Certified Fiber Optics Outside Plant Cabling Specialist (CFOS/O)

Description

This course is recognized by the US Department of Labor and is sanctioned by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA). 

This in-person advanced specialist fiber optic training 2-day (16-hour) is for students who will be directly involved with installing Outside Plant (OSP) Fiber Optics Cabling. Further, it is an add-on course to their FOA portfolio once they have successfully completed the 3-day, basic CFOT course and can be taken concurrently with the CFOT course. This advanced Fiber Optic Training combines lecture sessions and 85% hands-on activities to prepare the student to take the CFOS/O, OSP hands on and written exams that are sanctioned by the FOA (Fiber Optics Association) and given and graded the final class day. 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 properly test and troubleshoot installed OSP fiber cable to existing standards. Hands-on activities include both mechanical and fusion splicing.

Prerequisite: Students MUST have successfully passed the basic fiber optic training course, (CFOT) within the preceding 12 months or have renewed their FOA membership within that time frame prior to attending the (CFOS/T), (CFOS/S), (CFOS/O) and/or the (CFOS/H) FOA Specialist courses offered in partnership with BDI Datalynk at UCF. There are no exceptions. Students are encouraged to register for all courses being offered at the campus with the understanding that the CFOT course must be successfully completed prior to attending any of the other subsequent courses.

Course Objective: Program prepares the student to take the (CFOS/O) exam given and graded at the end of class. Student will be able to effectively and efficiently troubleshoot, test, identify, and repair OSP fiber network cabling, and provide QA (Quality Assurance) procedures to minimize or eliminate future network outages.

Course Assessment: Along with chapter tests, class discussions, and substantial hands-on activities, the CFOS/S exam is given and graded at the end of the class. Students will receive a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of the program.

 


Course Outline

Day 1:

  • Introduction: OSP Plant Cabling
  • OSP Cable Preparation
  • Installation of Fan Out Kits and Connectors
  • Hands On activities begins - Students are required to build, troubleshoot and test an actual, outside plant fiber optics cabling system using armored OSP cable. Must be able to demonstrate both mechanical and fusion splicing techniques in addition to cable preparation procedures and installation into industry recognized OSP splice closures.
  • Closures: Types and Hardware
  • Splicing: Mechanical and Fusion
  • Preparation and Cleaning of OSP Cable
  • Fiber Optics Safety
  • Hands-on Session Continues
  • Study Question Review Session

Day 2:

  • Hands On Session Continues
  • OTDR, OLTS, VFL Procedures
  • OSP Fiber Plant Testing, Troubleshooting and Repair
  • Study Question Review Session
  • Administer and Grade Written and Hands-On CFOS/O Exam (Students must pass both the written and hands-on exams)
  • Test Results & Review, Conclusion

Textbook

Course fees includes all student materials and consumables and exams. Fiber Optics Technician's Reference Manual by Jim Hayes. Supplemental study materials includes CD, and Student Lab Manual and 1-year membership to the FOA.


Instructors

Certified Fiber Optics Instructor Tom Rauch

Tom Rauch

Tom is a Certified Fiber Optics Instructor and Fiber Optics Network Testing & Maintenance Specialist certified by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA). Tom retired from Verizon Communications as Manager, Network Operations. He was responsible for installation and maintenance field work groups throughout New Jersey. During his 30 year career with Verizon, Tom was involved in POTS (installation and maintenance), Digital, T1, T3, DSL/ADSL, Special Services (analog/digital), Safety, Training, Sales Generation and Public Affairs. After his retirement Tom has worked as a training consultant teaching FTTH (voice, data and video), Fiber Splicing and Fiber CO/Distribution Network Applications to broadband technicians throughout the country. He has also worked as a consultant providing computer training at community colleges in NJ, MD, and VA. 


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