Fiber Optics Technician Certifications

Fiber Optics Technician Certifications

• Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT): This introductory fiber optic tech course is designed for anyone interested in becoming a Certified Fiber Optic Technician. This Fiber Optic Training combines theory and 85% hands-on activities to prepare the student to take the CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician) test that is sanctioned by the FOA (Fiber Optics Association). The certification exam will be given and graded on the final class day. This course also introduces the student to industry standards governing FTTD (Fiber To The Desk), FTTH (Fiber To The Home), and Distribution Cabling. Students will learn how to identify fiber types, recognize various connectors used in fiber installation; and install, terminate, splice, and properly test installed fiber cable to existing standards. This program explores the history and future of fiber optics and fiber optics capabilities, and basic testing and troubleshooting. Anyone interested in becoming a Certified Fiber Optics Technician should attend this class.
• Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing & Maintenance (CFOS/T): This program is designed to offer advanced training to anyone involved with the testing and maintenance of fiber optics networks. A focal point in the program is to offer a general, easy to understand approach to fiber optics testing standards with little theory and considerable hands on activities. This comprehensive program explains the variety of testing standards, equipment and technological approaches used in fiber network testing and splicing and how to choose among them. This 85% hands-on course explores the overall spectrum of testing and maintenance of single-mode fiber optics networks and provides a detailed overview and demonstration of various pieces of equipment used in testing and maintenance. Subject matter includes a detailed study of ANSI/TIA/EIA-526-(7)A, OTDR fundamentals and uses, OTDR vs. Insertion Loss Testing, Return Loss Testing, and Attenuation testing using the Power Source and Light Meter. **Prerequisite Required.
• Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Splicing (CFOS/S): This program Splicing Specialist Training includes a complete PowerPoint presentation explaining the importance of high-performance splicing and further details the points necessary to achieve these splices. The depth of this presentation is much greater than most textbooks and provides background information about splicing that is very important to the student. An overview of OTDR functions and trace understanding is also provided during this presentation. 85% hands-on classroom activities will provide training in both fusion and mechanical splicing of either single or multi-mode fiber optic cables. Inside or outside plant fiber optic cable types will be utilized at instructor’s discretion during these hands-on sessions along with fiber optics enclosures and splice trays. The student will be responsible for successfully making and testing both mechanical and fusion splices. In addition to the basic splicing activities outlined above, the student will further be required to correctly and efficiently install spliced fibers into splice trays and enclosures. The student will further be required to achieve a splice loss of less than 0.15 dB for all splices and demonstrate proficiency in interpretation of splice loss using OTDR splice traces. **Prerequisite Required.
• Certified Fiber Optics Specialist Outside Plant (CFOS/O): This fiber optic specialist course is for students who will be directly involved with installing Outside Plant (OSP) Fiber Optics Cabling. This course introduces the student to industry standards governing the installation, testing, and troubleshooting of OSP fiber optics cable - used in the Outside Plant Rugged Environment. Students will learn how to properly identify OSP fiber cabling types, recognize various outside plant closures used in OSP fiber installation, install, prepare, terminate, splice, and thoroughly test and troubleshoot installed OSP fiber cable to existing standards. Hands-on activities include both mechanical and fusion splicing. **Prerequisite Required. 
• Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Fiber to Home (CFOS/H): This Fiber To The Home Specialist course is a comprehensive program to introduce the fiber optics technician to Fiber to the Home architectures being utilized, advantages and disadvantages of each and types of components necessary to complete a FTTH fiber segment. Upon completion of this course, the student will be familiar with why FTTH is being implemented today, including technical, marketing, and financial justifications. The student will further be familiar with the technical details and attributes of specialized FTTH components such as: splitters/couplers and wavelength-division multiplexers and the requirements for cables, connectors, splices, and associated hardware. FTTH design and installation requirements will be discussed in detail. The student will be able to successfully install, test, troubleshoot, and maintain FTTH links as a result of real world, hands-on training sessions. **Prerequisite Required.

**Prerequisite: FOA CFOT Course. As of January 1, 2015, the student MUST have successfully passed the basic CFOT course within the preceding 12 months or have renewed their FOA membership within that time frame prior to attending the CFOS/T, CFOS/S, and/or the CFOS/O FOA Specialist courses offered by BDI Datalynk. There are no exceptions. Students are encouraged to register for all courses being offered at the individual locations with the understanding that the CFOT is the prerequisite for all other courses and it must be successfully completed first prior to attending any of the other specialist courses.