CFOT® Training

Fiber Optic Association (FOA)-certified instruction delivered by skilled facilitators equips participants with essential knowledge and skills for various fiber optic assignments, from design to installation and operations. Our Certified Fiber Optic Technician course covers technology fundamentals tailored for splicers, installers, and broadband technicians, also benefiting consultants, network designers, and trainers.

This 3-day workshop balances classroom learning with hands-on experience, providing practical expertise for inside plant, outside plant, or access network applications.

Course Details

Topics

• Introduction and Safety
• Jargon – the key to understanding any technology is to understand the language
• Applications for Fiber Optic Communications – Telephone, CATV, Data Centers and more
• Theory – How fiber optics works
• Transmission Systems – Using the spectrum to deliver services. Splitters and WDM modules
• Fiber Types, Fiber Cables and Components used in the network
• Terminations – Permanent and non-permanent
• Installation and Hardware – Installation best practices
• Testing! The basics of Tier I and Tier II testing, before, during and after the install
• Design and Documentation — Begins at the start of the project. Link/power loss budget

Hands-On Training

• Terminate fibers with pre-connectorized fiber choices as well as splice-on connectors and mechanical connectors.
• Splice within cassettes to learn proper preparation and splicing procedures.
• Learn how to properly prepare mechanical splices.

Tools Needed

• The best way to learn about what is in your field tool box, students are encouraged to bring their own fusion machines, test gear and end face cleaning materials, if possible.
• Students should bring basic work tools to class. Some tools will be provided.

CFOT Certification Test (Optional)

The FOA CFOT certification exam is issued at the end of the course. The $60 exam fee is included with your tuition payment. The CFOT exam is a written exam consisting of 100 multiple choice, matching and true-false questions. The successful student must answer 70 questions correctly to pass. This certification is valid for 3 years, and then is the responsibility of the technician to renew in 3 year increments.

About FOA and the CFOT Certification

The FOA is an international non-profit educational organization that promotes professionalism in fiber optics through education, certification, and standards. Founded in 1995 by industry experts, it provides independent certification and is involved in global education efforts. While FOA is not a training organization itself, it sets standards for approved training providers, certifies instructors, and offers certification programs. Clearfield is an FOA-approved training organization (School #375). FOA certifications are recognized by the US Department of Labor and in many countries worldwide.

Understanding FOA Certifications

FOA certifications are designed to show a progression of growth in knowledge, skills and abilities in fiber optics and premises cabling. Most FOA plans start with the CFOT® certification before applying for higher level certification. The CFOT is a pre-requisite to most other certifications provided by the FOA.

Upcoming Training Dates

The dates listed below are all for scheduled training sessions at our Headquarters in Minnesota. To register for a training session at your site please select the “Request Training” button below.