©2005-11, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. Train The Trainer Program 1 Instructor Training CFOS/I Online Updated 10/12

©2005-11, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. Train The Trainer Program

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Instructor Training

CFOS/I OnlineUpdated 10/12


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FOA Instructor Training& Preparation For the CFOS/I Exam

What Must An Instructor Know?

• Fiber optic technology to teach classroom sessions• Hands on skills to teach labs• What is the FOA and how can if benefit the student• How to teach a FOA certification course

– Curriculum requirements– Classroom and lab requirements– Paperwork and procedures

• Have you reviewed the KSAs for Instructors?


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Our Goals• This presentation will prepare you for the CFOS/I exam

– Describe the FOA and its purposes– Define the responsibilities of an FOA-Approved

school– Set standards for a good FOA certification class– Examine what classes should cover– Discuss instructor KSAs (knowledge, skills and

abilities)– Share resources for training and assistance– Give recommendations on how to teach a course


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The CFOS/I Exam• Online exam• Requires passing FOA entry level certification

(CFOT/CPCT) within one year prior to taking CFOS/I exam - earlier CFOT/CPCT must retest

• Covers this material. If you do not study this material, you will probably not be able to pass the exam!

• Also covers FOA reference materials


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Class Rules (For When We Give a TTT Class)

• Turn cell phones and pagers off or mute• Leave quietly if you must• No smoking• Keep work areas clean• Participate in the discussions• Enjoy yourself!


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Class Introductions(For When We Give a TTT Class)

• Instructor – who you are– background– experience

• Students – who you are– background– what you already know about fiber optics– why you are here– what you expect from this class


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About The FOA


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Introducing us: What Is The FOA ?

• The professional society of fiber optics• Organized in 1995 by >10 highly experienced

professional trainers• Not-for-profit educational corporation (IRS 501 c(6))• As of 10-2010

– 250 approved schools– >40,000 certificants

• Our goals>>>>


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FOA Goals

• Promote professionalism in fiber optics through education and certification

• Provide certification programs for basic and advanced levels

• Develop teacher skills in fiber optics• Provide free technical resources to the industry• Participate in standards activities• Promote the use of fiber optics


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FOA Programs

• FOA is NOT a training organization – all student training is done by FOA Certified Instructors at the affiliated FOA Approved schools

• Administer certification programs• Maintain certificant database• Create and publish technical materials and curriculum• Maintain website, email and online newsletters• Standards activities (TIA, ISO, NECA)• Develop free programs for schools• Train instructors


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FOA Organization

• Offices in Fallbrook, CA• Jim Hayes, President• Karen Hayes, Administrative Manager• Board of Directors

– Tom Collins, Gateway Comm. Tech. College, JATC

– Bill Graham, Mississauga Training Consultants– Karen & Jim Hayes, co-founders, ex

Fotec/Fiber U


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FOA CertificationsFirst Level

FOA offers twp first level certifications:• CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician)

– Basic level knowledge certification for all fiber techs• CPCT (Certified Premises Cabling Technician)

– Basic level certification for copper/fiber/wireless


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FOA CertificationsAdvanced & Specialist

FOA offers specialist Certifications• CFOS (Certified Fiber Optic Specialist)

• Outside Plant• Connectors & termination• Splicing – fusion (single fiber & ribbon) and mechanical• Testing – insertion loss, OTDR, specialty testing• Design – designing fiber optic networks• FTTX


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What Are the Benefits of FOA Certification?

• Customers prefer installers and employers prefer employees who are “certified”

• The FOA CFOT is the most recognized and preferred certification for fiber optics worldwide

• FOA works with many large employers and labor organizations to enhance employee knowledge and skills

• FOA is a technical professional society not just a “certification factory”


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What Are the Benefits of FOA Certification?

• FOA members get discounts on educational materials• FOA members get access to free technical assistance,

even help working with customers• FOA membership supports the FOA as a free source of

information about fiber optics and communications cabling

• FOA membership supports promotion and standardization of fiber optic technology worldwide


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References - CFOTThe FOA Fiber Optic Textbook

• The FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optics • By Jim Hayes, FOA President with an

extensive group of knowledgeable advisors• Based on the FOA Online Reference Guide to

Fiber Optics website• MUCH lower cost plus 40% discount to FOA-

approved schools• Updated materials• Better organization for training• Online training guides and study guides Available printed,

On Amazon KindleOr Apple iBook –or iPad/iPhone app!

Available printed,On Amazon KindleOr Apple iBook –or iPad/iPhone app!


