RWDC Fiber Optic Installer (R-FOI)
Mapped to: ETA® FOI Competency Requirements (installation, safety, connectors, splicing, testing)
Course Summary
A foundational fiber-installation training program preparing technicians to install, terminate, splice, and test fiber optic systems in premises and indoor/outdoor environments.
Duration
40 hours (5 days) — blended theory + hands-on lab
Target Audience
- New fiber technicians
- Copper cabling technicians transitioning to fiber
- ISP/FTTH installation teams
Prerequisites
- Basic electrical understanding
- Ability to use hand tools
MODULE BREAKDOWN
Module 1 — History & Fundamentals of Fiber Optics
- Evolution of fiber optics
- Light as EM energy, refraction, critical angle
- Decibels, dBm, optical power levels
- Loss mechanisms & Fresnel reflections
Outcome: Learners explain how light travels and how loss occurs.
Module 2 — Fiber Construction & Characteristics
- Core/cladding/coating
- Single-mode vs multimode
- Dispersion types
- Bend-insensitive fiber characteristics
- Standards: TIA-492, IEC 60793, ITU-T G.652/G.657
Outcome: Learners explain how light travels and how loss occurs.
Module 3 — Safety in Fiber Environments
- Laser classifications
- Fiber shard hazards
- SDS/MSDS use
- Chemical & electrical hazards
Outcome: Demonstrate correct PPE and safe fiber disposal.
Module 4 — Fiber Optic Cables
- Loose tube vs tight buffer
- Cable jacket materials
- Armored, breakout, messenger, hybrid cables
- Color coding (TIA-598)
Outcome: Learners read a cable cross-section and identify components.
Module 5 — Splicing
- Mechanical vs fusion splicing
- Alignment techniques
- Cleaving, protection, splice tray management
Outcome: Perform low-loss fusion splices to FOI performance requirements.
Module 6 — Connectors
- Ferrules, endface geometry
- APC, UPC, PC polishing
- Cleaning & inspection
- MPO/MTP connectors
Outcome: Terminate connectors and verify under microscope.
Module 7 — Light Sources & Detectors
Outcome: Learners distinguish LED vs laser sources and safely measure power levels.
Module 8 — Installation Practices & Hardware
- Patch panels, racks
- Conduit, tray, aerial, direct burial
- NEC 770 compliant routing
Module 9 — Testing & Troubleshooting
- Tools covered: VFL, OLTS, OTDR (intro)
Outcome: Perform Tier 1 certification tests.
Practical Labs
- Fiber preparation & cleaving
- Mechanical and fusion splicing
- Connector termination
- OTDR trace capture
- OLTS measurement
- Cable routing & protection
Assessment
- 50-item written exam
- Practical evaluation (splice, terminate, test)
Certification
- Completing this course will prepare the participant for sitting the ETA FOI certification exam.
