Fiber Optics Technicians

High School

There are not really any specific high school courses that will prepare you for work as a fiber optics technician, but shop classes will give you experience working with tools to complete a variety of projects, speech and writing classes will help you improve your communication skills, and mathematics classes will prepare you to work with computations and installation plans.

Postsecondary Training

A college degree is not required but can give you an edge when looking for work as a fiber optics technician. A number of community colleges across the country offer programs in fiber optics technology or broadband networks technology. Visit http://www.thefoa.org/foa_aprv.htm for a list of programs that have been approved by the Fiber Optic Association. These programs offer such courses as cable construction, fiber optic installation techniques, single mode and multimode systems, and wavelength and bandwidth. They also may include lab and certification components. Short-term training opportunities, lasting only a few days, may also be available at some schools.

Some fiber optics technicians prepare for the field by completing an apprenticeship, which lasts from three to five years.

Other Education or Training

The Fiber Optic Association offers Fiber U, an online learning Web site that helps technicians prepare for certification exams or simply increase their level of knowledge. Some of its recent study programs focused on the basics of fiber optics, premises cabling, and fiber optic testing. The Telecommunications Industry Association and The WICT Network also provide continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.