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References - CPCTThe FOA Premises Cabling Textbook

• The FOA Reference Guide to Premises Cabling

• By Jim Hayes, FOA President with an extensive group of advisors

• Based on the FOA Online Reference Guide to Fiber Optics website

• Low cost plus 40% discount to FOA-approved schools

• Up to date materials• Organized for training• Online training guides, study guides and

complete curriculum


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References - CFospTThe FOA OSP Fiber Optic Textbook

• The FOA Reference Guide to Outside Plant Fiber Optics

• By Jim Hayes, FOA President with an extensive group of advisors

• Based on the FOA Online Reference Guide to Fiber Optics website

• Low cost plus 40% discount to FOA-approved schools

• Up to date materials• Organized for training• Online training guides, study guides and

complete curriculum


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Obsolete References

• The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual by Jim Hayes, 3rd Edition- July, 2005

• Dropped in 2009 when the publisher priced it out of the market!

• No longer used for any FOA certifications!


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The FOA Online Reference Guide

•Immense guide to communications cabling•Trustworthy - no hype, no commercial messages•Covers:

–Fiber optics, basic and OSP–Premises/structured cabling

•Includes study and teaching guides•Own Google Search•Free!


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References: Online Guide

•Free on FOA website•Complement to textbooks•More comprehensive•Read on computer or portable web device•Includes

–Study guides for certifications

–Instructor guides

–Google Custom Search

•www.thefoa.org/tech/ref/ or www.foaguide.org

http://www.thefoa.org/tech/ref/


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FOA Approved

Schools

School Requirements

• Be an established organization• Teach an appropriate curriculum• Include appropriate hands-on labs• Use only FOA certified instructors• Understand FOA Certifications• Understand and follow FOA procedures• Offer FOA certifications to all students in appropriate

classes


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Curriculum

• Schools may develop their own curriculum or use the free FOA curriculum as a basis for their programs

• Curriculum must cover topics to prepare students for certification exams and develop basic hands-on skills

• Schools may use their own or FOA printed or online references

• About 50% course time should be classroom, 50% hands-on labs


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Classroom

• Cover topics relevant to technicians or whomever the course is designed for as well as the basic material needed for FOA certification exams

• Provide students with appropriate notes and/or references– FOA has low cost textbooks and eBooks– Can use the FOA Online Reference Guide website


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Hands-On Labs

• Develop basic skills in using fiber optics– Cable pulling and preparation– Termination (more premises)– Splicing (more OSP)– Testing

• Requires proper equipment, components and spaces• Instructors need to have proper skills/training• Instructors must verify students achieve acceptable

skill levels


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Instructors

• Instructors must be sponsored by an FOA approved school

• Instructors must pass exams for all certifications for courses they teach, beginning with CFOT

• Must have skills and knowledge to teach classroom sessions and hands-on labs


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School Procedures

• Offer 1st level certification to all students (CFOT, CPCT)

• Download FOA materials from web• Properly complete FOA certification applications• Administer exams properly – proctored, closed book• Grade exams – students may grade their own• Follow numerical order for membership/CFOT #s• Provide student with receipt copy• Promptly submit applications to FOA


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Administering Exams

• Download tests, print tests and answer sheets

• Three tests are available – each has scrambled answers

• It is “closed-book” and each student must do their own work!

• No official time limit, but 1 hr is usual for 1st level exams

• Instructor should proctor and grade the exams – students can grade own too


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Administering Exams

• All students must fill in a application and a receipt - make it readable - PLEASE!

• School assigns a FOA membership/CFOT number• Mark the score on the application - 70% is passing• Return only the student application to the FOA - keep

a copy for your records• Give students the receipt form• Send one check to cover all students• Please do so in a timely fashion - we get calls from

students soon after class is over looking for cards!


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Instructors at

FOA Approved Schools

Instructors

• All FOA certified instructors must be sponsored by an FOA approved school

• Must be knowledgeable about what they teach, measured by passing the exams for all certifications for courses they teach, beginning with the 1st level certifications (CFOT, CPCT)

• Must have skills and knowledge to teach classroom sessions and hands-on labs

• Preferably, instructors have some field experience


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What Does An Instructor Need?

