African eDevelopment Resource Centre
Certified Fiber Optics Specialist/Design (CFOS/D)® Training
Take your fiber expertise to the next level. The CFOS/D specialization focuses on designing fiber networks that are reliable, cost-effective, and scalable. Ideal for engineers and planners moving from installation to network design.
Course Highlights
- Advanced FOA specialist certification
- Real-world design projects
- Outside plant (OSP) and inside plant design
- Loss budget calculations and software tools
- Prerequisite: CFOT certification required
Who Should Attend
- Network Designers planning fiber infrastructure
- Telecom Engineers creating OSP designs
- FTTH Project Managers overseeing deployments
- Consultants advising on fiber networks
- CFOT-certified professionals seeking specialization
Learning Outcomes
- Design fiber networks for various applications
- Calculate link loss budgets accurately
- Select appropriate cables, connectors, and hardware
- Create OSP design drawings and documentation
- Plan FTTH deployments using PON architectures
Course Outline
Day 1: Design Principles & Standards
- Fiber optic design fundamentals
- Industry standards (TIA/EIA, ISO/IEC, ITU)
- Cable selection and specifications
- Design documentation requirements
Day 2: Outside Plant (OSP) Design
- Aerial vs underground vs buried design
- Route selection and planning
- Hardware selection (closures, cabinets, poles)
- Environmental considerations
Day 3: Link Budgets & System Design
- Loss budget calculations
- Power budget analysis
- Bandwidth and distance limitations
- Design software tools introduction
Day 4: FTTH Design & Certification Exam
- PON architectures (GPON, EPON)
- Splitter placement and optimization
- Capstone design project
- FOA CFOS/D Certification Exam
Prerequisites
Required: Current FOA CFOT certification (or completion within past 5 years). Basic understanding of network architecture recommended.
Certification
Pass the CFOS/D exam to earn FOA’s specialist designation. Added to your FOA credentials. Valid for life.
Course Includes
- Advanced design manuals and standards
- Design software tools (trial versions)
- Real-world design project materials
- Link budget calculators
- Certificate of attendance
- Morning and afternoon tea breaks
- Lunch (on-site catering)
Why Get CFOS/D Certified?
- Differentiate yourself as a design specialist
- Command higher rates as a fiber consultant
- Lead major infrastructure design projects
- Add FOA specialist credential to your resume
- Join an elite group of certified designers