Certified Fiber Optic Technician

About the Course

CFOT® - Certified Fiber Optic Technician - is the primary FOA certification for all fiber optics applications. CFOTs have appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) 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. CFOTs are also 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. A well-prepared fiber optic technician will have a CFOT plus appropriate specialist certifications (CFOS) for the skills needed for the job (OSP, spicing, connectors, testing, design, etc.) and applications (FTTH, OLAN, Wireless, etc.) The FOA also offers certification in premises cabling (CPCT,) which also includes copper wiring and wireless.

The FOA CFOT certification requires a test of the applicant's knowledge of fiber optics in a broad-based exam that covers technology, components, installation and testing and also requires verified skills and/or experience in fiber optics. We call these the KSA - knowledge, skills and abilities. KSAs for the CFOT certification.