Guidance

DAO Level 2 Award in Surveillance Photography

Updated 9 September 2025

610/6239/X

Overall Objective for the Qualification

This Qualification is designed for military personnel who are involved in surveillance photography and provides the standards that are expected for individuals working as a camera surveillance operator. It is a bespoke Qualification delivered only by The Defence School of Photography. The content of the Qualification includes technical knowledge about the function of the latest issue digital camera as well as relevant aspects/elements of photographic theory and practice for a range of covert and overt circumstances and in a range of climactic and light conditions.

Pre-entry requirements

There are no formal pre-entry academic or technical requirements, but learners must be employed in a camera surveillance role.

Units

This qualification is made up of a total of 2 Mandatory units.

Size

Total Credits 4

Guided Learning Hours 15

Total Qualification Time 46

Age Restriction

These qualifications are available to learners aged 16 years and over.

Further information

Full qualification specification is available on request DEFAC-DAO@mod.gov.uk