Certification
- In today's high tech world, certification is considered proof of professional status and is often required for jobs. The FOA was founded in part to set standards for fiber optic training, approve schools offering training and offer certifications as a service to the fiber optic industry. The FOA certification programs are developed and maintained by experts in the fiber optic business, many of whom have more than 25 years of expereince.
- The FOA offers three levels of fiber optic certification: CFOT or Certified Fiber Optic Technician, AFOT or Advanced Fiber Optic Technician and CFOS or Certified Fiber Optic Specialist. The basic level, CFOT, 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.
- FOAl 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 and trainers would also be expected to have such credentials.
- However, the CFOT certification has been structured as a 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 CFOT is expected to be knowledgeable in fiber optic technology and skilled in at least one particular application area, although many are generalists, skilled in many applications.
- New: Preparing For The CFOT Exam
- How Does One Qualify for the FOA CFOT?
- There are two paths to CFOT certification: training at an FOA-Approved school or 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. - 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.
- What Training Is Required To Take The Exam?
- Although most CFOTs obtain their certification by attending an FOA Approved school, no specific training is required to take the CFOT exam. The basic knowledge required may be gained from formal training classes, picked up from experience in the field or from self-study. The exam is based on the FOA-written textbook, The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual, and the NECA/FOA Installation Standard or the FOA Online Reference Textbook and FOA Installation Tech Bulletin for those who wish to study for it themselves.
- For those wanting a formal course of study, there are many FOA-approved schools that include the FOA CFOT in their programs. To see what is involved in the courses, see Detailed Curriculum Requirements For FOA-Approved Training Programs. For a guide to self-study for the FOA CFOT exam, see the CFOT online study guide.
- How Is the Certification exam administered?
For the CFOT certification, there is a certification exam. FOA-Approved Schools offer the CFOT exam at the end of their training classes or allow taking it afterwards. For individuals, arrangements can be made for taking the exam either on paper or online with a local proctor. The proctor may be a supervisor, instructor, teacher or other professional, but may not be a co-worker or relative.
- How Does the Program Relate
to Other Associations
We are often asked how we relate to contractor associations, professional training programs and other organizations involved in related areas. We feel we complement each other quite nicely. Our specialization is one technology - fiber optics. We're not into anything else and many of these other groups often have very broad interests.
We have developed an association that is vendor-independent, application-independent and designed to fit the needs of a large audience, because fiber optics has suffered from a lack of recognized competent personnel. Our charter is to fix that !
- What Does Certification Cost?
If applying directly to the FOA (not through a FOA-Approved School,) see the Application form for certification costs. The price includes one year FOA membership and registration. Discounts for CFOT certification testing is available to students in FOA approved training programs. - Certification must be renewed annually.
- Preparing For The CFOT Exam
- If you are planning on taking the CFOT exam, you need to study the materials on which the exam is based. The CFOT exam is a written exam consisting of 100 multiple choice, matching and true false question. You must answer at least 70 questions correctly to pass. The exam is based on the FOA-written textbook, The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual, and the NECA/FOA Installation Standard or the FOA Online Reference Textbook particularly the section Understanding Fiber Optics, the Basics, and the FOA Installation Tech Bulletin which should be used as references for any classes that aim toward FOA CFOT certification. The FOA Online Reference has a CFOT Study Guide for preparing for the exam.
- The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual: You should read the FOTM and answer all the chapter questions. Pay special attention to the basics, cables, termination and splicing, installation and testing. You need to understand power budgets too.
- NECA/FOA Installation Standard Installation techniques, standards and codes are important and the CFOT exam will cover these topics. or FOA Installation Tech Bulletin is equal in content and available on the FOA website.
- To get started on FOA certification:
Apply Directly: FOA CFOT Application (new, non-FOA School) (pdf)
- Find an FOA-Approved school
- Online self-study references for the CFOT: the FOA Online Reference Textbook particularly the section Understanding Fiber Optics, the Basics, and the CFOT Study Guide
- More on FOA certifications
Renew your CFOT
CFOT Renewal Online
Training Course Approval