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This course is sanctioned by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA), the largest professional society of fiber optics in the world. FOA courses offered by BDI DataLynk are recognized by The US Department of Labor. |
Course Description
This comprehensive 3-day introductory course in fiber optics is designed for those aspiring to become Certified Fiber Optic Technicians. The training integrates theoretical knowledge with 85% hands-on activities – students are able to use and practice with field equipment in class through hands on skills labs. Participants will also be introduced to industry standards for FTTD (Fiber To The Desk), FTTH (Fiber To The Home), and Distribution Cabling. The course covers fiber type identification, connector recognition, installation, termination, splicing, and proper testing of installed fiber cables in accordance with current standards. Our goal is to equip students to pass the Fiber Optics Association (FOA) Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) exam, which is administered and graded on the final day.
This program covers not only basic testing and troubleshooting, but also explores the history and future of fiber optics and fiber optics capabilities. Anyone interested in becoming a Certified Fiber Optics Technician should attend this class.
CFOT is a prerequisite for all other BDI DataLynk Courses. The student must pass (meaning 70% of the questions must be answered correctly) on both the written and hands-on exams to successfully pass this course. All exams are closed-book. Tuition includes all books/study materials, exam fees and three-year membership to the FOA.
Course Objective
Prepare student to take the Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT) exam. Enable student to effectively and efficiently install, terminate, and test multimode fiber optic networks to existing standards.
Prerequisites
- Must be able to identify and manipulate small tools
- Must be able to read and speak the English language
- Must have basic working knowledge of computers
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 their ability to build, test, and troubleshoot a fiber optic LAN network.
Instructors
Our field-experienced, FOA/BDI certified leaders will guide students through their training.
Note: Instructors are assigned to each location by BDI.
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| Tom Rauch | Michael Rauch | Kerry Hammer |
Contact (Instructional) Hours
24 hours (Approximately)
Note: Actual number of hours may vary depending on number of students.
Physical demands
- Students must be able to see, manipulate, and hold small tools and test equipment.
- Students must have the ability to announce to anyone in the classroom that lasers are about to be turned on or are currently on and active.
- Student must be able to hear and react to the announcement from anyone in the classroom that lasers are about to be turned on or currently active.
Tuition
Varies by location
Please check with your individual course location coordinator.
Textbook
FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics: Study Guide to FOA Certification by Jim Hayes.
Supplementary study materials includes Student Lab Manual.
Course Outline
Day 1:
- Introduction to Fiber Optics
- Fiber To the Desk
- Fiber To The Home
- Multimode 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 Session 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 multimode 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
- Written and Hands-On Exam review session (Students must pass both the written and the hands-on exams.)