Fiber Optics Bootcamp
This 5-day fiber optic bootcamp is designed for anyone interested in becoming a Certified Fiber Optic Technician. This course combines theory and hands-on activities to prepare the student to take the CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician), CFOS/T (Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Testing & Maintenance), and the CFOS/S (Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Splicing) exams that are sanctioned by the FOA (Fiber Optics Association). These exams will be given and graded over the course of the week.
Dates: July 21-25, 2025 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fee: $2570
Registration & Payment Deadline: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Students will learn how to identify fiber types, recognize various connectors used in fiber installation; install, terminate, splice, and properly test multi-mode and single-mode fiber optic networks to existing standards. This program explores the history and future of fiber optics, their capabilities, and testing and troubleshooting.
Students must be able to see, identify and manipulate small items and be able to read and speak the English language.
Students must be able to see, manipulate, and hold small tools and test equipment. Students must be able to read and speak the English language. 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. Further, the 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. Finally, students considering this, or any other fiber optics course must understand that, because of safety issues in dealing high-power lasers and microscopes, the ability to communicate these important announcements to co- workers and the ability to hear and react to these announcements from co-workers is required once in the field working in this industry.
Fiber Optics Technician’s Reference Manual by Jim Hayes. Supplementary study materials, and Student Lab Manual. Course fee includes all study materials, consumables and exams.
Course Schedule
Day 1
- Introduction to Fiber Optics
- Multimode Fiber Optics Networking
- Fiber Optics Safety
- Jargon, history, and application
Day 2
- Fiber Optics Networking Standards
- Fiber Optics Cable and Connector Identification.
- Hands-on Session Begins – Anaerobic Polishing Procedures. Basic patch cable assembly, testing, troubleshoot, and repair.
- Introduction to Basic OTDR Functions and Traces Use of the OTDR, VFL, Light Source and Power Meter Functions
- Continuity Testing, Troubleshooting, Managing Tools and Equipment
Day 3
- Review session
- CFOT Written Exam
- Hands-on Session Continues –
- Termination of Fiber Connectors, Introduction to Splicing (Mechanical & Fusion).
- Begin CFOS/T presentation:
- Introduction to ANSI/TIA/EIA-568- B.3, Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard.
- A review of fiber optics safety procedures
- Comprehensive overview of ANSI/TIA/EIA-526-14A , FOTP-171, FOTP-107
- Introduction to OTDR Functions,
- Use of the OTDR, Power Source and Light Meter Functions
- Fiber Identifier
- Continuity Testing
- Tools and Equipment
- Safety
Day 4
- Class Discussion
- CFOS/T Written Exam
- Test Results & Review
- Hands-on activities demonstrating OFSTP 7 test procedures. Students must build, test and troubleshoot actual single-mode ISP network to industry standards utilizing all available test equipment: OTDR, OLTS, and VFL
Day 5
- Review of Fiber Optics Basics
- Fiber Optics Safety.
- Fiber Cable Preparation
- Fusion & Mechanical Splicing Process Splice Troubleshooting
- Review
- Written Exam
- Test Results, Exam Discussion
- Hands-on Session Begins. Students must build, test, and troubleshoot actual fiber optics cable plant using pigtails with both fusion and mechanical splicing techniques to industry standards.
- Wall Mount Enclosures and Installation with splices (both fusion and mechanical)
- Splice-On connector demonstration
- Ribbon Splicing Demonstration