• Training as an instructor• Technical knowledge• Skills

– Organization– Communication (2-way)– Presentation– Hands-on for labs

Duties of Instructors

• Teach the course, of course• Keep up to date

– Fiber optic technology and products– FOA procedures

• Take certification exams for courses they teach• Introduce the students to the FOA• Sign up for the FOA instructor’s and general

membership email newsletters – see the FOA home page for link to sign up


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Duties of Instructors

Teaching FOA Certification Courses• Introduce the students to the FOA• Teach the course following FOA curriculum guidelines• Instructor who teaches the class must sign the

student application. Never office staff.• Judge the abilities of the students – the instructor

must sign off on the students hands-on skill in labs• Complete FOA paperwork and submit to the FOA

promptly


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FOA Recommended

Curriculum


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The FOA Fiber Optic Curriculum• What Is In A Good Basic Class?

– The Basics– Applications– Components– Installations– Testing– Hands-on exercises

• Safety in every session!• Depth depends on class level• FOA textbooks are organized this way


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The Basics

• How fiber works– Guided light in fibers (optional: include

some optics with math for college level courses)– Fiber specifications (geometry, attenuation,

bandwidth)• How fiber optic links work (transmitter, receiver, link

power budget)


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How Fiber Optic Links Work

• Transmitter– Sources - LEDs and lasers

• Receiver– Detectors - PINs and APDs

• Power/loss budget• Bit Error Rates (BER)


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Applications - Networks

• Telecom– Long haul, wireless backhaul, DWDM & Fiber

Amps, FTTH PON• CATV

– AM vs FM vs Digital, HFC• LANs

– Ethernet, types of fiber (OM1-4) required• SANs

– Ethernet, Fibre Channel


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Applications - Links

• Video– Security (CCTV), CATV, remote large screen video

monitors• Industrial Links

– Ethernet, RS-232, RS-422• Wireless Antennas• Utility grid management (Smart Grid)• Overview: sensors and lighting


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Fiber Optic Components

• Fiber• Cables• Connectors• Splices• Hardware (installation hardware,

patch panels, splice closures, conduit and innerduct, etc.)


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Design & Installation

• Safety• Code compliance• Reading prints and specs• Planning & designing• Tools• Pulling/preparing cable• Splicing and termination• Documentation


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Testing

• Continuity, tracing and visual fault location• Visual inspection with a microscope• Insertion loss with meter and source• OTDR testing where appropriate• Long haul testing (CD, PMD, SA)• Troubleshooting


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Standards• Why do we have standards?• Different between standards and

codes or laws• Organizations: TIA/EIA, ISO, IEC• Standards for

– Components– Testing– Networks– Installation– Terms, definitions and symbols


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Outside Plant vs Premises

In fiber optics, outside plant and premises applications are different and training should reflect the students’ interest

OSP vs. Premises

• OSP cables are rugged, designed for long pulls, burial or aerial support

• Mostly SM• Fusion splicing common• Test with OLTS and

OTDR

• Cables must be fire-retardant

• Mostly MM but also UTP & coax copper

• Terminate fibers directly with connectors

• Not much splicing• Test with OLTS


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FTTx Networks

Premises Cabling

• Includes LANs, data centers, security, more

• Combines fiber, copper and wireless

• FOA CPCT cert requires knowledge and installation skills in all three


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College or Technician Level?

• College– Theory and depth - a good background in the

technology- including optics• Technician

– Basics and practice - little theory, concentrate on developing skills

• Labs reinforce classroom appropriately


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College Level Textbook

• Jim Downing Fiber Optic Communications

• Jeff Hecht’s Understanding Fiber Optics


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Teaching A Course


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Starting A Basic Fiber Optic Course

• Set realistic goals to meet student needs• Have complete lesson plans• Classroom materials - textbooks, presentation

handouts, resources• Lab Setup, equipment and materials


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Introducing KSAs

• KSA = knowledge, skills, abilities– Knowledge will come from class– Skills come from labs– Abilities are mostly innate– Go to http://www.thefoa.org/KSAs.html

• All students are different– Come in with different abilities and prior

knowledge– Learn at different rates in different ways


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Realistic Goals

• What is the student expected to master? Knowledge and skills

• What tasks are to be performed?• Every student’s ability is different - learns in different

ways and at different rates• Is the schedule realistic?


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Realistic Goals

• What is the student expected to master? – Knowledge - technology, applications,

components, installation, test– Skills - pulling and prepping cable, termination,

splicing, testing and troubleshooting


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Realistic Goals

• What tasks are to be performed?– Classroom - learn from presentations and

participate in discussions– Homework - outside assignments from textbook,

web, etc.– Hands-on - cable handling, termination, splicing,

testing, troubleshooting


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Realistic Goals

• Every student is different - learns in different ways and at different rates

• Cover materials fast enough to keep faster students interested but don’t lose the slower ones

• Is the schedule realistic?


