Since the emergence of the internet, there has been a need to have a faster internet connection. People rely on the internet to carry out almost everything, including information/research, shopping, streaming music and videos, online gaming, and so much more. Fiber optics is the answer to the speedy internet connection. The good old copper conductors simply can’t support the speeds and data capacities required these days.

The concept of fiber optics has not been around for long. There are a lot of jobs out there for fiber optics professionals and the demand continues to rise. With basic knowledge in fiber optics, you can enroll your employees for an advanced fiber optics training course and equip them with the right knowledge and skills to excel as fiber optics professionals.

Lessons in Advanced Fiber Optics Training

Advanced fiber optics training is designed for people interested in earning various certifications in the fiber optics profession. You could become a Certified Fiber Optic Technician by taking up a short course. The training combines theory and a larger percentage of hands-on activities to prepare students to take the CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician) test and other certification exams. The exams are sanctioned by the FOA (Fiber Optics Association) and can be given and graded on the final class day.

Fiber optics technicians can also take a course that introduces them to industry standards governing FTTD (Fiber To The Desk), Distribution Cabling, and FTTH (Fiber To The Home). Students learn how to identify various types of fiber, recognize different connectors used in fiber installations, and install, terminate, splice, and test fiber cables to the required standards. The program also explores the history and future of fiber optics and the capabilities of the technology.

More importantly, advanced training in fiber optics equips technicians involved in testing and maintenance of fiber optics networks with the right skills and knowledge to execute their work. The training provides a general approach to fiber optics testing standards with extensive hands-on activities and little theory. Students learn a variety of testing standards, technological approaches, and equipment used in fiber optics testing and splicing.

Fiber optic specialist courses are designed for students who will directly handle the installation of Outside Plant (OSP) Fiber Optic Cabling. It can be an add-on course to your FOA portfolio once you have successfully completed the basic CFOT course or you can take it concurrently with the CFOT course. The advanced Fiber Optic Training combines classroom sessions and extensive hands-on activities.

Students will also learn how to properly identify different types of OSP fiber cabling, recognize various outside plant enclosures, install, terminate, splice, and test and troubleshoot installed OSP fiber cables to the existing standards. Hands-on activities include both fusion and mechanical splicing.

Fiber Optics Certifications

Advanced training in fiber optics equips students with the right knowledge and hands-on skills required in today’s electronics industry. Here are the certifications you could gain upon completing your advanced training in fiber optics:

Certified Fiber Optics Installer (FOI)

Technicians with Certified Fiber Optics Installer (FOI) have validated knowledge and skills to troubleshoot and certify fiber optic cable networks efficiently and accurately. They can troubleshoot various cable systems with a combination of fiber cables, connectors, and splices.

Certified Military Fiber Optics Installation Professional (MFOI)

MFOI validates the ability to address the criteria for using military tactical fiber optic connector assemblies (TFOCA) or MIL-STD-2042, M28876 & M29504 connector assemblies. Certified technicians gain skills to install, test, and troubleshoot fiber optic systems in accordance with the military standards. They also have the knowledge to terminate Single Terminus (ST), Multiple Terminus (MT), and Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) connectors that meet the military standards.

Certified Fiber Optics Technician (FOT)

FOT validates the knowledge and skills required to troubleshoot and certify fiber optic cable networks efficiently and accurately. Certified technicians can troubleshoot different cable systems with a combination of fibers, splices, and connectors on the most commonly occurring hitches. (Pre-requisite: ETA FOI certification).

Certified Fiber Optics Designer (FOD)

FOD validates an in-depth knowledge of optical local area networks. Certified technicians have the skills to design a successful fiber optic system from network protocols, network configuration, optical cabling, hardware selection, determination of fiber count, industry communications standards, splicing/termination methods, as well as cable system testing and documentation. (Pre-requisites: ETA FOI and FOT).

Data Cabling Installer Certification (DCIC)

DCIC validates the knowledge and skills required to install and troubleshoot voice and data outlets at a workstation, punch down blocks and cross-connect in telecommunication rooms. Qualified technicians have the skills to cable pathways and spaces, work with contractors, evaluate work, and execute projects. Basic knowledge in copper cabling installation in accordance with safety standards is also achieved.

Why Train Employees in Fiber Optics?

Knowledge is power in today’s competitive global economy. Employers must continuously re-train their employees to keep pace with innovation. When employees take classes in fiber optics training and earn various certifications, your business will instill efficiency and carry out various tasks in-house while meeting certification requirements.

Fiber optics training can benefit businesses of all types and sizes. It gives you a competitive edge and enhances productivity. Some of the industries that gain from fiber optics training include:

• The military can facilitate mobile and field communication, including air and under-water.
• Medical professionals can use lasers, imaging equipment, and light guides.
• Most companies use fiber networks to connect computers, printers, smartphones, and other networked devices used by employees.
• Companies involved in mining and exploration can use fiber optics to enhance remote viewing and collect atmospheric measurements of pressure and temperature.
• Internet service providers can now offer fast, reliable, and smooth services through fiber optics.
• Cable TV providers now use fiber optics to provide on-demand videos and a myriad of other digitally-delivered services.
• Fiber optics technology is also used by security firms and many other data transmission companies.

Are Your Employees Ready for Advanced Fiber Optics Training?

Interested in learning more about advanced fiber optics training and the various certifications you could earn? Contact Infotec today to learn more about opportunities, both in-person and online. We are a nationally recognized leader empowering customers with world-class information technology training and certification.