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Overview

Learning outcomes and skills gained:

  • Topics include fiber optic installation, termination, splicing, testing, troubleshooting and maintenance of fiber optic networks.
  • Hands-on instruction provides experience identifying fiber types, recognizing connectors, installing and terminating fiber cable, performing splicing techniques and testing installed fiber networks using industry-standard practices.
  • The Fiber Optics Technician Bootcamp includes three core certifications through the Fiber Optics Association (FOA): Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT), Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing (CFOS/T) and Certified Fiber Optics Splicing Specialist (CFOS/S). Participants may also pursue the Certified Fiber Optic Specialist in Outside Plant (CFOS/O) specialty certification as an additional option.
  • Upon completion, participants will earn industry-recognized credentials and be prepared to pursue careers installing, testing, maintaining and troubleshooting fiber optic networks. The CFOT certification exam is sanctioned by the Fiber Optics Association and recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Types of Jobs: Fiber Optic Technician, Fiber Installer, Fiber Splicing Technician, Network Technician, Telecommunications Technician.
Prerequisite: Participants must be able to read and speak English and see, identify and manipulate small items. No prior fiber optic experience is required for the Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT) course. Advanced specialty certifications require completion of the CFOT course and exam or renewal of FOA membership within the required timeframe.
Time Requirement to Complete Credential: Five-day, in-person accelerated bootcamp. Individual certifications may also be completed separately based on prerequisite requirements.
Leading Industry Employers: Telecommunications companies, internet service providers, utility companies, data centers, construction companies and network infrastructure providers.

Get Started

Ready to take the next step in your educational journey? Go to the top right corner of the page and click the "Get Started" button to begin enrolling as a Metropolitan Community College student. Whether you are a first-time student, returning after time away or looking to take noncredit courses, taking this initial step is a major accomplishment. Start what's next today.

About This Program

The MCC Fiber Optics Technician Bootcamp is an accelerated, in-person training program designed to help participants develop essential fiber optic installation and maintenance skills in a condensed timeframe. The program allows participants to complete multiple industry-recognized Fiber Optics Association (FOA) certifications through hands-on instruction and practical application

Participants learn industry standards and best practices for fiber optic systems, including installation, termination, splicing, testing and troubleshooting. The bootcamp is designed for individuals seeking to quickly build job-ready skills for careers in telecommunications, networking and fiber infrastructure.

Participants may complete the full bootcamp pathway or pursue individual certification courses based on their career goals and prerequisite requirements. The Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT) certification serves as the foundation for advanced specialty certifications.

Who is This Program For?

Individuals interested in starting a career in the fiber optics, telecommunications or network infrastructure industries. This program is ideal for individuals seeking accelerated, hands-on training to develop fiber optic installation and maintenance skills, as well as current professionals looking to expand their technical skills and earn industry-recognized credentials.

Organizations can also leverage this program as part of their workforce development strategies by enrolling employees or teams to strengthen technical capabilities, support industry certifications and build internal expertise in fiber optic systems and infrastructure.

Credential Details

Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT)

  • Focus: Foundational fiber optic installation, termination, splicing and testing skills used in fiber optic network systems.
  • Skills Developed: Fiber identification, connector recognition, cable installation, termination, splicing techniques and testing installed fiber optic cable to industry standards.
  • How Earned: Complete the CFOT course and successfully pass the written and hands-on certification exams administered through the Fiber Optics Association (FOA).

Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing (CFOS/T)

  • Focus: Advanced fiber optic testing and maintenance skills for single-mode fiber optic networks.
  • Skills Developed: Fiber optic testing methods, maintenance practices, testing equipment operation and evaluation of fiber optic network performance.
  • How Earned: Complete the CFOS/T course and successfully pass the required certification exam. Participants must first complete the CFOT course and exam or meet FOA membership renewal requirements.

Certified Fiber Optics Splicing Specialist (CFOS/S)

  • Focus: Fiber optic splicing techniques used for single-mode and multimode fiber optic systems.
  • Skills Developed: Fusion and mechanical splicing, OTDR concepts, splice tray preparation and working with inside and outside plant fiber optic cables.
  • How Earned: Complete the CFOS/S course and successfully pass the required certification exam. Participants must first complete the CFOT course and exam or meet FOA membership renewal requirements.

Certified Fiber Optic Specialist in Outside Plant (CFOS/O) (Optional Specialty Certification)

  • Focus: Outside plant fiber optic installation, troubleshooting and maintenance.
  • Skills Developed: Outside plant cable identification, closures, installation, termination, splicing, testing and troubleshooting fiber optic systems.
  • How Earned: Complete the CFOS/O course and successfully pass the written and hands-on certification exams administered through the Fiber Optics Association (FOA). The CFOT certification or FOA membership requirements must be met before enrollment.

Program Format and Length

The Fiber Optics Technician Bootcamp is a five-day, in-person accelerated training program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab activities. Participants complete intensive training designed to prepare them for Fiber Optics Association (FOA) certification exams.

The full bootcamp pathway includes three core certifications: Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT), Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing (CFOS/T) and Certified Fiber Optics Splicing Specialist (CFOS/S). The Certified Fiber Optic Specialist in Outside Plant (CFOS/O) certification is available as an additional specialty option.

Individual certification courses may also be completed separately based on prerequisite requirements.

  • Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT): Three-day, in-person course.
  • Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing (CFOS/T): Two-day, in-person course.
  • Certified Fiber Optics Splicing Specialist (CFOS/S): Two-day, in-person course.
  • Certified Fiber Optic Specialist in Outside Plant (CFOS/O): Two-day, in-person specialty course.

Cost

The cost of the Fiber Optics Technician Bootcamp varies based on the selected certification pathway.

  • Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT): $900
  • Certified Fiber Optics Specialist in Testing (CFOS/T): $80
  • Certified Fiber Optics Splicing Specialist (CFOS/S): $79
  • Certified Fiber Optic Specialist in Outside Plant (CFOS/O): $99

Costs include required course materials and certification exam fees.

Financial assistance may be available for eligible participants. Visit the Funding & Financial Assistance page to explore available funding options.

Eligibility

Participants must be able to read and speak English and see, identify and manipulate small items required for fiber optic training activities. No prior fiber optic experience is required for the Certified Fiber Optics Technician (CFOT) course. Participants enrolling in advanced specialty certifications must meet prerequisite requirements, including completion of the CFOT course and exam or applicable Fiber Optics Association (FOA) membership requirements.

Metropolitan Community College complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments. If a prospective student who is otherwise qualified requires a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the MCC Disability Support Services office.