The Fiber Optic Academy Current Courses
CFOT: 3-Day Basic Fiber Optic Technician Course
This 3-day fiber optics course is designed for anyone interested in becoming a Certified Fiber Optics Technician. This program combines theory and 85% hands-on activities to prepare the student to take the CFOT (Certified Fiber Optics Technician) test that is sanctioned by the FOA (Fiber Optics Association) and given and graded the final class day. This course also introduces the student to industry standards governing FTTD (Fiber To The Desk), FTTH (Fiber To The Home, LAN/WAN fiber networks, and further introduces the student to basic fusion and mechanical splicing. Hands-on session will include multimode ISP cable. Students will learn the basics on how to identify fiber types, recognize various connectors used in fiber installation; and install, terminate, splice, and properly test installed ISP fiber cable to existing standards. This program explores the history and future of fiber optics and fiber optics capabilities. Standards covered: Introduction to ANSI/EIA/TIA 568 Standards, NECA/FOA-301-2004, EIA/TIA 568-B.3, ANSI/TIA/EIA 607-A (Ground & Bonding), and NEC Article 770-50. Additional supplemental study will include both mechanical and fusion splicing techniques along with actual OTDR trace sessions. Course fee includes all books study materials and 1-year membership to the FOA. This FOA Approved Course is Recognized by the US Dept. of Labor.
CFOS/T: 2-Day Testing & Maintenance Fiber Optic Specialist Course
This 2-day fiber optics CFOS/T - Certified Fiber Optic Specialist, Testing - is the FOA certification for technicians testing fiber optic cable plants and communications systems. This is a specialist application certification is intended for high level technicians involved in the testing of fiber optic components, cable plants during and after installation and troubleshooting of fiber networks. The KSAs for CFOS/T cover fiber optic testing from concept to completion, including visual inspection and cleaning, visual tracing and fault location, optical power measurement, insertion loss testing and OTDR testing. The requirements also include a familiarity with fiber characterization for long distance high speed networks but that is covered in another specialist certification.
This FOA Approved Course is Recognized by the US Dept. of Labor.
Prerequisite: CFOT
CFOS/S: 2-Day Splicing Fiber Optic Specialist Course
This 2-day fiber optics CFOS/S - Certified Fiber Optic Specialist, Splicing - is the FOA certification for technicians splicing primarily outside plant (OSP) fiber optic cable plants for concatenation and termination. The skills focus includes cable preparation of numerous cables, fusion splicing fibers, placing splices in splice trays and then placing trays in splice closures. Splice testing with an OTDR is also covered.
This FOA Approved Course is Recognized by the US Dept. of Labor.
Prerequisite: CFOT
CFOS/H: 2-Day Fiber to the Home Specialist Course
This 2-day fiber optics CFOS/H - Certified Fiber Optic Specialist in fiber to the home is an application specialist certification covering broadband FTTx networks, cabling design and installation, which includes PON networks (formerly FOA CFxT) It is intended for anyone interested in the application of FTTH networks.
This FOA Approved Course is Recognized by the US Dept. of Labor.
Prerequisites: CFOT, CPCT or or equivalent
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CFOS/O: 2-Day Outside Plant Fiber Optic Specialist Course
This 2-day fiber optics CFOS/O - Certified Fiber Optic Specialist, Outside Plant - is the FOA certification for technicians installing outside plant (OSP) fiber optic cable plants and communications systems. It expands on the CFOT KSAs to include OSP construction and installation of aerial and underground cable plants. The skills focus includes installing and cable preparation of OSP cables, fusion splicing for concatenation and termination and testing with a focus on OTDRs. This FOA Approved Course is Recognized by the US Dept. of Labor.
Prerequisites: CFOT
CPCT: 5-Day Certified Premises Cabling Technician Course
This 5-day fiber optics CPCT - Certified Premises Cabling Technician - is the FOA certification for designers, installers and operators of premises cabling networks. Premises cabling refers to building and campus cabling that is generally customer-owned and used for local area networks of computers (LANs), security systems (CCTV and alarms), building management systems, distributed antenna systems (DAS for cellular and WiFI) and other applications inside buildings or on a campus. The FOA CPCT certification KSAs cover copper and fiber optic cabling and wireless communications.
Prerequisites: None, online self-study course Fiber U Premises Cabling, recommended for all students to prepare for the classroom course and exam
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OTDR Fundamentals: 2-Day OTDR Technician Course
Understanding OTDRs (Optical Time Domain Reflectometers)
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Course Goals and Prerequisites
OTDRs are one of the most powerful tools for fiber optic testing but are also one of the most complicated and, based on the questions we get at The Fiber Optic Academy, misunderstood and misused. There are two issues, 1) understanding how to use the instrument itself with all the controls needed to operate it and 2) understanding how OTDRs make measurements and how to interpret the results. Manufacturers tend to focus on teaching you how to use the instrument or often tell you the instrument is smarter than you and just use the "auto test" button, instructions that have proven to cause expensive problems. This course is designed to focus on #2 - understanding how the OTDR works and how to interpret the OTDR data.
To request more information:
Contact The Fiber Optic Academy
Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm
501.492.9161
info@TheFiberOpticAcademy.com