Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT®)
The Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT®) course is a balanced combination of hands-on activities and theory to provide the knowledge required for today’s fibre-optic technology applications. The certification is internationally recognized and is intended to provide baseline knowledge for anyone working within, or with aspirations to work in the fiber optic industry. Certified Fiber Optics Technicians (CFOTs) are in high demand in many industries.
The CFOT designation will enhance your career and employment options by showcasing your proven skills and knowledge. The certification is based upon an extensive knowledge of fibre optics technology and application and demonstrated skills in appropriate tasks.
What You'll Learn
- How to determine appropriate fiber optic cable for different applications
- Safety measures while working with fiber optics
- How to inspect, install and test connectors
- Process of identifying damage to cables and associated causes
- Fiber optic cable installation best practices
- Testing fiber optic cable for EIA/TIA acceptable losses
- Mechanical and fusion splicing to EIA/TIA standards
- Identify and specify components for a fiber optic system
- Budget for losses in fiber optic systems
- The use of OTDR, light source & power meter
- Utilize attenuators to adjust power levels (DBM)
- Numerical Aperture
- Attenuation
- Cleaving and proper fiber handling and preparation
- Working safely with fiber optics in an internal environment
- Working safely with fiber optics in an external environment
- Other fiber optic communication systems best practices
About the Fiber Optic Association - FOA
The FOA is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to promote fiber optics professionalism through education, certification, and standards.
FOA CFOT certification is based on extensive knowledge of fiber optics technology and application and demonstrated skills in appropriate tasks. Most CFOTs work in the industry as contractors or installers. CFOTs are also involved with the manufacture of fiber optic components such as cables, patch cords, active devices and communications systems.
- FOA certification provides independent, industry-standard, and unbiased evaluation of personnel knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Certification provides evidence that the installer has the skills, knowledge and expertise to succeed in the installation process.
FOA certification provides managers with an objective tool for evaluating and comparing personnel performance. Technicians who pass the certification examination can be expected to deliver superior results during their day-day work.
FOA certification provides increased credibility to clients. For service providers, certified personnel understand the importance of following proper procedures that results in effective fiber optic installation reliability. Certified technicians are a requirement for many installation contracts, the work they perform results in reliability superior to that of uncertified personnel.
Video Source: Corning Incorporated

CFOT course is suitable for those looking to work within the telecoms industry, as well as professionals in the industry in pursuit of an internationally recognized certification in fiber optics.
Who Needs to Attend
- Telecommunication Engineers
- Fiber Optic Project Managers
- Fiber Optic Technicians
- Anyone who engages in fiber optic systems
Course Structure
40% theory, 60% hands-on labs
4-Day Outline
- Health and safety
- Fiber optic terms
- Metric system
- Fibre-optic communication systems
- Connector basics and types
- Termination processes
- Fibre Types
- Multimode and singlemode
- Attenuation and loss
- Cable types
- Splicing
- Splicing processes
- Troubleshooting
- Parameters
- Loss budgets
- Choosing components
- Documentation
- Test equipment and correct procedures
- Lightsource&powermeter (ILM)
- Visual light source (VLS)
- OTDR’s features and principles
- Event types i.e reflective/ non-reflective
- Macro/micro bending
- Fault locating
- Leadtypes
- Practical labs
Basic knowledge of fiber optics would be beneficial, however, CFOT is an entry course open to beginners within the telecoms industry.
4 Days