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Lesson Plan

• Level________ Subject_________________• Prepared By ________ • Overview & Purpose What will be learned and why it is useful.• Education Standards Addressed What state/county/educational

/INDUSTRY standards that this lesson satisfies.• Teacher Guide _________________• Student Guide _________________• Objectives (Specify skills/information that will be learned.)• Materials Needed: Text, Paper Pencil Others• Information (Give and/or demonstrate necessary information)• Verification (Steps to check for student understanding)• Other Resources(e.g. Web, books, etc.)• Activity (Describe the independent activity to reinforce this lesson)• Summary• Additional Notes


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Lesson Plan - First Session-Basics• Level__Basic_ Subject__Fiber Optic Technology___• Prepared By _Instructor__ • Overview & Purpose To learn the basics of fiber optic technology to

prepare for more advanced topics.• Education Standards Addressed What state/county/educational

/INDUSTRY standards that this lesson satisfies.• Teacher Guide __The FOA Reference Guide to Fiber Optics__• Student Guide __Lab Handbook__• Objectives Learn how fiber works, how networks use it for

transmission• Materials Needed: Text, Paper Pencil Others• Information (Give and/or demonstrate necessary information)• Verification (Steps to check for student understanding)• Other Resources(FOA Online Reference Guide, Lennie Lightwave)• Activity Pass around sample of fiber to see how it “pipes” light• Summary Covers chapters 1,2 FOA Reference Guide• Additional Notes: Bring fiber samples to class


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Classroom Materials

• Textbook or FOA Online Reference Guide• Handouts for presentation (PPT slides)• Outside reading (books, magazines, websites)• What are students expected to bring to class? (paper,

pencils, calculators, textbooks, etc.)• Teachers demonstration gear (samples of cable,

connectors, splices, etc.)


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Slide Presentations

• Slides should be concise and clear• Keep text large for easy reading• Photos should be large and clear • Use notes to explain what the slide means• Printout slides one per page with notes• Allow plenty of room for students to make notes

on the printout


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Lab Setup

• Lab tables - spacious for two students

• Equipment- tools and test equipment shared by two

• Consumable supplies - cables, connectors, splices, adhesives, polishing film, etc.

• Students work in pairs, share equipment

Safety Rules

• Read and follow rules in lab manual and show the FOA YouTube Safety Lecture

• Everyone must wear safety glasses – including the instructor!

• Work on dark surface to help spot fiber scraps

• Have first aid kit and eye wash station available


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See lab manuals for more safety rules

Safety Rules

• Dispose of fiber scraps carefully

• Be careful with chemicals

• No eating or drinking in lab

• Properly clean up after class


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See lab manuals for more safety rules


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Fiber Is More Than Termination

• Most people teach termination• Some teach splicing (OSP)• Cable handling and preparation is vitally

important– Identify types of cables – Cable pulling– Cable stripping

• Testing


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Tools and Test Equipment

• Tools– Cable prep– Termination– Splicing

• Test equipment– Visual tracer– Connector inspection microscope– Test source and optical power meter


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Tools and Test Equipment

• Tools - Outside Plant– Fusion splicer– OTDR or simulator


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Consumable Supplies

• Cable to terminate• Connectors• Adhesives • Polishing film• Mechanical splices• Scrap disposal bin• Safety glasses


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Consumable Supplies

• For termination– Choose a representative connector– Plan on doing at least 3 for basic class– Keep tools in good working order– Create bags of supplies for students– Have a handout of the steps involved– Have spares for failures


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A Fiber Termination Trick

• For termination, start with a 2 m ( 6 foot) patchcord for each pair of students

• Students test it before starting termination• Cut in half and terminate each end• Can test as soon as terminated - instant

feedback and they learn testing too!• Cut off new connector and terminate again


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Fusion Splicing Lab

•Should include– several spools of fiber–Several fusion splicers–OTDR to verify splices

•Can combine single and ribbon splicing stations•Students work in groups and rotate among stations

UTP Termination

• Create training aids like these termination boards which can be transported or build a room like a telecom room


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Hints For Teaching The Course

• Getting started– Introduce yourself (name, what you want to be

called, background) and the FOA– Present goals and rules for class– Review class schedule, activities– Discuss class materials, assignments, outside

projects, etc.– Pass out safety glasses and discuss

installation safety!


