Vector Technology Institute

Fiber Optics - Principles & Fundamentals

This module introduces students to the components, tools and equipment used within the field of Fiber Optics. Students will gain an appreciation of the technical aspects of optics, its related electronics, measurement, installation, applications, testing, etc. Instruction includes multimedia presentations and practical demonstrations. All instructors are Certified Fiber Optic Specialists. Coverage includes Fiber Optic history and fundamentals, Optical Fibers/cables, electronics, inter-connection devices, light-wave equipment, terminations, testing, etc. Practical demonstrations include fiber terminations, and splicing. This first module is the pre-requisite for the subsequent Fiber Optics - Hands-on module.

Module Objectives

• Cover history
• Understand Fiber Optic principles
• Appreciate related safety hazards
• Understand cable construction & types
• Understand termination & Splicing
• Equipment and tools
• Cover testing

Applicants are not required to possess any prior knowledge or background in working with cables or wires at a professional level. Having a technical mindset however, would be beneficial.

All candidates MUST be computer literate and have access to a computer and the internet.

For more information, kindly contact our admissions office.

Fiber Optics - Hands-on

In this module, students will put the technical aspects of Fiber Optics into practice; Its related electronics, measurement, installation, applications, testing, etc. while constructing a complete Fiber Optic Link (Simulating Central Office to Outside Plant to Customer Premise). Hence, this module will provide students with hands-on skills and experience in terminating optical fibers and installing optical cables, performing fusion and mechanical splices, troubleshooting, test measurements, and documentation to Industry standards.

Students will learn how to terminate a variety of connector styles and types, perform reliable low loss splices, test and troubleshoot Fiber Optic links (OTDR) etc. Students will be trained in the use and operation of; light source & power meter (OLTS), Visual Fault Locator (VFL), Optical Time Domain Reflect meter (OTDR), Fiber Identifier, etc.

Students will perform:

• Termination of Fibers with a variety of connector styles and types
• Installation of cables & Fibers within closures & panels
• Reliable low loss splices
• Construction of Fiber Optic links
• Test and troubleshoot Fiber Optic links using Fiber Identifier, VFL, OTDR, OLTS, etc.

After completion of both the knowledge-based and hands-on modules, students will sit the FOA's international certification exam. Successful candidates are awarded the according FOA CFOT® certification. Examinations are proctored at VTI under the rules and regulations of The Fiber Optic Association.

Applicants are not required to possess any background in working with cables or wires at a professional level.  However, completion of module 1 is a pre-requisite. It would be beneficial if applicants have some affinity for handling/working with  electronic devices or hand tools.

All candidates MUST be computer literate and have access to a computer and the internet.

For more information, kindly contact our admissions office.

Summary of program offered at VTI:

Fiber Optics Principles & Fundamentals – This important fundamentals module covers the material required for satisfying the knowledge-based aspect of the FOA CFOT® certification examination.

Fiber Optics - Hands-on Technician – This module covers the material and hands-on activities required for satisfying the skills and abilities aspects of the FOA CFOT® & CFOS/O certification assessments. Programme duration is 4 weeks, at the end of which students sit the FOA CFOT® certification examination. Successful candidates are awarded the CFOT® international certification.

Nb. Persons interested in Specialist level certifications should make such interests known to the admissions office.

The Fiber Optic Association (FOA) is organized as an international non-profit professional society for the Fiber Optic industry. Its charter is to develop educational programs, certify Fiber Optic technicians, approve Fiber Optic training courses, participate in standards-making processes and generally promote Fiber Optics. The FOA has certified nearly 100,000 CFOT©s (Certified Fiber Optic Technicians) through over 250 approved training organizations worldwide.

International Certifications

The FOA offers two categories of Fiber Optic certification:

1. Basic Level Certification:

The basic level certification (CFOT®) is taken for first time membership in the FOA. Anyone holding this certification qualifies to take the certification exams for the others, if they have appropriate experience or training for that specialty.

CFOT® - Certified Fiber Optic Technician for general fiber optics applications. The FOA CFOT® is the certification for most Fiber Optic technicians. It is based on the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) deemed necessary for all technicians involved in the installation of Fiber Optic networks and is recommended for anyone involved in the design or management of Fiber Optic communications systems. Most CFOTs work in the industry as contractors or installers. Consultants, network designers, estimators and trainers would also be expected to have such credentials.

A well-prepared Fiber Optic technician will have a CFOT®, plus appropriate specialist certifications (CFOS) for the skills needed for the job (splicing, connectors, testing, design, etc.) and applications (FTTH, OLAN, etc.). The FOA CFOT® certification requires a test of the applicant's knowledge of Fiber Optics in a broad-based exam that covers technology, components, installation and testing and also requires verified skills and/or experience in Fiber Optics.

2. Specialist Level Certifications:

The FOA also offers Specialist (CFOS) certifications in three categories:

• Skills-based certifications are for CFOT® and are available in splicing, connectors, testing, OSP installation and Fiber characterizations. Related certifications include CFOS /S, /C, /T, /O and /FC.
• Applications-based certifications (FTTx, OLANs, Fiber for Wireless, and Data Centers) focus on the design and installation issues of each particular application and are aimed at a wider audience - users and managers overseeing these networks, designers and project managers, supervisors, as well as CFOTs involved in the installation. Related certifications include CFOS /H, /L, /A, /W, /DAS and /DC.
• Fiber Optic network design - This is a specialist application certification covering Fiber Optic network design intended for network owners, IT personnel, facilities managers, network designers, estimators or technicians involved in the design or installations of Fiber networks. This module is especially recommended for network owners and planners who may not be familiar with the process of Fiber Optic network design as it can make their jobs easier and their projects better. Related certification is CFOS /D.

*Reference – official website of The Fiber Optic Association http://www.theFOA.org