Learning Paths

Step-by-step courses for security and ELV engineers, written by a working project engineer. Follow a path in order, practise with the free tools, and track your progress as you go.

5 paths60 lessons & tools~9 hours of reading100% free
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CCTV: Zero to Designer

Beginner → Pro · 17 steps · ~2 h

Start with how cameras and recorders work, then learn placement, storage, bandwidth and networking, and finish by designing a complete system with the free tools.

0 of 17 done
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Fire Alarm Engineer

Beginner → Pro · 14 steps · ~2 h

From detector types and system architectures to standards, design, integration and fault-finding on live addressable systems.

0 of 14 done
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Networking & Fiber for ELV

Beginner → Intermediate · 12 steps · ~2 h

The network skills every security and ELV engineer needs: copper and fiber cabling, PON, wireless, bandwidth, VLANs, VPN and time sync.

0 of 12 done
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Thermal & Special Surveillance

Advanced · 9 steps · ~2 h

Thermal imaging, LPR/ANPR and surveillance for harsh and hazardous sites such as oil & gas, offshore and marine.

0 of 9 done
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Access Control & Smart Buildings

Intermediate · 8 steps · ~1 h

Integrated security, access control software and lifts, fire alarm interfaces, and smart home basics.

0 of 8 done
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Progress is saved in this browser only. No account needed.

📹 CCTV: Zero to Designer

0 of 17 done
Outcome: You will be able to select cameras, size storage and bandwidth, plan the network and produce a CCTV design.
  1. CCTV Camera Explained 17 min read
  2. IP vs Analog (HD-TVI/CVI/AHD) CCTV Cameras: Which to Choose in 2026 11 min read
  3. Which Camera is Best For You? Multi-Sensor vs. Single Sensor vs. Fisheye Cameras 6 min read
  4. What Is an NVR? How Network Video Recorders Work in CCTV 4 min read
  5. ONVIF Profiles S, T, G, M Explained: The Ultimate Guide to CCTV Compatibility 6 min read
  6. CCTV Camera Placement Guide: Angles, Heights & Coverage 12 min read
  7. CCTV FOV & Lens Calculator Hands-on tool
  8. How to Calculate CCTV Storage 5 min read
  9. CCTV Storage Calculator Hands-on tool
  10. How to Calculate Network Bandwidth 16 min read
  11. VLAN for CCTV Systems 14 min read
  12. CCTV Installation & Wiring Guide: HD Analog & IP Cameras 16 min read
  13. How to design a CCTV system 9 min read
  14. Network & CCTV Single Line Designer Hands-on tool
  15. CCTV Cybersecurity in 2026: How to Protect Your Surveillance System from Hackers 3 min read
  16. Troubleshooting Guide for CCTV 9 min read
  17. How to Reset a Hikvision or Dahua NVR Password (Official Methods) 11 min read

🔥 Fire Alarm Engineer

0 of 14 done
Outcome: You will understand BS 5839 and NFPA 72 approaches, lay out detectors and devices, and troubleshoot common faults.
  1. Fire Alarm System & Fire Detection System 5 min read
  2. Addressable vs Conventional Fire Alarm Systems: Engineer’s Guide 12 min read
  3. Smoke vs Heat Detector: Differences and Where to Install Each 11 min read
  4. Flame Detectors 6 min read
  5. Gas Detection System 6 min read
  6. BS 5839 vs NFPA 72: Key Differences Every Fire Alarm Engineer Must Know 18 min read
  7. Fire alarm system design guide 7 min read
  8. How to Design a Fire alarm System 9 min read
  9. Fire Alarm Design Tool Hands-on tool
  10. Fire Alarm Design for High-Rise Budlings 15 min read
  11. Fire Alarm Integration with BMS, Access Control & CCTV 24 min read
  12. Complete Addressable Fire Alarm Fault & Troubleshooting Guide 22 min read
  13. Open-Circuit Faults in Fire Alarm Systems 10 min read
  14. Exit Plan Designer Hands-on tool

🌐 Networking & Fiber for ELV

0 of 12 done
Outcome: You will choose the right cable and fiber, plan bandwidth and VLANs, and keep CCTV and access control networks reliable.
  1. Network Cables 15 min read
  2. Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6A vs Cat7: Speed, Distance and Which to Use 10 min read
  3. Fiber Optic Network Terminology: Key Terms Explained 7 min read
  4. Fiber Optic Cables, Connectors, Adapters and Accessories Explained 7 min read
  5. FTTH “Fiber To The Home” 4 min read
  6. GPON For CCTV Security System 4 min read
  7. Wireless Networking 7 min read
  8. How to Calculate Network Bandwidth 16 min read
  9. VLAN for CCTV Systems 14 min read
  10. VPN – Virtual Private Network 7 min read
  11. Windows Won’t Sync Time? How to Fix NTP Time Sync 7 min read
  12. Network & CCTV Single Line Designer Hands-on tool

🌡️ Thermal & Special Surveillance

0 of 9 done
Outcome: You will specify thermal and LPR cameras and understand the extra requirements of hazardous and offshore locations.
  1. What Is a Thermal Camera and Where Should You Use It? 6 min read
  2. Complete Technical Guide for Thermal Camera 23 min read
  3. Thermal Camera Calculator Hands-on tool
  4. Thermal Cameras for Fire Prevention🔥 10 min read
  5. Choosing the Right Thermal Imaging Camera Offshore 8 min read
  6. LPR, ANPR & UVSS Systems Complete Guide 11 min read
  7. Suitable Lens Selection for LPR/ANPR Systems 14 min read
  8. Zone 0 CCTV Camera Oil & Gas: Wellpad Monitoring & ATEX Guide 26 min read
  9. Offshore Surveillance and Well Monitoring System 6 min read

🔐 Access Control & Smart Buildings

0 of 8 done
Outcome: You will connect access control with CCTV, lifts and fire alarm, and plan smart building devices.
  1. CCTV Alone Is No Longer Enough 8 min read
  2. SOYAL ACCESS CONTROL …FAQ 16 min read
  3. How to Connect an IP Camera to Soyal Access Control (701 Client) 7 min read
  4. How to connect Access Control to the Elevator 7 min read
  5. No Response from lift control panel 7 min read
  6. Fire Alarm Integration with BMS, Access Control & CCTV 24 min read
  7. How to Build a Smart Home: Devices and Installation Basics 6 min read
  8. Smart Home Gadgets 7 min read
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