- CFOT® - Certified Fiber Optic Technician -
is the FOA certification for general fiber optics applications. CFOTs
have a broad knowledge in fiber optics that can be applied to 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 all
installers, both outside plant and premises installers, two very
different
applications, plus component manufacturing technicians, network
managers, network designers, etc. The FOA also offers entry-level certifications in outside plant (CFospT) and premises cabling (CPCT, which also includes copper wiring and wireless) as well as several specialist certifications.
The FOA CFOT exam includes a test of the applicant's
level of knowledge of fiber optics in a broad-based exam that
covers technology, components, installation and testing and requires verified skills in fiber optics.
It's now CFOT® The FOA CFOT®
(Certified Fiber Optic Technician) is now a registered trademark. With
over 30,000 fiber optic techs holding CFOTs and the CFOT being
recognized worldwide as the foremost certification in fiber optics, the
FOA realized the value of the CFOT required trademark protection. Now
it's official!
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- How Does One Qualify for the FOA CFOT?
FOA
CFOT certification means the person with a CFOT has demonstrated
extensive basic knowledge of fiber optics and demonstrated skills and abilities in
processes used in the industry. These requirements are summarized as KSAs (knowledge, skills, abilities). Here are KSAs for the CFOT certification.
Knowledge is tested in the FOA CFOT
exam taken by all applicants.
Skills can be demonstrated in hands-on lab exercises and verified by
instructors giving an FOA-Approved course or for those already working in the industry, verified industry
experience.
Abilities:
Needless to say, fiber optic techs need the ability to perform relevant
tasks, evidenced by showing skills in hands-on tasks.
- There are two paths to CFOT certification: 1) training at an FOA-Approved school or 2) experience in the industry and other training or self-study, as preparation for taking the FOA CFOT exam.
Anyone who attends a CFOT course at an FOA-Approved school wil be able to take the exam as part of the course.
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Those currently working in the fiber optic industry who have had other training and/or at least 1 year working experience
in the fiber optic industry may take the exam. Credit for hands-on training
at non-FOA-Approved schools will be by presentation of a certificate
or written confirmation from the instructor(s) that the training
has been completed and the student has demonstrated adequate skills. Credit for industry experience can be documented
by resume.
- What Are the Benefits of
FOA Certification ?
Like any certification program, the benefits to the members who pass
the certification tests are based on the recognition of achieving a
level of competence in the fiber optics field. For the end user looking
for competent fiber optic personnel, it is the knowledge that this
person has demonstrated knowledge and ability in the field and, perhaps
even has documented experience. For the vendor of fiber optic products,
it offers a technically- qualified pool of employees as well as
contractors to recommend to end user customers who need to find
installers for their networks. Many companies require FOA
certifications or even offer FOA certifications to their personnel
through internal training classes. |
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Fiber Optics
