Are you looking at doing a 5 Day Surveillance Training Course in 2026?
Titan’s 5-Day Surveillance Training Course might be the right choice for you!
In the latest episode of Titan PI TV, host Simon Henson, Managing Director of Titan Private Investigation Limited, turns the spotlight on one of the most frequently asked questions in the professional investigation world: are you looking at doing a 5-day surveillance training course in 2026, and if so, what should you really be looking for?
Broadcast from Titan’s headquarters in Derby, this episode offers a detailed and candid insight into Titan’s training philosophy, course structure, costs, career pathways, and the realities of working as a professional surveillance operative in the UK today. With Titan operating from 10 offices across England, spanning from Truro in the South West to Manchester in the North West, the organisation brings genuine nationwide operational experience to its training programmes.
Simon opens the episode by welcoming viewers and listeners to Titan PI TV, also available as a podcast, before diving straight into what prospective learners need to know if they are considering surveillance training in 2026.
High Demand for 2026 Surveillance Courses
Demand for professional surveillance training remains exceptionally strong. Titan’s first five-day surveillance course of 2026, running from 9–13 February, is already fully subscribed with 12 learners. More striking still is the level of interest in the May 2026 course, scheduled for 18–22 May, which has only three spaces remaining, despite being several months away at the time of recording.
For Simon, this demand reflects both the quality of Titan’s training and the growing appetite for flexible, skilled investigative work across the UK.
All five-day courses are delivered from Titan’s Derby training facility, placing learners at the heart of a live operational investigation agency rather than a purely academic environment.
Course Structure, Costs, and Accreditation
The five-day surveillance training course is priced at £1,200 plus VAT (£1,440 total). Learners who wish to gain a recognised qualification can also opt for the RQF Level 4, which costs an additional £420 plus VAT, payable to the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI). The qualification is awarded by SFJ Awards (Skills for Justice), the recognised awarding body.
To secure a place on the course, learners must pay a 50% deposit (£720) upfront.
Simon is transparent about costs, qualifications, and expectations—something he believes is essential in an industry where training standards can vary widely.
What the Five-Day Course Covers
Unlike many entry-level programmes, Titan’s five-day course delivers an advanced syllabus from the outset. Learners are trained across all core areas of professional surveillance, including:
- Foot surveillance
- Mobile surveillance
- Technical surveillance
- REC and compliance
- Final report writing
- Operational imagery and evidential handling
Simon makes it clear that Titan deliberately raises the bar on what is traditionally considered a “basic” course. In his view, modern surveillance operatives need advanced skills from day one to operate safely, legally, and effectively.
There are only two advanced modules not fully delivered during the five-day course:
- Night-time surveillance, although February courses may offer some practical exposure due to early darkness.
- Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), which Titan does not consider essential for a basic surveillance operative role.
What Happens After the Course: Titan’s Aftercare Advantage
One of the most significant differentiators Titan offers is its Student After Care Programme, known as Titan’s Grove.
Once learners pass the course and reach the required operational standard, they are invited into the Titan Operations Resourcing Group. This private professional network includes 288 surveillance operatives, ranging from sole traders to limited companies.
Crucially, Titan places all of its own surveillance work into this group, alongside work posted by other members. New operatives can choose to accept as much or as little work as suits their circumstances, whether they are easing into the role part-time or committing fully to a new career.
According to Simon, this structured post-course development is where many training providers fall short. Titan’s model focuses on long-term professional development, with most operatives taking around 12 months post-course to become fully experienced and confident in live operations.
Equipment and Earning Potential
Simon also outlines the practical realities of getting started after training. Newly qualified operatives will need:
- A camcorder
- A covert camera, disguised as an everyday device
- A suitable vehicle—common, non-garish, with rear tinted windows
That is all that is required to begin operational work.
In terms of earnings, surveillance operatives working through Titan can expect to earn £30 per hour, with a minimum of five hours per day. Operatives have full control over their geographical area and workload, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexibility or supplementary income.
Specialist Motorcycle Surveillance Training
For experienced and competent surveillance operatives, Titan also offers a Five-Day Specialist Motorcycle Surveillance Course. This advanced programme runs in tandem with the five-day basic course, allowing motorcycle surveillance learners to operate alongside trainee teams in realistic operational scenarios.
The course costs £1,500 plus VAT, with a 50% deposit required to secure a place. Learners must bring their own motorcycle, while Titan provides all communications equipment and operational support.
The final exercise is designed to replicate live operational conditions as closely as possible, giving learners invaluable team-based experience.
Online Training Options for UK and Overseas Learners
Recognising that not everyone can attend in-person training, Titan also offers a comprehensive online surveillance course, priced at £399 plus VAT. Originally developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the course remains a popular entry point for:
- Overseas learners
- UK-based learners exploring surveillance for the first time
- Those unable to commit to a full five-day course immediately
Importantly, learners who later attend the five-day course receive the online programme free of charge, as pre-course homework. This ensures all participants arrive prepared and ready to “hit the ground running”.
New Course: Physical Penetration Testing
Looking ahead, Simon reveals Titan is developing a new Physical Penetration Testing online course, expected to launch in early 2026. The course will cover the six key planning stages of a physical penetration test:
- Passive reconnaissance
- Open source intelligence
- Active reconnaissance
- Covert observations
- Post-exploitation
- Final report writing
The anticipated cost is £399 plus VAT, with flexible online study allowing learners to progress at their own pace.
Final Thoughts from Titan PI TV
Simon closes the episode with a call to action for viewers and listeners: like the episode, subscribe to Titan PI TV, and stay informed about future content. Above all, he emphasises safety, professionalism, and continuous development within the surveillance industry.
For anyone considering a 5-day surveillance training course in 2026, this episode provides a rare, transparent look at what professional training should deliver—not just in the classroom, but long after the course ends.
As Simon signs off with a familiar “Happy Friday” and “Be safe,” one thing is clear: Titan is not just training surveillance operatives—it is building careers.
What’s Next on Titan PI TV?
Titan PI TV continues to grow steadily, with over 3,200 subscribers and counting—a testament to the appetite for straight-talking guidance in a complex field. If you found Simon Simon’s insights useful, subscribe to the channel to catch future episodes. New content drops every Friday at 3:00 pm, offering grounded advice for investigators, agency owners, and professionals who work with them.
Thank you for reading, watching, or listening to this week’s blog post on Titan PI TV. For more expert advice and behind-the-scenes insights, subscribe to Titan PI TV on YouTube or download the Titan PI TV podcast wherever you get your podcasts. If you found this information helpful, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of private investigations. Until next time, stay safe and keep learning!
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