If a part of your business is the installation, maintenance, or scaling of fiber optic networks then you may have found that one of the most difficult aspects of beginning a project is finding fully certified workers. You may have good employees on hand that are unable to work on certain aspects of your project because they lack the certifications necessary to perform the tasks to the standard that is demanded by the industry. However, an investment in fiber optic certification training may help to address these shortfalls and help you bring your contracts in on time and under budget.

What are Some of the Different Fiber Optics Certifications?

There may not be one perfect certification that will allow your staff to perform all of the tasks that you need done on a daily basis, but there are several useful certifications that may be applicable to the project you need to complete. Several fiber optic certifications may be applicable to the type of fiber optic work that you need performed.

Certified Military Fiber Optics Installation Professional (MFOI)

The MFOI is a certification focused on the types of fiber optic technologies used by the military and affiliated government agencies. If you have hired prior service personnel, they may be deeply familiar with these technologies and advanced training in their installation but no transferable civilian certification. The MFOI covers the use of tactical fiber optic connector assemblies (TFOCA) and the military standards that are expected in their deployment.

Certified Fiber Optics Technician (FOT)

Perhaps the most commonly needed certification in the industry, the Certified Fiber Optics Technician (FOT) certification is concerned with the certification and troubleshooting of existing fiber optic networks to include combination networks with various connectors or splices. It is the next step in the career of an installer that already possesses an ETI FOI certification.

Certified Fiber Optics Designer (FOD)

If you need a higher level of expertise in the design of a fiber optic network, the Certified Fiber Optics Designer (FOD) certification may be perfect for your purposes. The certificate program covers the design of network configurations to meet the exacting standards of the telecommunication industry. This is a combination of in-depth knowledge of utilizing hardware, determining fiber pathways, and stress-testing the network prior to fielding.

Data Cabling Installer Certification (DCIC)

The go-to certification for supervisors and managers, the Data Cabling Installer Certification (DCIC) combines the hands-on knowledge with the skills necessary to work with various contractors and evaluate the work of technicians. There is a large emphasis on regulatory compliance and safety in the curriculum on this certification. The holders of this certificate have the level of understanding necessary to implement large-scale installation projects that work in tandem with copper cabling or legacy systems.

Which Program Is Right For Your Business?

Deciding which of these programs is right for your workers can be difficult. All of the certifications have something to offer but they may not be necessary for every individual worker who has a hand in your fiber optic installation shop. Each of the certificates is specialized and focused on a specific section of fiber optic installation.

For example, if your business rarely handles military contracts it may not make a great deal of sense to invest in MFOI certification. If the bulk of your business comes from the installation of workstations or cabling commercial office buildings, a DCIC certification may be a good fit. If you are only able to choose one certification program, ensure that the one you choose will have the greatest impact on the fiber optic proficiency area that your employees utilize most often.

The Benefits of Formal Fiber Optics Training

It is true that not all individuals will need to enroll in a course to pass their exams. Some of your employees may already have a strong background in the field or advanced education that allows them to pass with a cursory review of the study materials that are provided by the certifying entity.

While there are many ways for your workforce to gain the knowledge needed to pass the certification examinations, formal training in preparation for these exams not only helps them to be more likely to pass the exams but also aides in building fundamental skills that are essential to being a proficient installer.

Whether it is in a traditional classroom environment or an online course, formal training can be an inexpensive way to ensure that the exam is passed the first time and a worker is ready to join a project as soon as possible.

Is Fiber Optics Training Right for Your Workers?

Are you interested in leveraging formal fiber optic certification programs to improve outcomes for your workplace? It may be easier than you think. Contact Infotec today for more information on our in-person and online technical training programs.

For more information about Infotec or any of our programs click here: http://www.infotectraining.com/ or https://ops.infotecpro.com/course_schedule/course_schedule.cfm.