How to become a security system installer or repairer

Official title: Security system installers and repairers

Also called: Alarm installer, Security engineer, Security installer, Security systems engineer, Fire and security engineer, Security systems installer, Alarm fitter, Cctv engineer, Alarm engineer, Service engineer, Maintenance engineer, Installation engineer

Security system installers and repairers fit, maintain and service alarm systems and other electronic security devices which provide access control and monitoring, intruder detection and security lighting.

Main tasks

• Discusses security needs with clients, responds to call outs and explains operation of equipment
• Carries out on site surveys and determines security needs
• Installs security systems and connects them to control panels, including intruder and fire alarms, surveillance and monitoring equipment and access control systems
• Services existing systems and tests for faults
• Responds to call-outs and repairs faulty or inoperative equipment

How to become one

Academic qualifications may not be required, though some GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent qualification may be an advantage. NVQs/SVQs for Providing Security, Emergency and Alarm Systems are available at levels 2 and 3. Apprenticeships combining practical work experience and technical training are available at levels 2 and 3. Entrants must have normal colour vision and security clearance.

Ways in

• Apprenticeship (England): Fire emergency and security systems technician (level 3). England. Typically 36 months. Skills England standard ST0189.

Pay · Outlook

• Median full-time pay: £39,002 a year The middle half earn £31,958 to null.
• About 20,400 people work in this job now, and about 19,300 are projected by 2035. (-5.6%)

Related jobs

• Electricians and electrical fitters
• Telecoms and related network installers and repairers
• Tv, video and audio servicers and repairers
• Computer system and equipment installers and servicers
• Electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers

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Questions people ask

How do I become a security system installer or repairer?

Academic qualifications may not be required, though some GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent qualification may be an advantage. NVQs/SVQs for Providing Security, Emergency and Alarm Systems are available at levels 2 and 3. Apprenticeships combining practical work experience and technical training are available at levels 2 and 3. Entrants must have normal colour vision and security clearance.

How much does a security system installer or repairer earn in the UK?

Median full-time pay is £39,002 a year (Office for National Statistics).

Is a security system installer or repairer a growing career in the UK?

Employment is projected to fall 6% by 2035, from about 20,400 to about 19,300 people (Department for Education).

Do you need a degree to become a security system installer or repairer?

Usually not. Only 14% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Fire emergency and security systems technician (level 3).

Sources

• Office for National Statistics: Annual Population Survey: employment by occupation (April 2025 to March 2026), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Office for National Statistics: SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions (2026-08-27 edition), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Department for Education: Skills Imperative 2035: employment projections by occupation (2021 to 2035 (Warwick IER / Cambridge Econometrics)), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Office for National Statistics: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Table 14 (2025 provisional), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03