Fiber Optics Certifications

The Division of Workforce Development offers Fiber Optic Certifications in partnership with BDI DataLynk. Fiber Optic Association (FOA) Certifications offered by BDI DataLynk are recognized by the United States Department of Labor.

All courses include Text, Student Study Manual, Course CD, Exam, and 1-Year Membership to the Fiber Optic Association (FOA).

To register or for more information please visit https://registration.xendirect.com.

If you have any questions, contact Workforce Development by email at WorkforceDevelopment@volstate.edu or by phone at (615) 230-3358.

Course Description

This 2-day (16-hour) program is designed to offer advanced training to anyone involved with the testing and maintenance of fiber optics networks. A focal point in the program is to offer a general, easy to understand, approach to fiber optics testing standards with little theory and considerable hands on activities. This comprehensive program explains the variety of testing standards, equipment and technological approaches used in fiber network testing and splicing and how to choose among them. This 75% 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. This course is recognized by The US Department of Labor and is sanctioned by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA).

Course Objective

Program prepares the student to take the Advanced Fiber Optics Certification Exam given at the end of class. Student will be able to effectively and efficiently identify fiber network defects, and provide QA (Quality Assurance) procedures to minimize or eliminate future network outages.

Prerequisite

FOA CFOT Course. As of January 1, 2015, the student MUST have successfully passed the basic CFOT course within the preceding 12 months or have renewed their FOA membership within that time frame prior to attending the CFOS/T, CFOS/S, and/or the CFOS/O FOA Specialist courses offered by BDI Datalynk. There are no exceptions. Students are encouraged to register for all courses being offered at the individual locations with the understanding that the CFOT is the prerequisite for all other courses and it must be successfully completed first prior to attending any of the other courses.

Method of Assessing Whether Course Objective Was Met

Along with chapter tests, class discussions, and substantial hands-on activities, the Advanced Fiber Optics Certification Test is given and graded at the end of the class. Students will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the program. Particular Physical Demand(s) on student: Student should be physically able to see, identify, install, and test fiber optics connectors safely and efficiently. Textbook: Fiber Optics Technician's Manual, 3rd Edition by Jim Hayes, Supplementary Study Materials Include Workbook and Student Lab Manual. Course fee includes all study materials and consumables.

Course Description

This 2-day program includes a complete PowerPoint presentation explaining the importance high performance splicing and further details the points necessary to achieve these splices. The depth of this presentation is much greater than most textbooks and provides background information about splicing that is very important to the student. An overview of OTDR functions and trace understanding is also provided during this presentation. 75% hands-on classroom activities will provide training in both fusion and mechanical splicing of both single and multi-mode fiber optic cables. Both inside and outside plant fiber optic cable types will be utilized during these hands-on sessions along with inside and outside plant enclosures and splice trays. The student will be responsible for successfully making and testing both single mode and multi-mode mechanical and fusion splices. In addition to the basic splicing activities outlined above, the student will further be required to correctly and efficiently install spliced fibers into splice trays and trays in enclosures. These enclosures will include both rack and wall mounted splice enclosures, as well as, outside plant enclosures. The student will further be required to achieve a splice loss of less than 0.15 dB for all splices and demonstrate proficiency in interpretation of splice loss using OTDR splice traces. This course is recognized by The US Department of Labor and is sanctioned by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA)

Prerequisite

FOA CFOT Course. As of January 1, 2015, the student MUST have successfully passed the basic CFOT course within the preceding 12 months or have renewed their FOA membership within that time frame prior to attending the CFOS/T, CFOS/S, and/or the CFOS/O FOA Specialist courses offered by BDI Datalynk. There are no exceptions. Students are encouraged to register for all courses being offered at the individual locations with the understanding that the CFOT is the prerequisite for all other courses and it must be successfully completed first prior to attending any of the other courses.

Course Objective

Program prepares the student to take the CFOS/S (Certified Fiber Optics Specialist/Splicing) exam that is sanctioned by the FOA (Fiber Optics Association). The exam is given and graded the final day of class.

Method of Assessing Whether Course Objective Was Met

CFOS/S test is given and graded at the end of the class. A hands-on practical exam is given to insure student is proficient in installing and making mechanical and fusion splices according to industry standards. Particular Physical Demand(s) on student: Student should be physically able to see, identify, install, and test fiber optics connectors safely and efficiently. Textbook: Fiber Optics Technician's Manual, 3rd Edition by Jim Hayes, Supplementary Study Materials Include Workbook and Student Lab Manual. Course fee includes all study materials and consumables.

Course Description

This introductory 3-day fiber optics course is designed for anyone interested in learning basic fiber optic networking. This program combines theory and 75% 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. This course is recognized by The US Department of Labor and is sanctioned by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA). Course fee includes all books study materials.

Course Objective

Program prepares the student to take the CFOT (Certified Fiber Optics Technician) exam given and graded at the end of class. Student will be able to effectively and efficiently install, terminate, and test multimode/single-mode fiber optic networks.

Suggested Prerequisite

Basic working knowledge of computers. Able to see and identify small items and able to speak and understand the English language.

Method of Assessing Whether Course Objective Was Met

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 demonstrate the ability to build and test a fiber optic LAN network. Particular Physical Demand(s) on student: Student should be physically able to see, identify, install, and test fiber optics connectors safely and efficiently. Students must be able to read and speak English. Textbook: Fiber Optics Technician’s Manual 3rd Edition by Jim Hayes, Supplementary Study Materials includes Workbook, CD, and Student Lab Manual. Course fee includes all study materials and consumables.