The Fiber Optic Association Inc.
The Fiber Optic Association Inc.
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Learn More About The FOA
FOA Approved Training Programs |
Fiber optics has become the predominant communications medium used for what today is called "fiber broadband," not just for telephones - including mobile/wireless - and the Internet, but also for cable television, computer networks, surveillance/security systems, industrial controls, traffic signals, utility grid communications and control, energy exploration/production, alternative energy and more. Workers in all these fields are expected to understand fiber optics technology and, in many cases, be competent in fiber optic network design, installation and operation. Education, training and certification for fiber optic technicians working in all these areas has become extremely important and that is the focus of The Fiber Optic Association. What is The FOA? The FOA is an international non-profit educational association chartered to promote professionalism in fiber optics through education, certification and standards. FOA is the most widely recognized certifying body for fiber optic technicians worldwide. FOA has more than a quarter-century of experience in developing the fiber optic workforce around the world. The FOA was founded in 1995 by a dozen prominent fiber optics trainers and leaders from the fiber optic industry, education and government as a professional organization for fiber optics with the goal to build a competent workforce needed by the fiber optic industry. The FOA was also created as a source of independent certification to be used by the industry. The FOA has grown to now being involved in numerous activities to educate the world about fiber optics and certify the workers who design, build and operate the world's fiber optic networks. The Fiber Optic Association is: The leading international certifying body for fiber optics Setting standards for and administering technical certification programs Evaluating and approving training organizations which offer FOA certification training Certifying instructors who teach in FOA approved schools The developer of a knowledge base on fiber optics Working with a worldwide network of experts to create an extensive, noncommercial, reliable knowledge base that is shared with all those working in the field Providing technical information through our website, textbooks, Reference Guide, videos on YouTube and social media (LinkedIn and Facebook) Developing educational resources for use in educational and training curriculum Participating in industry standards activities and writing FOA standards Creating and offering free online web-based self-study programs based on the FOA knowledge base through Fiber U The focal point for communications and discussions of fiber optic and cabling topics Publishing email and online newsletters about relevant technology and industry news Participating actively in relevant social media Writing for relevant websites and magazines on topics relevant to fiber optics Participating in seminars, conferences, meetings, etc. on topics relevant to fiber optics Promoting fiber optics applications and education through participation in various industry forums, trade associations, professional societies, etc. The FOA is not a training organization. FOA sets standards for the approved training organizations that provide training for FOA certification. FOA assists in training and certifying the instructors who give FOA approved courses. The FOA has approved hundreds of training programs in more than 40 countries, including technical high schools and colleges, professional training organizations, major fiber optic manufacturers and companies offering employee training programs. In recognition of their excellence, FOA certifications are recognized by the US Department of Labor and organizations in most countries around the world. 
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how many techs have successfully completed requirements
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The History of The FOA The FOA was started by a dozen instructors at the Fiber U training conference in 1994 who decided the industry was mature enough to support a professional society. The founders included experienced instructors from industry (3M, Siecor, Panduit, FOTEC), government (US Navy and Air Force), education (Lincoln Trail College and Wentworth Institute) and private trainers (Pearson Technologies, Conquest Communications) who were teaching fiber optics and who provided the expertise in management, technology and education needed to create a new professional society. FOA was incorporated in July 1995 chartered to promote fiber optics through education, certifications and standards.FOA is incorporated in the US, state of California, as a non-profit educational organization - 501(c)(6). Founded soon after the initial commercialization of the Internet, the FOA is a "virtual organization," perhaps one of the first organizations so created. There is no FOA headquarters building - appropriately to its technology, FOA exists on the Internet. Those who run the organization live and work all over the world, using modern communications to communicate and collaborate. The network of experts working to create the FOA knowledge base and programs include our Master Instructors who average more than 20 years experience in fiber optics. Their experience ensures FOA curriculum and certifications are the most comprehensive and up to date available. A history of the FOA was written to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the FOA. FOA Knowledge Base FOA creates and publishes its own technical materials for training and reference based on a worldwide network of technical advisors. Having access to the experts who work and train around the world ensures the materials are up to date, technically correct and universally applicable. These same experts provide input on the newest technologies and applications which get included in the FOA knowledge base and technical references. Quality training requires quality reference materials. The FOA has worked since its inception to create a compilation of technical information on fiber optics and premises cabling and make it available to everyone for free on the web or inexpensive in printed form. FOA technical materials includes the FOA textbooks, the FOA Online Reference Guide - the world's largest compilation of fiber optic information - YouTube videos and Fiber U online learning - all free. The FOA Online Reference Guide has become the largest and busiest technical website on fiber optics and premises cabling. The FOA technical reference material is also available in printed and eBook formats. FOA uses our own technical website to create free online self-study programs at Fiber U. These materials are available for those getting started in fiber optics or expanding and updating their knowledge. The FOA also has more than 100 videos on YouTube including lectures on fiber optics and premises cabling and hands-on examples of many standard practices in the industry. FOA Certifications The FOA recognizes the value of certification in today's job markets, where employers evaluate potential employees by their certifications. By offering certifications that are developed by a board of industry experts and are not affiliated with any particular vendor or training organization, FOA provides an independent means to judge the qualification of contractors and employees. FOA certifications are recognized by the US Department of Labor and in most countries around the world.
The FOA has focused on helping teachers add certification programs on fiber optics and premises cabling into their current curriculum for information technology and communications programs. Fiber optics has been included in courses as diverse as A+ and Cisco computer training and electrical apprenticeships.
FOA certification programs conform to international standards including ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024.
How Can The FOA Help You? For Users of Fiber Optic Networks FOA offers free online technical information and a certification program that makes it easier to hire competent personnel. For Other Technical Organizations Whose Technologies Depend on Fiber Optics The FOA works with other organizations to bring to their own training and certification programs our fiber optic expertise. FOA is always willing to share our knowledge to enhance your programs. For Those Actively Working In The Industry FOA certifies individuals with industry experience through our "Work to Cert" programs. For Instructors, Schools and Training Organizations The FOA offers a range of services including instructor training and certification, technical and training materials and support that leads to becoming an "FOA-Approved Training Organization." The FOA lists all approved schools on the FOA website as a guide to students looking for quality training. The FOA "Train-The-Trainer" program leads to a certification required for all FOA fiber optic instructors, the CFOS/I. This program prepares instructors for creating and teaching hands-on courses for fiber optic technician training and lab courses for university level programs. Instructors receive an extensive set of training materials for both classroom and lab sessions. For Students of FOA Approved Schools FOA Certification Programs open up job opportunities and assure customers of worker competence. Passing the various levels of the FOA certification program will demonstrate a level of competence in the fiber optics field to employers or customers, whether the worker is new to the industry or looking to move up. FOA certified techs can join the FOA LinkedIn network. For Everyone In The Industry The FOA website offers a monthly online newsletter covering industry news and technology. The FOA Guide section offers an extensive library of technical information and tutorials on fiber optics. And full information on the FOA and its programs are available for everyone. For More Information, go to the home page of the FOA website:
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