Start hereCFOT
Certified Fiber Optic Technician
The FOA's entry-level certification: fiber types, connectors, splicing, termination and testing. Complete Fiber U online first.
- Length
- 2 days
- Tuition per student
- $598 / student
FOA-Approved · Veteran-Owned · Malvern, AR
Fiber Optic Training & FOA Certification
Hands-on fiber and copper training at our Malvern, Arkansas facility or on-site at your company. Start free online with Fiber U, then get certified in as little as two days.
- $299/day, exam & materials included
- 2-day hands-on CFOT
- On-site training nationwide
- FOA-certified instructors
How you can train
Three Ways to Get Certified
Whether you're starting a new career or upskilling a whole crew, there's a path that fits your schedule.
Start online with Fiber U
Learn the fundamentals free and at your own pace on Fiber U, the FOA's online learning site.
Visit Fiber U →
Train hands-on in Malvern, AR
Instructor-led labs with real splicers and test equipment at our training facility near Hot Springs.
Training in Arkansas →
On-site at your company
We bring FOA-approved courses to your shop, yard or training room anywhere in the US.
On-site training →
Your path to certification
Start Your Fiber Optic Training Online
Students interested in pursuing fiber optic certification are encouraged to begin their training through Fiber U, the online learning resource provided by The Fiber Optic Association (FOA).
Learn online with Fiber U
Visit fiberu.org to develop foundational knowledge of fiber optic technology, installation practices, testing, and industry terminology.
Complete two days of hands-on training
Upon completing the appropriate CFOT online training, obtain your certificate of completion and bring it to an FOA-accredited training facility for a two-day, instructor-led, hands-on training course.
Take the FOA certification exam
After successfully completing the required practical training and meeting applicable eligibility requirements, students may take the FOA certification examination. Students who pass the examination and satisfy FOA requirements can earn their FOA certification.
Please note: a Fiber U certificate of completion is not itself an FOA professional certification. FOA certification is earned by passing the FOA certification examination and meeting current FOA eligibility requirements.
Daily hands-on training rate: $299 per student.
Contact TFOA for course availability, enrollment information, and certification requirements.
FOA-approved courses
Hands-On Fiber Optic Courses
Every course includes the FOA certification exam and all course materials, at $299 per student per training day.
- Start here
SpecialistCFOS/S
Splicing Specialist
Fusion and mechanical splicing, splice trays and closures, and splice testing with an OTDR.
- Length
- 2 days
- Tuition per student
- $598 / student
SpecialistCFOS/T
Testing Specialist
Inspection and cleaning, insertion loss testing, OTDR testing and troubleshooting fiber networks.
- Length
- 2 days
- Tuition per student
- $598 / student
SpecialistCFOS/H
Fiber to the Home Specialist
FTTx and PON network design, installation and testing for broadband crews.
- Length
- 2 days
- Tuition per student
- $598 / student
SpecialistCFOS/O
Outside Plant Specialist
OSP construction, aerial and underground installation, splicing and OTDR testing.
- Length
- 2 days
- Tuition per student
- $598 / student
In personCPCT
Premises Cabling Technician
Copper, fiber and wireless premises cabling for LANs, security and building systems.
- Length
- 5 days
- Tuition per student
- $1,495 / student
Why The Fiber Optic Academy
Training That Gets You Job-Ready
Recognized FOA certifications
Our courses are approved by The Fiber Optic Association, so your certification is recognized by employers across the industry.
About FOA certifications →
FOA-certified instructors
Learn from instructors with real field experience in splicing, testing and FTTH builds, not just classroom theory.
Meet our staff →
Hands-on from day one
Most of class time is spent in the lab with real cable, fusion splicers, power meters and OTDRs.
See the courses →
Career guidance
We help graduates understand the fiber job market and connect with employers building today's broadband networks.
Become a fiber tech →
Upcoming Classes
Ready to Launch Your Fiber Optics Career?
Tell us about you or your crew and we'll recommend the right course, at our Malvern facility or at your location.
Trusted by
Our Partners
From the blog
Fiber Optic Guides & Tips
Testing
How to Read an OTDR Trace: A Practical Guide for Fiber Techs
Slopes, spikes and steps: what each feature of an OTDR trace tells you about the fiber, and the mistakes that trip up new technicians.
7 min read
Splicing
Fusion vs. Mechanical Splicing: Which Should You Use?
Both methods join two fibers permanently, but they differ in loss, reflectance, tooling cost and where they belong in a network.
6 min read
Fundamentals
Single-Mode vs. Multimode Fiber: What Every Technician Should Know
Core size, wavelength, distance and cost: the practical differences between the two main fiber types, and how to tell them apart in the field.
6 min read
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Fiber Optic Academy an FOA-approved school?
Yes. The Fiber Optic Academy is a Veteran-owned, FOA-approved fiber optic training school. Students who complete our hands-on courses take the FOA certification exam at the end of class.
What is the CFOT certification?
The Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) is the Fiber Optic Association's primary entry-level certification for fiber optic technicians. It covers fiber optic theory, cables, connectors, splicing, termination and testing, and it is the prerequisite for most FOA specialist (CFOS) certifications.
What are the requirements to take the CFOT course?
The FOA does not require prior experience for the CFOT, but it recommends completing its free online fiber optics training first. At The Fiber Optic Academy you complete the CFOT online training at Fiber U (fiberu.org), bring your certificate of completion to class, and then attend our 2-day, instructor-led, hands-on course and take the FOA exam.
What is Fiber U, and is it free?
Fiber U is the free online learning resource provided by The Fiber Optic Association. It covers fiber optic technology, installation, testing and terminology. A Fiber U certificate of completion is not itself an FOA professional certification: FOA certification is earned by passing the FOA certification exam and meeting FOA eligibility requirements.
Can I get FOA certified completely online?
Not if you are new to fiber optics. FOA certifications for new technicians are earned through FOA-approved schools that include hands-on lab training. Experienced technicians with documented fiber optic work experience may qualify for FOA direct certification; see foa.org for current requirements.
How long does it take to get fiber optic certified?
Fiber U online study is self-paced. Our hands-on CFOT course then takes 2 days, ending with the FOA exam. Specialist courses such as splicing (CFOS/S), testing (CFOS/T), fiber to the home (CFOS/H) and outside plant (CFOS/O) are 2 days each, and the Certified Premises Cabling Technician (CPCT) course is 5 days.
Still have questions? Read all our FAQs or contact us.
All FAQsNeed more information?
Get in Touch With Us
Questions about courses, dates, certification or training your team on-site? Send us a message and we'll get back to you.
- Phone: +1 (501) 494-9161
- Email: info@thefiberopticacademy.com
- Training facility: 323 Catherine Cove Loop Malvern, AR 72104