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• Use various presentation methods:– Lecture - PowerPoint or other slide programs– Demonstration

• Pass around samples• Show how things work• Demo lab exercises – before you start the labs

– Use various media - slides, video, web– Learn to communicate effectively


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• Ask the students questions• Listen for feedback• Look for nonverbal clues - e.g. snoring• Accept and answer questions - admit if you don’t

know and assign student to find out• Manage your time carefully

– Pace the class and try to always stay on schedule– Leave time for questions, slow students, stories, etc.


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• How do you deal with problem students?– Experienced – Know-it-alls– Questioners - on or off the subject– Talkers– Rude - really do not want to be there– Slow learners

• Remember you are the boss


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• Running a lab requires organization– Use lab partners - pair newbie with experienced– Enough table space to spread out– Equipment in one case (for 2 students)– Consumables prepackaged– Have handouts of exercises– Demo while students watch - no tools out!– Do exercises step by step– Have patience, heap praise

• Preach Safety! • Have fiber disposal bins on every desk!


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Teaching For FOA Exams

•The FOA requires– basic knowledge tested by exam–demonstration of basic skills appropriate to the certification

•Knowledge is tested by the CFOT exam•Skills must be verified by the instructor


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• The exam is based on the appropriate FOA textbooks or FOA Online Reference Guide

• Use the Instructor’s Guide to the book or the online Instructors Guide to the web site

• Includes basic knowledge• Closed book test, proctored• Teach the basics for success


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• The 1st Level (CFOT, CPCT) exams are based on the FOA textbooks and reference website

• Includes material on fiber optic datalinks and components, design and installation

• Review new tests in January every year when they are updated!


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Student Requirements!

• ALL Students must show KSAs: knowledge, skills and abilities

• Instructors must proctor and grade exams– Closed book– OK for students to grade

• Instructors must certify that each student submitted for certification has shown adequate skills in fiber optic processes!


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Specialist Courses

• Basic courses prepare student for OJT• Advanced courses add to knowledge and

develop skills through more hands-on exercises

• FOA has set standards for classes as part of creating certifications

• Students must first take your basic course


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Specialist Courses

• Higher level of knowledge and skills– Outside Plant– Termination - more connector types and quantity– Splicing - fusion and mechanical– Testing - VFL, OLTS and OTDR– Design - using case studies– FTTx - PON Labs and testing


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FOA Resources


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Resources

• Textbooks (FOA)• Websites (FOA)• Manufacturers• Other teachers• FOA curriculum (free)

Videos

• FOA on “YouTube”– Dozens of videos from

FOA and vendors– FOA Channel: thefoainc

• QT movies on "Tech Topics"• Manufacturers


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Internet

• Biggest “library” ever• Maybe too big!• Mostly FREE• Accessible to practically everyone• Totally disorganized• Not always trustworthy information• But it is where younger students

turn first for information!• www.TheFOA.org,

www.lennielightwave.com

http://www.TheFOA.org/


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FOA Online Reference Guide and Tech Topics

• www.thefoa.org/tech/ref or www.foaguide.org• Numerous technical articles of interest:

– How fiber is made– Fiber optic standards– Safety in installations– Installation and testing– Lots of great reference materials

• Study guides for certifications• Instructor Guides


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FOA Online Reference Guide and Tech Topics

•Recognizing the importance of mobile web devices, the FOA Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide has been designed from the outset to be usable on devices like smart phones, iPads•Important to tell your students this!


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FOA Channel on YouTube

•Dozens of videos on fiber optics and cabling•Lectures on important topics like Safety and Communications•Channel: thefoainc•www.youtube.com/user/thefoainc

Fiber U

• www.fiberu.org• Online learning site for FOA• Based on FOA Online

Reference Guide• Recommended preparation for

taking basic classes – students will be already familiar with the technology before class


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“Fiber U® is nowa registered

trademark of FOA

®

http://www.fiberu.org/


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Lennie Lightwave’s Guide

Using The Internet

• Outside reading• Homework• Research • Web-based training

– Fiber U– Commercial– Create your own

• Remind students they can use the FOA tech references in the field


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Create Your Own Online Training

•Use Fiber U – lessons are already done!•Find or create relevant web pages•Create a lesson plan

–Goals of the lesson–Links to online reading material (FOA Online Reference Guide)


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Taking The CFOS/I Exam

• Exam for instructors• Covers technical issues and teaching• When you are ready, send in application

(www.thefoa.org/applncfosi.html)• We'll send you log-in and password• Test is taken online


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The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.1119 S. Mission Road, #355, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Tel: 1-760-451-3655 Fax: 1-781-207-2421Email: [email protected] http://www.TheFOA.org

Documents

©2005-11, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. Train The Trainer Program 1 Instructor Training CFOS/I Online Updated 10/12