KSAs For FOA Certified
Fiber Optic Instructors
KSAs for CFOS/I
Instructors
The ability to
perform any job requires certain knowledge, skills and abilities, commonly
referred to as “KSAs.” For the fiber optic instructor, these KSAs have
been determined from over 30 years of experience in actual training. The
FOA has developed this list to provide training organizations and
instructors a list of topics that are included in a basic training
curriculum for FOA certification and special knowledge and skills expected
from instructors. For those teaching in the field, it is a list of
technical topics that they must understand and be able to communicate to
their students and basic requirements for their role as instructor.
Knowledge
About
The FOA
What
is the FOA?
FOA services to the
fiber optic industry
FOA free resources
(website, videos, standards, etc.)
The value of FOA
certification
Safety rules
Technical
Fiber
Optic Jargon
Fiber
optic terms
Metric System
Fiber
Optic Communications Systems
How
communications systems use light to transfer information
Components and
their functions in a datalink
Sources: LED, Laser
(FP, DFB, VCSEL)
Detectors
(photodiode, APD; Si, Ge, InGaAs)
What determines how
well a datalink transmits data
Optical
Fiber
Types
of optical fiber
SI MM , GI MM, SM
Basic
specifications that affect transmission
Attenuation,
dispersion
Choosing the
appropriate fiber for the system
Fiber
Optic Cable
Types
of cables and their applications
Tight buffer
(simplex, zipcord, distribution, breakout)
Loose tube (loose
tube, ribbon)
Specialty (OPGW)
Relevant
specifications for applications
Water blocking,
pulling strength, armoring, etc.
Choosing the proper
cable
Termination
and Splicing
Uses
Relevant
performance
Loss, reflectance,
strength
Splicing
Processes
Mechanical
Fusion
Mass (ribbon)
fusion
Hardware
Termination
Connector
types
ST, SC, LC, MTP,
etc.
Termination
processes
Adhesive (epoxy,
anaerobic, HotMelt)
Prepolished splice
Prefab systems
Hardware
Testing
Microscope
inspection
Visual tracing and
fault location
Insertion loss
testing
OTDR testing
Long haul SM
testing for CD and PMD
Fiber
Optic Network Design
Evaluating
communications system requirements
Designing the
proper cable plant
Layout
Choosing components
Loss budgets
Documentation
Fiber
Optic Installation
Evaluating
needs based on cable plant design
Planning for the
installation
Safety
Eye Safety
Tool safety
Chemical safety
Disposal of
materials
Performing the
installation
Documenting the
cable plant
Educational
How
to set realistic goals and schedules for a course
How to organize a
course, create lesson plans
How to effectively
use textbooks, presentations, handouts, and other curriculum materials
How to use PCs,
tablets and smartphones effectively
Methods of
presenting materials
How to listen for
student feedback
How to judge
students’ comprehension of classroom sessions
How to organize
hands-on labs
How to judge
students’ skills at hands-on exercises
How to handle
students (esp. problem students)
Positive
reinforcement of students work
Keep current Fiber
Optic industry
Keep Current with
codes, standards, and regulations
Skills
Technical
Fiber
Optic Cable
Attaching
pulling eye and rope to a cable
Pulling cable
Preparing cable for
splicing or termination
Tools
Use
of fiber optic tools
Keep current of new
fiber optic tools
Spicing
Preparing
cable for splicing
Mechanical splicing
Fusion splicing
Termination
Identifying
connectors
Preparing cables
for various types of termination techniques
Installation
techniques for various types of connectors
Inspecting
connectors
Testing
Microscope
inspection
Visual tracing and
fault location
Insertion loss
testing
OTDR testing
Educational
Communicating
with students, getting feedback
Developing
curriculum
Presenting
curriculum
Questioning
students and evaluating feedback/answers
Evaluating student
progress
Running labs
efficiently
Encouraging and
motivating students
Time management
Abilities
General
Good
eyesight
Good hand-eye
coordination
Analytical skills
Trade experience
Follow directions
Course
design/program flexibility
Patience
Deal with stress
Educational
Communications
Classroom and Lab
Organization
Timing
Patience
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(C) 2012, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.