How to Become a Certified Fiber Optic Technician

As copper cables are increasingly replaced with fiber optic technology, the demand for trained fiber optic technicians is increasing. Some fiber optic technicians learn the trade while they work, but if you want to gain a competitive advantage, seeking certification is the way to go. A certification course provides you with all the basic skills necessary to become an expert in fiber optics. Keep reading to discover what it implies.

Pursuing FOA Certification

FOA is the international fiber optic association. FOA is the standard provider when it comes to evaluating and teaching best practices with fiber optics. There are two ways to obtain FOA certification. One way is to continue training at a school approved by the FOA. These are schools that offer fiber optic courses that meet FOA standards and are taught by experienced fiber optic technicians who are members of FOA. After completing this training course and demonstrating that you have a solid knowledge of the skills, knowledge and abilities required by FOA, you are awarded a fiber optic technician certification.

Another way to obtain FOA Certification is to complete a "Work to certify" program. This program is aimed at fiber optic technicians who already work in the sector and who are not certified. If they can demonstrate that they have a solid knowledge of the skills, knowledge and abilities required by FOEN, they are certified.

Types of FOA certifications

FOA offers industry certifications (IBC), which means they are based on exams, administered and accredited by third parties and developed by the private sector. IBCs are more valuable than do-it-yourself popular education or online education because standards are established by an authority and based on proven skills. FOA offers two basic certifications for fiber optic technicians, along with specialized certifications:

CFOT: the certification of the certified fiber optic technician shows that you have a general knowledge of optical fibers that can be applied in almost all situations.

CPCT: The certification of a certified local cabling technician demonstrates the experience of installing fiber, copper and wireless in building and campus networks. This certification is recommended for those who work in corporate networks (LAN) and create security and administration systems.

CFOS: the certifications of the certified optical fiber specialists fall into two categories: skills and applications. Competence-based certifications focus on installing and testing fiber optic cables, while application-based certifications focus on specific applications of fiber optic cables.