The
FOA history
New to the FOA?
Sign
up to receive the FOA eMail Newsletter
If you
are looking for technical information, start with the FOA
Online Reference Guide
- Fiber
Optic Training:
- FOA
Approved Training Schools
Free Online Learning Programs
Free Online Learning Programs at Fiber U
Fiber Optic News:
- FOA
Online Newsletter
-
- Technical
Information:
- FOA
Online Reference Guide
- User's
Guide To Fiber Optics
- Download
a safety poster from the FOA!
- Learn
More About The FOA
About
the FOA
The
FOA history
FOA Certifications
- FOA
Certification Programs
- Renewal
- You
can now renew online with a credit card or
PayPal account
To pay by check or money order
download the FOA
Renewal Form (pdf) to mail to FOA
- For
Schools and Instructors
School
Update/Renewal Form
Requirements
For FOA Training Programs
Fiber
Optic Resources For STEM Teachers
Want To Become A FOA
School?
New FOA Approved School
Requirements and Application Procedures
How
To Become a FOA Certified Fiber Optic Instructor
-
- Show
Your FOA Affiliation
- FOA
logos for certificant use
- FOA
Logo Merchandise on Zazzle
 -
-
-
- FOA
is a member of:
-
 
Join
FOA on
|
The
FOA is an international non-profit educational
association that is chartered to promote
professionalism in fiber optics through education,
certification and standards. FOA is also an
internationally recognized certifying body for fiber optics. Read
more.
Search
the FOA website
Privacy
Policy (for the EU
GDPR) FOA Policy on use of its intellectual property
Guidelines For Aerial Cable Plant Construction
This month's FOA Newsletter takes a look
at aerial cable plant construction and provides some guidelines for
ensuring good workmanship in installations that promote network
reliability. We offer a number of guidelines on construction and
illustrate them with bad examples - we learn from our mistakes, right?
Also in this month's Newsletter we report on projects to map the
world's fiber optic networks, use fiber optic cables as sensors to
detect and hopefully prevent dig-ups and look at some questionable
statistics for a fiber tester. There is lots of more news from around
the world, the usual links to articles worth reading and answers to tech questions.
Read about it in the FOA Newsletter.
Aerial Cable Plant Workmanship Guidelines
Using Fiber Cables To Detect Dig-ups
Insanity & Data Centers
What Is An FOA Credential?
New FOA Badge In Fiber Optics
ITU, World Bank Map Fiber Optic Networks
New Submarine Cable Map - Telegeography
Fiber Broadband Without Government Grants
Community Broadband In The US
Gigawatt Visual Fault Locator?
PON Miniaturization
Is It Just The OTDR?
Introducing The "FOA Badge In Fiber Optics" for professionals working in fiber optics
FOA is best known as the certifying body for the nearly 100,000 FOA-certified fiber optic technicians
who build worldwide networks. FOA has been asked many times about recognition for other
professionals in fiber optics. FOA now offers the FOA Badge in Fiber Optics,
which recognizes professionals working in all areas of fiber optics;
management, manufacturing, marketing/sales/distribution as well as
managers/planners/supervisors for networks.
New Edition Available Now
 FOA has
published a new edition of our textbook on basic fiber optics, used in
training for the CFOT certification. The latest version of the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics is different
enough we call it a new edition. Many of the updates are for new
technologies which are reshaping the fiber optic industry like coherent
transmission, BI fibers, etc. We've also added a section on the fiber
optic workforce which has much relevance because this book is used to
train those entering the workforce.
We've also worked on making the book more readable, adding formatting that eases reading and a new comprehensive index. Inflation was an issue, but the price only goes up $2 to $29.95 for the paperback and $12.95 for the Kindle version.
Available on Amazon and your local bookseller.
2024 At FOA - Heading For 100,000
As you can see from the graph below and the numbers to the left, FOA has added a lot of new certified
techs in 2023 and s2024. Look closely - FOA should reach a milestone this
year - 100,000 certified techs - just before FOA's 30th anniversary! Those
milestones are indications of how well accepted FOA certifications are
worldwide.
The New BLS "Telecommunications Technicians" Web Page Is Live.
Created with the assistance of FOA, the
US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook
web pages offer job descriptions for fiber optic and wireless
techs and better
job statistics that put some reality in discussions about how many more
fiber techs the US needs. It also provides a reference for grants
applications.
The New BLS "Telecommunications Technicians" Web Page.
Fiber
U Offers Free Online Self-Study Programs And A "Fiber U
Certificate of Completion" For All FOA Certification
Courses.
Fiber U Courses cover all topics on fiber optics and are designed
as preparation for taking a classroom course or taking a FOA
certification exam.
Fiber U MiniCourses - Learn something useful in an hour or less.
New Fiber U MiniCourse Fiber Optic Project Management
More at Fiber
U.
