Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT)

Description

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

This introductory in-person 3-day fiber optics course is designed for anyone interested in learning basic fiber optic networking and becoming a Certified Fiber Optic 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. 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 cost of installation.

Standards covered: NECA/FOA-301-2004, EIA/TIA 568-B.3, ANSI/TIA/EIA 607-A, and NEC Article 770-50, anyone interested in becoming a Certified Fiber Optics Technician should attend this class.

Course Objective: Program prepares the student to take the (CFOT) exam given and graded at the end of class. Student will be able to effectively and efficiently install, terminate, and test multi-mode or single-mode fiber optic networks to existing standards. Students will demonstrate the ability to build and test a fiber optic LAN network.

Course Assessment: Along with chapter tests, class discussions, and substantial hands-on activities, the CFOT 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 to Fiber Optics
• History and Future of Fiber Optics Networking
• Fiber To the Desk
• Fiber To The Home
• K-12 Fiber Optics Networking
• Fiber Optics Safety
• Hands-on Session Begins - Anaerobic Polishing Procedures. Basic patch cable assembly, testing, troubleshoot, and repair.

Day 2:

• Fiber Optics Networking Standards
• Fiber Optics Cable and Connector Identification
• Outside Plant Cable Introduction
• Hands-on Sessions Continues - Termination of Fiber Connectors, Introduction to Splicing (Mechanical & Fusion), Introduction to Fiber Optics Network Troubleshooting. Students will begin installation of MM fiber optics network using 12-fiber distribution style cable with SC and ST connectors.

Day 3:

• Outside Plant Fiber Cable preparation, termination & testing - Demonstration
• Hands-On Session Continues - Students must build, test and troubleshoot actual multi-mode fiber optics network according to industry standards
• Introduction to Basic OTDR Functions and Traces
• Use of the OTDR, VFL, Power Source and Light Meter Functions
• Continuity Testing, Troubleshooting, Managing Tools and Equipment
• Safety
• Administer and Grade Written and Hands-On CFOT Exam (Students must pass both the written and the 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.

Advanced Specialist Fiber Optic Training Courses

Once you have successfully completed this CFOT course, you are now qualified to enroll in the Advanced Specialist Fiber Optic Training Courses offered in partnership with BDI Datalynk at UCF:

• Certified Fiber Optics Testing & Maintenance Specialist (CFOS/T)
• Certified Fiber Optics Splicing Specialist (CFOS/S)
• Certified Fiber Optics Outside Plant Cabling Specialist (CFOS/O)
• Certified Fiber Optics Fiber to the Home Specialist (CFOS/H)

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 by 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.

Instructors

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.