- FOA
-
- Frequently
Asked Questions From Instructors
What
must I do to get my course approved?
Organizations
must submit a course outline, notes and inform us of the textbook used
for FOA inspection on each course submitted for approval. If a course
is not approved upon submission, reasons will be given and the course
may be resubmitted with changes. All instructors giving the course must
be currently FOA certified at the CFOT level as a minimum. CFOS/I
certification is preferred. Here are more
details. Here
are full instructions and an application in a PDF file.
-
- Do
all courses include hands-on exercises?
The
FOA assumes that each student has been taught, as a minimum, how to
terminate and test fiber optic cables. Many classes also include
splicing, but covering it in class is adequate for meeting FOA
standards. Likewise OTDRs are optional, as long as the basics of when
and how to use them are covered in class.
-
- What
are requirements for Instructors?
- Instructors
must also be certified. While a CFOT is adequate at this time, a CFOS/I
will be required in the future and we encourage all new schools to have
their instructors study and obtain CFOS/I certification. See http://www.thefoa.org/TTT/index.html
for more information on instructor certification.
-
- What
does it cost for school approval?
Nothing!
FOA is a non-profit organization chartered to promote fiber optics
through activities like education. Thus we do not charge when we
approve schools that meet our criteria to make quality fiber optic
education more available. We even allow instructors at new schools to
take the CFOT test at no cost, but instructors must maintain their
CFOTs which costs $50/1 yr, $80/2 yr, $100/3 yr.
-
- Do
schools have to renew their approval?
We
require each school to return a survey each year to update us every
year on whether they are still teaching a course, who the school
primary contact and instructors are and if the information on the FOA
website of approved schools is correct. Schools which do not respond to
our mailings each year will be dropped from the list of approved
schools, so it is important to keep the FOA advised on changes in
address or contacts.
-
- What
does the CFOT exam cost?
The
schools must pay the FOA $25 for each student submitted as a new CFOT.
Most schools include the CFOT exam in the cost of their course.
-
- What
does the exam cover?
The
CFOT exam covers basic fiber optics, components, network design and
installation practice. The FOA has created their own textbook, The Fiber Optic
Technicians Manual, on which the exam is based, along with
the NECA/FOA-301
Fiber Optic Installation Standard. Courses should cover
similar material to the book. We recommend that CFOT candidates read
the textbook and answer all the chapter questions for review for the
exam.
-
- How
is the CFOT exam administered?
FOA
approved schools are given a CD-ROM that includes the exams and
instructions. Schools must print the exams, applications and answer
sheets themselves. Schools must proctor the exam, as it is a
closed-book exam, usually done by the instructor. Two versions of the
exam are on the CD, so students can have separate exams to prevent
copying. Students should 1) fill in an application, 2) be given an exam
copy and answer sheet, 3)take the exam. Instructors may have each
student grade their own exam, as they will learn from the questions
they miss.
-
- What
is a passing grade on the exam?
The
passing grade is 70% or 70 questions.
-
- What
happens if a student fails?
They
may take the exam again, but should study the text and complete all the
chapter exercises first. The exam may be taken 3 times.
-
- Who
gives the student their certificate?
The
school should create a certificate for the student which includes
identification of the school, the instructor and includes that a CFOT
certification was earned in addition to the completion of the course.
-
- How
does the school notify the FOA of a student's CFOT?
The
school should promptly send a copy of the students applications along
with payment at $25 per student to the FOA. It is important to do so
promptly, as we often get calls from students soon after completing
class and unless we have received the information from the schools, we
cannot help them. This has become especially important since the FOA
started the online database for CFOTs and students want to get listed
promptly after certification.
-
- What
address should the student use on their application?
The
student must give the FOA a valid, permanent mailing address so the FOA
can send them their credentials. This is a big problem with military
students. Tell them to give a permanent address like their parents if
they are moving a lot.
-
- What
should the student expect from the FOA?
The
student will receive an identification card which shows their name,
certifications and expiration dates.
-
- How
soon can the new CFOT get listed on the FOA
online database?
As
soon as we have their information from the school entered in our CFOT
database where anyone can search for an installer, consultant or
employee.
-
- Do
CFOTs expire?
The
CFOT does not expire as long as the certificant keeps it current. The
FOA will send renewals to CFOTs annually (or when their applications
expire.) Unless the CFOT renews it annually, or we do not have a
current address and cannot mail an ID card to them, we assume they are
not active in fiber optics and note that status on our internal
database and drop their listing in the installer database. If we get an
inquiry from a potential customer or employer, we will report that
whether they are a CFOT and whether they are listed as active or
inactive in our database.
Note: We do not penalize military personnel stationed overseas. They
can renew when they return.
-
- Does
the FOA evaluate school performance?
The
FOA will distribute a FOA course evaluation form to every student along
with their ID card. They will be requested to return the form directly
to The FOA. FOA personnel may attend any course at any time to evaluate
the course presented and instructor performance.
What is the procedure for use of FOA approval in promoting
courses?
Approved courses may be listed as such on the promotional
material provided by the organization providing the training. A "FOA Approved"
seal may be used and the following statement: "This course meets the
training requirements set by The Fiber Optic Association. FOA CFOT
(Certified Fiber Optic Technician) certification testing is offered to
all students."
Can the FOA withdraw approval?
Approval of the course may be withdrawn at any time with
30 day notice if the course fails to meet FOA requirements, is given by
a non-FOA CFOT instructor or if unresolved complaints are received
regarding the course.
-
- Can
FOA approved schools offer FOA advanced
certifications?
Absolutely.
The FOA has changed requirements for schools offering advanced
certifications (CFOS/T,S,C) to make it easier to understand, create
courses and administer advanced certifications. Go to the FOA website
to get more details.
-
-
Return
to The FOA Home Page
(C)2006, The Fiber Optic Association,
Inc.