CFOT- Certified Fiber Optic Technician is the FOA certification for general fiber optics applications. CFOTs have appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities in fiber optics that can be applied to almost any job – design, installation, operation – for almost any application – outside plant, premises, manufacturing, etc.
FOA CFOT certification is based on an extensive knowledge of fiber optics technology and application as well as demonstrated skills in appropriate tasks. Most CFOTs work in the industry as contractors or installers. Consultants, network designers, estimators and trainers would also be expected to have such credentials. Many CFOTs are involved with the manufacture of fiber optic components such as cables, patchcords, active devices and communications systems.
However, the CFOT certification has been structured as a general technology certification, not aligned to any specific job function. It is used by both outside plant and premises installers, component manufacturing technicians, network managers, network designers, etc. A well-prepared fiber optic technician will have a CFOT plus appropriate specialist certifications (CFOS) for the skills needed for the job (splicing, connectors, testing, design, etc.) and applications (FTTH, OLAN, etc.)
CFOT/T Certified Fiber Optic Technician Fiber Testing Specialist – This is a specialist certification covering fiber optic testing for the purposes of characterizing long distance fibers used in very high speed WDM networks. It is intended for technicians involved in the design, installation or testing of fiber networks. FOA-Approved training for Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Fiber Characterization certification meets the following requirements:
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Classroom sessions covering theory of singlemode fiber characteristics (SA, CD, PMD), test equipment, test methods and standards.
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Inspecting and cleaning connectors correctly as a preparation for any testing.
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Review of insertion loss testing and optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR testing).
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Focus on advanced tests and methods (spectral attenuation (SA), chromatic dispersion (CD) and polarization mode dispersion (PMD).
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Understanding of measurement errors in tests.
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Course may be taught with hands-on lab for field techs or without hands-on labs for planners, designers and engineers.
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Instructor verification of achievement of advanced skills in testing labs as appropriate.