Certified Fiber Optics Testing & Maintenance Specialist (CFOS/T)

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) course is designed to offer advanced training to anyone involved with the testing and maintenance of fiber optics networks.

A focal point in the course is to offer a general, easy to understand, approach to fiber optics testing standards with little theory and considerable hands on activities. This comprehensive course 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 and multi-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-526-14(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: 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: This course prepares the student to take the (CFOS/T) exam given and graded at the end of class. Student will be able to effectively and efficiently identify fiber network defects, and provide QA (Quality Assurance).

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

Course Outline

Day 1:

• Introduction to ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.3, Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard
• A review of fiber optics safety procedures
• Comprehensive overview of ANSI/TIA/EIA-526-14A, FOTP-171, FOTP-107
• Hands-on activities demonstrating OFSTP 7 test procedures. Students must build, test and troubleshoot actual single mode ISP network to industry standards utilizing all available test equipment: OTDR, OLTS, and VFL. 

Day 2:

• Introduction to OTDR Functions
• Use of the OTDR, Power Source and Light Meter Functions
• Fiber Identifier
• Continuity Testing
• Tools and Equipment
• Safety
• Class Discussion
• Administer and Grade Written and Hands-On CFOS-T 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.

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.