Latest FOA Book: Fiber Broadband - Popular With Broadband Planners
 This book is not the typical FOA technical textbook - it is written for
anyone who wants to understand fiber broadband or fiber optics or the
Internet. It's also aimed at managers involved with broadband projects, teachers who want to include
communications technology in their classes or anyone
who just wonders how all this stuff works.
The Fiber Optic Association Guide To Fiber Broadband
Paperback ($12.95) and Kindle ($9.95) versions available from Amazon or most booksellers. Kindle version is in color!
Nobody knows more about fiber broadband than the Fiber Optic
Association. Check out our Fiber Broadband Resources Page. If you are working on an IIJA/BEAD program contact us for a
special package of educational materials for your staff.
More Translations of FOA Textbooks And Online Learning
FOA is a very international organization and it works hard to
accommodate the language needs of everyone. We have been translating our
books and website into the languages most requested and we
added more textbook translations.
Spanish Editions
Guía de Referencia de la Asociación de Fibra Óptica (FOA) Sobre Fibra
Óptica: Guía de estudio para la certificación de la FOA Amazon
La Referencia de Cableado para Predios de la FOA: Guía para Certificación de la FOA Amazon
La Asociación de Fibra Óptica Manual de Fibra Hasta el Hogar : Para
Planificadores, Gestores, Diseñadores, Instaladores y Operadores De
FTTH Amazon
Guía de Referencia de la FOA sobre Diseño de la red de fibra óptica: Guía de Estudio para la Certificación de la FOA Amazon
And the FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics:
French Edition
Le
Guide de référence de la FOA pour la fibre optique et et
guide d'étude pour la certification FOA: Guide d'étude pour
la certification FOA Amazon
Portuguese Edition
Guia de Referência sobre Fibra Óptica da FOA : Guia de Estudo para a Certificação da FOA Amazon
The subjects of these books are also translated in the FOA Guide online.
Fiber
U Basic Fiber Optics Online Course In Spanish.
El
curso de autoaprendizaje en línea "Fibra óptica básica" de
Fiber U ahora en español Curso
Básico de Fibra Óptica de Fibra U en español.
FOA FTTH Handbook Plus FTTH Updates in FOA Guide and Fiber
U
FOA
has been busy updating our FTTH technical and learning
materials, online learning course at Fiber U and even published the materials in a new book.
Great timing for all the FTTH projects we see right now!
FTTH Handbook
For
Planners, Managers, Designers, Installers And Operators Of
FTTH - Fiber To The Home - Networks
 
FOA's FTTH
Handbook: We've gathered all our information
on FTTH from the FOA Guide and past issues of the FOA
Newsletter and edited it into a 112 page "FTTH Handbook."
We even added a section on planning and managing FTTH
Projects. The
Fiber Optic Association Fiber To The Home Handbook
is available from Amazon in print and Kindle
editions.
 OJT is
the well-known term for "on-the-job training." Workers learn
on the job under the supervision of experienced co-workers.
FOA has been asked many times how its resources like Fiber U
can be used to help employers and their employee trainees
involved in OJT. The interest in OJT has been so high,
especially during the difficult year in 2020, that FOA has
worked with employers and employees to formalize an OJT
program and create training aids to help employers develop
qualified techs using OJT.
The
FOA
Fiber U “OJT-To-Cert” program includes
both fiber optics and premises cabling (copper, fiber &
wireless), so it covers techs working in both outside plant
and premises jobs.
The
FOA Fiber U OJT program combines online study at Fiber
U with OJT with mentoring by experienced co-workers
and their supervisor to help new employees
develop into FOA-certified technicians in only one
year. Like
other FOA programs, the OJT-To-Cert program is free. The
FOA provides directions for use of the free Fiber U online
training programs and we provide a log for the trainee to
keep track of their progress. The only cost is the two
fiber U certificates of completion and the FOA
certification exam at the end of the program.
Learn more about the FOA
Fiber U “OJT-To-Cert” program.
 Try
The FOA's Online Loss Budget Calculator
FOA has
written many articles about loss budgets, something everyone
involved in fiber optics needs to know and needs to know how
to calculate. We've created a online Loss Budget Calculator
that does the work for you. Just input your cable plant data
and it calculates the loss budget. It works on any device,
especially smartphones and tablets for field use and even
allows printing the results.
Bookmark
this page (especially on your smartphone): FOA
Loss Budget Calculator Online
For
Schools and Instructors
If
your organization is interested in becoming an FOA
Approved School, see New
School Requirements and Application Procedures and Requirements
For FOA Training Programs.
If
you are a current FOA Approved School, here is the School
Update/Renewal Form.
Classroom
Resources For STEM Teachers In K-12 And Technical Schools
Teachers in all grades can introduce their students to fiber
optic technology with some simple demonstrations. FOA has
created a page for STEM or STEAM (science, technology,
engineering, arts
and math) teachers with materials appropriate to their
classes. Fiber
Optic Resources For STEM Teachers.
FOA
also has a new YouTube
Video on "Careers
in Fiber Optics" and a "Careers
In Fiber Optics" Website.
See below.
