.