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Fiber Optic Specialist Certifications*
Updated January, 2009

 



FOA Specialist Certifications

For those who already have a CFOT and wish to pursue the rewards and recognition of higher level certifications, The FOA offers specialist certifications in Fiber Optic Network Design, Termination, Splicing and Testing, FTTH and Premises Cabling. THe FTTx and Premises Cabling Certifications are available independently of the CFOS.  A specialist certification for instructors is also available only to instructors at FOA-approved schools. The CFOS designation is for advanced, experienced fiber optic technicians, thus the requirements for these certifications are more stringent than those for the CFOT. The requirements for specialist certification include extensive experience and/or training as described in these curriculum requirements and listed below.

CFOTs interested in Specialist certifications should first begin by taking the AFOT exam. It requires one year of work experience in fiber optics plus a comprehensive exam. The FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide is recommended for preparation for the exam.

If you are a CFOT interested in specialist certifications, you should log your field experience in a FOA logbook. Download a FOA Logbook (pdf file) to keep records of your experience and training from vendors or other sources and/or take a course from a FOA-approved school. When you meet requirements, contact the FOA for your application for specialist certification exams. Local test proctoring is available at FOA approved training centers or may be arranged by the individual. Application for CFOS Certification (pdf)

All FOA CFOS Certifications Require:

Note: With any of the specialist certifications, you do not get a new CFOT/Membership number. Upon completion of the requirements, you will receive a new FOA ID Card with your new certifications listed. Your CFOT number and expiration data will not change.

Information On FOA CFOS Certifications

FAQs 

CFOS: Premises, Design, FTTx,  Connectors Splicing Testing



Premises Cabling (New 9-2008)premises cabling

This is a specialist certification covering premises cabling design and installation, which includes UTP copper, fiber optics and wireless. It is available independently of the CFOT and CFOS certifications for techs interested exclusively in premises cabling.

Requirements for
CPCT Certification

Field Experience For Premises Specialist Certification
To qualify for the CPCT certification, the applicant must have two years field experience documented by a logbook or resume listing experience and letter(s) of recommendation. Training by manufactors or vendors of cabling products will be recognized as part of the experience requirements. Preparation for the exam may be done by self-study or taking an appropriate class. 
Manufacturer's training in premises cabling (copper or fiber) and wireless may be counted toward experience requirements.

Approved Training Programs For Premises  Specialist Certification
To qualify for Certified Premises Cabling Specialist certification, a specialist training program must cover at least the following topics:

More information on the CPCT certification.




Design

This is a specialist certification covering fiber optic network design

Prerequisites: CFOT

Requirements for Certification CFOS/D
Fiber Optic Network Design (NEW, 3-2008)CFOSD

Field Experience For Design Specialist Certification
To qualify for the CFOS/D certification, a CFOT plus two years of field experience are required, including documented experience designing at least 5 fiber optic networks. Training by manufactors or vendors of cabling products will be recognized as part of the experience requirements.

Training Programs For Design Specialist Certification
To qualify for Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Design certification, a specialist training program must cover at least the following topics:

More information on the CFOS/D certification.



Fiber To The HomeFTTH OLT

This is a specialist certification covering FTTX cabling design and installation, which includes PON networks

Requirements for Certification CFxT Fiber Optic Network Design

Prerequisites: CFOT

Field Experience For FTTX Specialist Certification
To qualify for the CFxT certification, two years field experience designing and installing FTTx networks are required.
Training by manufactors or vendors of cabling products will be recognized as part of the experience requirements.


Training Programs For FTTX Specialist Certification
To qualify for Certified FTTX Specialist certification, a specialist training program must cover at least the following topics:

    * Instructor certified to CFxT
    * Introduction to FTTH networks
    * Overview of PONs and Standards
    * PON Installation Methods
    * PON Testing
    * Lab Exercises


More information on the CFxT certification.




Connectors/Termination
This is a specialist certification covering fiber optic termination using various connector styles and procedures.

Prerequisites: CFOT
Requirements for Certification CFOS/C ConnectorsCFOSC
The Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Connectors certification requires one of two approaches:
 
Field Experience For Connectors Specialist Certification
To qualify for the CFOS/C certification, the field, or factory installation experience needs to meet the following requirements:
The applicant must provide their CFOT Logbook supporting this experience
and a recommendation from a client or customer.
 
Training Programs For Connectors Specialist Certification
FOA-Approved training for Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Connectors certification meets the following requirements:
CFOS/C Examination



Splicing
This is a specialist certification covering fiber optic splicing procedures.
Prerequisites: CFOT
Requirements for Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Splicing
CFOSS
The Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Splicing certification requires one of two approaches:
 

 
Field Experience For Splicing Specialist Certification
To qualify for the CFOS/S certification, the field splicing experience needs to meet the following requirements:
 
Training Programs For Splicing Specialist Certification
FOA-Approved training for Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Splicing certification meets the following requirements:
 
CFOS/S Examination
 
 
 

Testingtesting
This is a specialist certification covering fiber optic testing.
Requirements for Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Testing

Prerequisites: CFOT
 
The Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Testing certification requires one of two approaches:

Field Experience For
Testing  Specialist Certification
To qualify for the CFOS/T certification, the field testing experience needs to meet the following requirements:
 
Training Programs For Testing Specialist Certification
FOA-Approved training for Certified Fiber Optic Specialist/Testing certification meets the following requirements:
 
CFOS/T Examination
The CFOS/T examination includes questions on
 
 

FOA Specialist Certification FAQs

Since we announced the FOA Specialist Certifications, we have gotten a number of questions repeatedly. We thought a review of the "FAQs" or frequently asked questions, would be a good idea for the newsletter

Is there one exam for all specialties?
Each specialty has its own requirements and exam. You can take one of them or all of them, depending on which you qualify for.

What is the cost?
The fee for specialist exams is listed on the application form.  Schools that offer CFOS training may bundle the exam fee in their training.

Do you have to be a CFOT to take the specialist tests?
Yes, unless otherwise specified, you must have already passed the CFOT exam and you must be a FOA member in good standing also.

What experience level is needed and how do I provide documentation for that experience?
You must have at least the experience level required by the specialty for which you apply to take the exam. Experience can be either specialist training that meets the minimal requirements or actual installation experience, as documented by your CFOT logbook. This is a form you can download from the FOA website and print.  Manufacturer's training on testing will be considered as partial experience to qualify for the certification.

Do I send the FOA my logbook to verify my experience?
NO
. Send only a copy of the logbook to the FOA office- keep the original in your possession.

How do I take the exam?
You must pass a comprehensive exam that will be proctored. Exams can be taken on paper or online. Like the CFOT exam, the specialist exams are closed book exams with a specified time limit. You should make arrangements to have the exam proctored by your supervisor, instructor or teacher or other professional. It may NOT be a co-worker or relative. This person must verify that you took the exam without assistance from other people or reference materials during the specified time interval.

You fill in the CFOS Application  and send to the FOA with a copy of your CFOT Logbook.
Be sure to look over the qualifications carefully - you need to have extensive experience to qualify for each of these three certifications.
The third page should be filled out by the person you have chosen to be your Proctor. Then send or fax it back to the FOA for approval. After verification that applicant meets the requirements, the test will be sent to the Proctor. It will be this person's responsibility to oversee you taking the test, collect the test and mail it back to the FOA.


* Formerly called "Advanced Certification," the name was changed in 2006 to reflect the nature of the certification.


Application for Advanced and CFOS Certifications (pdf)
 
Schools can print this form to apply for course approval
 

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