FOA has a YouTube
Video on "Careers
in Fiber Optics" and a "Careers
In Fiber Optics" Website.
Interested in exploring a career in fiber optics? FOA
has created a YouTube Video and a webpage that describes
what a fiber optic worker does, where they work and how to
get started. It's mainly aimed at high school students but
it's relevant to anyone interested in changing careers also.
Go here for the YouTube
Video on "Careers
in Fiber Optics" or the FOA
Careers In Fiber Optics webpage.
FOA
"Finding A Job"
Website
We get
many questions from CFOTs, students at FOA-Approved schools
and others contemplating getting into the fiber optic
business regarding jobs in fiber optics - and how to find
them - so we’ve created a new web page to share some
information we've gathered about jobs in our industry. The
information is designed to help you understand what jobs are
available in fiber optics, how to find them and apply for
them.
Looking For A Job In Fiber
Optics?
- Where
Are The Jobs In Fiber Optics? This
FOA YouTube Video talks about all the applications for
fiber optics, what the jobs involve and the
qualifications for the workers in the field.
If you are currently looking for a job in fiber optics,
here is the FOA's guide to
jobs web page. The
FOA Jobs
Web Page has been updated and a new page added on Using
your FOA Training/Certification to Find the Right Job
in Fiber Optics
If you
have job openings, let us post them on  .
Free From FOA: NECA/FOA 301 Fiber Optic Installation
Standard
Because of its importance to users, contractors and
installers of fiber optic networks, The FOA and NECA have
agreed to make the NECA/FOA
301 Fiber Optic Installation Standard available free
from FOA.
Standards usually cover components and systems and how to
test them, but rarely get into installation issues. This
standard is derived from FOA educational material put in
standards form and approved by ANSI as an American National
Standard. It's specifically written to be used in contracts
to define "installation in a neat and workmanlike
manner." Go to NECA/FOA
301 Fiber Optic Installation Standard to learn more
and download your free copy.
FOA Videos
- The
FOA has created a special FOA channel on YouTube, thefoainc,
where we've posted over 110 instructional videos and
lectures for everyone's use. We've got lectures on
premises cabling and fiber optics and hands-on
demonstrations about fiber optics and communications
cabling - yes, even "Cat 5"!
FOA channel on YouTube, thefoainc
FOA
on LinkedIn - a community, jobs and technical discussions
FOA
- official company page on LinkedIn
FOA
- covers FOA, technology and jobs in the fiber optic
marketplace
Grupo de La Asociación de Fibra Óptica FOA (Español)
FOA
Fiber Optic Training - open to everyone, covers fiber
optic technology and training topics
FOA
School Instructors - a closed group for instructors
and administrators at FOA-approved schools
FOA Reference Books (Printed or Kindle eBooks!)
The
FOA has it's own reference books for everyone working in
fiber optics - contractors, installers and end users as
well as for use as textbooks in classes at educational
institutions. They are available as printed books or
Kindle at much lower prices than most textbooks since we
self-publish and sell online, cutting out the middlemen.
Click on the book images for more information. The
Reference Guide To Fiber Optics is also available in
Spanish and French (print and online) and Portuguese
(online only.)
Fiber
Optics (4 languages), Premises Cabling, OSP fiber and
construction, Network Design, Testing and FTTH
The FOA Guide To Fiber Broadband is not the typical FOA technical textbook - it is written for
anyone who wants to understand fiber broadband, fiber optics or the
Internet. It's also aimed at managers involved with broadband projects, teachers who want to include
communications technology in their classes or anyone
who just wonders how all this stuff works.
Click
on any book for more information about it.
- Getting Started Guides
These
two guides are simple introductions to the subjects. They
will explain the applications, jargon, components and
installation in a quick overview.
Lennie
Lightwave's Guide to Fiber Optics (online) and
available as PDF
download or a free
iBook on iTunes
- Uncle
Ted's Guide to Communications (Premises) Cabling
(online) and available as a PDF
download or a free
iBook on iTunes
Lennie
Lightwave's Guide - Printed Edition
FOA has
reprinted "Lennie
Lightwave's Guide" on its 25th anniversary in a
special print edition.
 Many
of you have used the current online version of Lennie's
Guide on the FOA website. Now you can have a slick printed
version - real paper and colored pictures - you can hold in
your hand and read. Leave a copy on your desktop to impress
your friends, or on the table in your company's reception
area instead of out-of-date magazines. Give them to your
customers and employees to help them learn fiber optics. Use
it to prepare for FOA certifications.
You can get your own copies of Lennie
Lightwave's Guide at Amazon.com, only $9.95
each US$.
- Looking
For "Hands-On" Fiber Optic Training With FOA
Certification?
- You
can find a list of FOA approved schools that offer CFOT®
certification here on the list
of FOA approved schools.
-
-
- Certification
Renewal
- FOA
Certified persons must renew their CFOT®
or CFOS certifications when they expire. Please
make sure we have your current address. Download
the renewal form, or
renew online.
|
